The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programs
Supporting your YFU Scholar
OVERVIEW
“I thought all Americans don’t
like Muslims due to 9/11. But I
was wrong. The love they gave
me in these 10 months
changed everything for me.”
Muhammed from Pakistan
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This orientation will cover the following
topics:
FLEX Program Inception and Reach
YES Program Inception and Reach
Program Objectives
Program Administration
Selecting Scholars
Scholars on Program
Program Impact
Program Resources
The FLEX & YES programs share many
features. This presentation will note where
differences apply.
FLEX INCEPTION & REACH
“My amazing host family and friends
made me tie close bonds and fall in
love with America.”
Marina from Moldova
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The FLEX program was founded in 1992, as part of the Eurasian Secondary
School Initiative under the FREEDOM Support Act.
•
The Act’s sponsor, Senator Bill Bradley, believed the best way to ensure
lasting peace and understanding between the US and Eurasia* is to allow
youth to learn about the US and Americans firsthand.
•
Provides high school students from countries in Eurasia the opportunity to
live in the United States with host families and attend high school for an
academic year
•
All students receive full scholarships, funded by the United States
Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
1993
19932002
2014
First group of FLEX
scholars arrives in the
United States
YFU USA partners with the
FLEX program from its
inception until 2002
YFU USA continues its
partnership with the FLEX
program
Over 21,000 FLEX scholars participated in program
* Eurasia is an official term used by the United States government to describe the
republics of the former Soviet Union.
FLEX INCEPTION & REACH
•
FLEX scholars come to the US from 10 countries in Eurasia,
spanning Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus
Eastern
Europe and
Eurasia
“I have learned how to view
complex problems from multiple
angles – my outlook was no longer
secluded within a single cultural,
traditional, or societal paradigm. ”
Serhii from Ukraine
Central
Asia
Caucasus
• Moldova
• Russia
• Ukraine
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Armenia
• Georgia
• Azerbaijan
YES INCEPTION & REACH
“This program taught me many
things. It opens my eyes to see the
world from totally different
perspective, I see myself become
more confident, independent, and
aware about myself, people,
community, and environment
around me.”
Intan from Indonesia
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Launched to build bridges of understanding between the United States and
countries with significant Muslim populations in response to the events of
September 11th, 2001
•
Senators Ted Kennedy (D) and Richard Lugar (R) led bi-partisan congressional
efforts to create and fund the YES Program in 2002.
•
Provides high school students from countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and
Southeast Europe the opportunity to live in the United States with host families
and attend high school for an academic year
•
All students receive full scholarships, funded by the United States Department
of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
•
The YES Abroad component sends US high school students to select YES
countries for a semester or year.
2002
2007
2014
First group of YES students
arrives in the United States
YFU USA joins the YES program
consortium
248 YFU YES scholars placed
across all YFU districts since
2007
Over 7,000 YES scholars participated in program
YES INCEPTION & REACH
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Albania
Bosnia &
Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Kosovo
Macedonia
Turkey
Suriname
Western
Hemisphere
Bangladesh
India
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Southeast Europe
“I used to think all high school kids
were mean like the movies I have
seen. I also use to think America still
had segregation and discrimination
like the 1950’s. This has all reduced
and it s better than what I
expected.”
Sona from Liberia
Cameroon
Ethiopia
(2007-9)
Ghana
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mozambique
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Suriname
Tanzania
Asia
Afghanistan
(2004-11)
Algeria (20047)
Bahrain
Egypt
Gaza
Iraq (2004-9)
Israel (Arab
Communities)
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Oman (through
13)
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria (2003-5)
Tunisia
West Bank
Yemen
Africa
YES scholars come to the US from 45 countries in Africa,
Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe
The Middle East
•
YES Abroad US scholars travel to Bosnia & Herzegovina,
Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco,
Oman, Thailand, and Turkey
FLEX & YES PROGRAM OBJECTIVES & GOALS
The FLEX program aims to promote respect for cultural
diversity, friendship between the United States of America
and Eurasia, and opportunities for personal development
through international host family living.
“The diversity of culture
would be the one thing I
miss because there is no
other place in the world
where you find it.”
Asif from Pakistan
The YES program aims to promote mutual understanding
between Americans and people in countries with
significant Muslim populations.
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Shared FLEX & YES Program Goals:
Acquire an understanding of American society,
people, values, culture, diversity, and respect for
others with different views;
Interact with Americans and generate enduring ties;
Teach Americans about your home country and
culture;
Explore and acquire an understanding of the key
elements of US civil society;
Share and apply experiences and knowledge in your
home country as alumni.
FLEX & YES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
FLEX
YES
American Councils for International Education is administer and lead grantee on
the US Department of State FLEX and YES grants
“This experience has changed my life
forever. I am grateful to my host parents
who taught me how to see the world
differently, my American friends who
helped me to stay optimistic during some
hard times in the USA and my special
“thank you” is for my host-sister […],
because […] even though we may not
talk much when we are part, still I feel
connected with her.”
Oksana from Ukraine
Administered in 10 countries by
American Councils for International
Education
Administered in 45 countries by a
consortium of organizations led by
American Councils for International
Education
YFU USA joins American Councils for
International Education and 12-15 US
placement organizations to carry out
the FLEX program grant through the US
Department of State
YFU USA joins many international
partners to carry out the YES program
grant through the US Department of
State
Lead Grantee for FLEX/YES
American Councils for
International Education
Student Recruitment
Student Placement
FLEX: American Councils
YES: AFS, American Councils,
Amideast, iEarn, IRIS
and others
Other Partners
FLEX/YES: American Councils,
Mobility International USA
(MIUSA), Imam Arafat (CECF)
YES: iEarn NY
SELECTING FLEX & YES SCHOLARS
FLEX
“This is an opportunity a lot of
people wanted- you're the one
that has gotten it- you will learn
a lot of new things, come
motivated, ready to grow up :)
have a wonderful experience
and enjoy it as much as I did!”
Aicha from Senegal
YES
Approximately 1000 scholarships are
awarded each year; 3% of students
who apply are selected
Over 8,000 students apply to
participate in the YES program
each year; 4% of students who
apply are selected
American Councils administers
recruitment in over 150 cities based
on competitive criteria.
YES consortium members administer
recruitment in YES countries based
on competitive criteria.
Be age 15-17; some students may
have completed high school
Be under 18 and have not yet
graduated from high school
Meet basic criteria for high school exchange
Achieve record of academic success and English language ability
Demonstrate ability to succeed on exchange
Includes students with disabilities who meet the above criteria
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
YFU FLEX & YES scholars join the broader
group of exchange students in YFU fields.
They benefit from these opportunities shared
by all YFU students:
“My beloved family….thank you
for every thing this year. You took
me in your house which is a great
thing for you to do. I’ll always
keep you in my heart and would
never forget my moments with
you.”
Tasmen from Israel
YFU host family
YFU Area Representative
US high school enrollment
YFU orientations and support
YFU local activities
YFU scholars comply with all YFU rules and
policies in:
Passport to the USA &
YFU Host Family Handbook
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
The FLEX & YES programs offer special
supports to promote its scholars’
success:
“After coming back from my FLEX year
as an open-minded person with new
ideas and interest in other countries
and cultures, I did not want the
wonderful experience of diversity and
cultural exchange in my life to end.”
Iryna from Ukraine
Orientations
Cross-Cultural Resources
Financial Allowances & Insurance
Monitoring
Communications
Required Activities
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
ORIENTATIONS
FLEX
”Our YFU orientation was very
helpful and it helped bring
back the spirit to work harder
for the rest of the year.”
Mayeesha from Bangladesh
YES
Pre-departure orientations
conducted by American Councils in
the home country
Pre-departure orientations
conducted by the sending partner in
the home country
Post-arrival orientation conducted by
placement organizations several
weeks after students’ arrival
Arrival orientation in Washington, DC
before travel to host family
conducted by American Councils
and AFS; students also meet YFU
National Office staff
Re-entry orientation conducted by
placement organizations several
weeks prior to students’ return to
home country
Re-entry workshop in Washington, DC
after departure from host family
conducted by American Councils
and AFS
Topics at FLEX pre-departure
orientations include: FLEX program
requirements, American families and
their values, diversity and tolerance,
budgeting, and high school in
America
Topics at YES-specific orientation
sessions include: Cross cultural
training, life with host family, US high
school experience, YES program
requirements, leadership skills, US
politics and culture, practicing Islam
in the US
Scholars with disabilities attend a special disability awareness orientation
conducted by Mobility International USA.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS-CULUTRAL RESOURCES
”In America we not only learn
about American culture but we
learn about so many different
cultures. Here is cultural diversity,
that’s why I am thankful for my YES
program for such a great
opportunity to learn about half the
world and new ideas, new
information that I couldn’t learn in
my country.”
Asif from Pakistan
Imam Arafat, Director of Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundations
(CECF)
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Advises on cultural adjustment and Muslim practices;
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Meets with students at the arrival orientation in Washington, DC;
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Shares resources on Islam throughout the year with host families and
students;
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Hosts conference calls for students to discuss adjustment and
responsibilities.
YFU Cluster Leader
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Most FLEX & YES students have a cluster leader, who organizes activities for
students placed in nearby communities. At least 60% of YFU FLEX & YES
students are placed in clusters.
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The Cluster Leader supplements the Area Representative’s support to the
host family and student regarding program- and culture-specific issues.
YES Support (YES only)
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American Councils support staff who communicate cultural insights and
input from sending partner countries on adjustment issues
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YFU Support Service Managers (SSMs) communicate with YES Support.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: RELIGION
”I would like to say to the next
generations of exchange students:
look for the opportunities and never
stop searching for something that
you would like to do, and you can
bring your dreams to life.”
Margarita from Russia
FLEX
YES
Most FLEX scholars come from Muslim
or Christian backgrounds; many may
be non-practicing
Most YES scholars are Muslim; some
are other faiths (Christian, Hindu, etc.).
The frequency and degree to which participants practice their faith varies.
Your student may practice his/her faith differently than stated in the
application.
Exposure to diverse faiths in the US is beneficial; however, students cannot be
obliged to practice the host family faith.
Learn about and celebrate your student’s faith celebrations!
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: MUSLIM YFU
SCHOLARS
Muslim student practices can vary widely depending on the home country and
the student. Check with your student to determine his practices.
“I saw myself as a tiny string of the
network of exchange students knitted
all over the U.S. and now as I stand
here, I have realized my true potential
as an element of change, joining
hands with all the people who are
trying to make a difference on their
part, so they can foster better
understanding for a better world and
a brighter future.”
Syeda from Pakistan
Faith practices
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Provide a pet-free space with privacy to pray at home, such as the
bedroom.
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Personal cleanliness is key to prayer time; discuss practices with your
student.
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Opportunities to visit a mosque are welcome but not required.
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Be aware of religious holidays and ask your student how he/she
celebrates.
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Example: Ramadan, June 28 – July 28, 2014, is a major holiday that
includes daily fasting with an Eid celebration at the end.
Diet
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A special blessing and/or vegetarian options accommodate students
who eat only halal meat (meat butchered according to Islamic law).
•
Muslim students will not consume pork. Be sure to alert them when it is
served or part of a dish as they might not recognize pork in some items,
such as pepperoni.
•
Student may choose to follow a different diet than they observed in their
home country.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: NATURAL &
HOST FAMILY ROLES/EXPECTATIONS
”I celebrated Eid (a festival for
Muslims) with my American host
family who are Christians and
gave them Henna tattoo and
enjoyed Thanksgiving Holidays with
them too. This month was filled
with true cultural exchange along
with a lot of fun and enjoyment.”
Huma from Pakistan
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Life for youth in some FLEX & many YES cultures is typically
centered around family activities; students may require
more support and time to adjust and engage in activities
outside the family.
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Designated male/female roles in home cultures may lead
to adjustment issues:
– Male students may need extra support to understand
US male/female head of household roles.
– Female students are sometimes hesitant to engage
and interact socially, especially around males, due to
cultural norms.
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Students may feel pressure to respect natural parents’
expectations, which can influence their study habits.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: PETS &
ENVIRONMENT
Student from many YES cultures may experience adjustment issues
related to pets and environment.
“Never had I ever expected it to be
this cold. The weather has been a
huge culture shock for me but at the
same time, doing winter activities like
sledding, snow-tubing, ice fishing,
while seeing snow for the first time in
my life is indeed truly amazing.”
Mayeesha from Bangladesh
Pets:
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Many YES scholars come from cultures where pets are not typical.
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Dogs and cats might be feral animals only in their communities.
•
Help students adjust over time by slowly introducing the pet and
allowing for a pet-free space in the home.
•
Many YES scholars come to treasure their host family’s pets over
time.
Environment:
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Dramatic differences in climate and architecture may require
adjustment.
•
Experiencing snow for the first time may be wonderful; freezing
temperatures and shortened daylight hours may be challenging.
•
Abundant trees and shrubs may be unusual for some students.
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US homes made of wood “sound” different to students used to
other structures.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: HOME
COUNTRY CONCERNS
”My beloved family….thank
you for every thing this year.
You took me in your house
which is a great thing for you to
do. I’ll always keep you in my
heart and would never forget
my moments with you.”
Zeiadee from Israel
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Challenges in internet/phone access to reach the
natural family in remote areas can cause students
to worry; American Councils is available to help
facilitate these communications.
•
Political turmoil at home may trouble students;
American Councils will provide helpful news
updates from partners.
•
Your student may come from a very different
home environment with different traditions for
eating, sleeping, etc. Be prepared to help your
student adjust.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS:
BEHAVIORAL NORMS
Values and norms in some FLEX/YES cultures may produce
behaviors that can be misunderstood in the US context.
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“It is very strange for me because
planning is not that big of a deal
where I come from; […] it was very
strange for me to see plans made
over months. I believe it is a great
way to save time and energy and I
sure will be taking this skill with me.
Alaeddine from Morocco
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Direct eye contact with adults or members of the opposite
sex is considered rude.
Teenagers are not accustomed to interacting with adults,
who are considered respected figures of authority.
A child who is quiet, mild-mannered, and self contained is
considered a good child.
Punctuality is not strongly valued; being 15-30 minutes late
is not unusual.
Strong home country emphasis on high academic
performance may create challenges in academic vs. life
balance while in US.
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS:
BEHAVIORAL NORMS
Values and norms in some FLEX/YES cultures may produce
behaviors that can be misunderstood in the US context.
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“The FLEX year in the U.S. was a lifechanging experience – a bridge to
becoming a citizen of the world,
with a global community of friends
and opportunities to pursue any
educational or professional path I
choose.”
Izat from Kyrgyzstan
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Strong dependency on parents, advice-seeking, and
hesitancy to make independent decisions are common
for teens who are encouraged to be “children”
Males are not expected to contribute to household
chores due to gender roles
Not smiling is considered a neutral expression; smiling at
strangers or “without a reason” is considered to be fake
(FLEX)
Persistence in the face of a “no” is common, due to the
influence of complex bureaucracies
Pessimism or complaints are a way to seek support or
sympathy, or may be reflective of a general pessimism
common in some countries (FLEX)
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS:
ADDRESSING CULTURAL ISSUES
“This program taught me many
things. It opens my eyes to see the
world from totally different
perspective, I see myself become
more confident, independent, and
aware about myself, people,
community, and environment
around me.”
Intan from Indonesia
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Misunderstandings may arise due to the student’s cultural
background. Practice using open communication to
avoid cultural misunderstandings.
•
Ask your student about his or her home country practices
to avoid confusion and create opportunities for
clarification on US practices.
•
Be sure to promptly seek advice from your YFU Area
Representative to effectively address issues!
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
FINANCIAL ALLOWANCE & INSURANCE
“The school dances - prom and
homecoming - were great
because it is totally different
aspect of teenage life which is
unfortunately not present in our
part of the world.”
Asif from Pakistan
Stipends:
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Intended to provide a typical US teenage experience
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$125 monthly stipend – $250 is paid bi-monthly to students from YFU
National Office
•
$300 incidental allowance for school supplies, sports and club
activities is paid by YFU National Office as receipt-based
reimbursement to student or host parent
•
Your student may not be familiar with handling money; speak with
your student early on to help them budget.
Medical/Accident Insurance:
•
YFU FLEX & YES scholars are covered by the US Department of State
ASPE medical plan
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Administered by Seven Corners
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Arrival packets mailed by YFU to host family and YES scholar shortly
after arrival include ID cards, plan materials, and stipend check.
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Customer Service Number: 1.800.461.0430
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Website: http://usdos.sevencorners.com
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
MONITORING
These measures provide opportunities for timely feedback as well as
appreciation to our families and communities supporting FLEX & YES
scholars:
”A lot of people have influenced me,
taught me something, and became part
of my life during this year, especially my
host family… I know I will never thank them
enough for what they have done for me. I
have a lot of other people that have
supported me a lot too: from my YFU area
reps, to the awesome teachers, and my
awesome friends.”
Aicha from Senegal
Visits & Telephone Contact:
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YFU Area Representative contacts student and host family monthly
•
American Councils or US Department of State staff visit 20% of
students/host families/schools (scheduled at convenience of host
families)
•
American Councils staff check in via bi-monthly telephone calls with
students & families
Surveys:
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Students self-report to YFU via brief online monthly survey
Quarterly reports:
•
YFU collects Area Representative, Field Director, and Cluster Leader
feedback to share with American Councils and US Department of
State
YES Support Calls:
•
Monthly conference call for Cluster Leaders, Area Representatives,
and Field Directors with YFU National Office staff to share updates,
resources, and questions
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
COMMUNICATIONS
Mailings (US postal service) from YFU National Office:
•
Arrival Packet sent to YFU scholar & host family
•
Bi-monthly stipend check sent to students (direct deposit is an
option)
“After becoming a FLEX participant
and alumnus I started to see the
world around me with different eyes
and decided to stay in Tajikistan,
continue my higher education, and
be a part of Tajikistan’s bright
future.”
Kholmati from Tajikistan
Emails from YFU National Office:
•
Inform about FLEX & YES program opportunities, information, and
reminders
•
Sent to students, host family, Area Representative, Cluster Leader,
and Field Directors
YFU contacts for host family and student:
•
Area Representative
•
YFU Cluster Leader – assigned to FLEX & YES scholars placed in
proximity
•
Field Director
•
National Office YES staff
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
Community Service (20 hours minimum required)
•
Volunteer work in community and school
– Ex: food pantry, animal shelter, Habitat for Humanity
”It surprises me how everyone is so
involved in activities and they
keep themselves busy. It surprises
me how schools have so many
club you can join and how
teenagers here make their life
productive by participating in a lot
of activities.”
Klea from Albania
Enhancement Activities (5 required)
•
Diverse local activities planned by YFU cluster leader/AR/YFU field
– Ex: state capitol visit, interfaith celebrations, election observation
Leadership
•
School clubs and community engagement
– Ex: student government, clubs, leadership workshops
Service Days (required participation)
•
International Education Week, November 2014
– Ex: cultural presentation, food demonstration, arts performance
•
Global Youth Service Day, April 2015
– Ex: park clean-up, assisted living companion, blood drive helper
These required activities provide opportunities for scholars to:
•
Give back to the community and school
•
Develop leadership skills
•
Explore civic education and US culture
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES: FOLLOW-UP
“Christmas in April is a 25-year old
program that helps to renovate/
rebuild people's houses. I joined
people from my church and we
cleaned out a woman's house. The
experience was amazing. The job that
was done on that house was fantastic
and that made the woman so
grateful. I was just glad that I could
make a difference.”
Doreen from Tanzania
Community Service (20 hours required)
•
Students record their hours and submit final log to YFU National
Office
•
Students receive Certificate of Recognition from YFU
•
Students achieving 100 hours earn US Department of State
recognition
Leadership
•
Students record their hours and submit final log to YFU National
Office
•
Students receive Certificate of Recognition from YFU
Service Days – IEW & GYSD (required participation)
•
Students record on their log and submit to YFU National Office
Students’ US community service and leadership prepare them to:
•
Apply for special leadership workshops
•
Join alumni group projects in their home countries
YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
”And the BEST thing that ever
happened to me here in the US, the
BUBW Conference, I will NEVER
forget those days. Thank you to YFU
for giving me that opportunity, it was
a wonderful, incredible experience
for me. I met people from more than
35 countries and made friends in
one day, we became a family so
fast.”
Ndeye from Senegal
•
YFU FLEX & YES scholars will have opportunities to complete for a
scholarship to attend leadership workshops in the spring
sponsored by American Councils
•
YFU USA also offers YFU FLEX & YES scholars a competitive
application to participate in the Better Understanding for a Better
World, an interfaith, intercultural conference in Baltimore,
Maryland in the spring
– Up to 30% of YFU scholars may attend
– Area Representatives and Cluster Leaders may apply to
participate as chaperones
YFU FLEX & YES
PROGRAM
IMPACT
Highlights from FLEX & YES scholars:
“YES has given me a hope that, I can change the world just by
taking an initiative and that's how I am going to work now. MY LIFE
HAS CHANGED. Thank you very much to every single thing, place,
people and all the organizations.” - Alyshan from Pakistan
“When I returned back home from my FLEX year, I started to think
and look at everything differently, from a different perspective.” Nadia from Kyrgyzstan
“It has changed me positively to be a more globally aware…It also
has opened my eyes about borderless friendship, conflicts and
problems of the world, and how I can contribute.” - Dhia from
Indonesia
“Nothing is more patriotic than singing the national anthem with
Americans before football games.” - Jad from Lebanon
“I understand now that there is nothing more important than
working towards my dream and being responsible for every action
that I take.” – Maryna from Ukraine
Visit YESprograms.org and the Bradley Herald, the FLEX Alumni
Newsletter, for amazing stories about FLEX & YES students on
program and engaged in YES alumni work at home!
YFU FLEX & YES
PROGRAM
RESOURCES
YFU scholar materials are provided to YFU FLEX
& YES host families in the arrival packet and to
staff and volunteers on the FLEX and YES
resource pages.
Student Required Activities Booklet
Q&A for YFU ARs, Cluster Leaders, Host Families
CECF FAQ for YES Host Families
Facts about Islamic Calendar
CECF Ramadan Packet ASPE Insurance ID
card and handbook
YES Country Handbooks are available for:
Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Pakistan, South Africa, Southeast Europe,
Thailand, and Turkey
FLEX Country Profiles are available for:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Ukraine
Thank you for
supporting a
YFU scholar!