Who will support my child’s well-being while abroad?

YES participant safety is the number one priority of the U.S. Department of State and the YES program implementers. While on the program, your child will have regular contact with a trained coordinator in their community who will provide support, assistance, and guidance, and who will be in regular contact with the placement organization’s national headquarters. Host families, YES program staff in the United States, and natural parents/guardians all support participants.

As a parent, how can I help promote my child’s well-being?

One of the key ways that you can support your child’s successful participation is by providing the program with all relevant information regarding their health and family history in the application. Living and studying abroad can be a stressful and challenging experience for people of any age. Culture shock, homesickness, and stress can trigger anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, especially in students who have struggled previously with such concerns. Your child’s medical information will be reviewed by medical professionals and considered in making host family assignments, but will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation or selection processes. Medical review does not begin until a student is selected as a Finalist or Alternate, and the timely completion of this review depends on how quickly answers to medical inquiries are received. The medical review covers topics such as physical and mental health, ongoing medical needs, past or chronic illnesses and conditions, learning disorders, allergies and dietary restrictions, and any significant changes to health. The purpose of the review is to determine whether a candidate meets the medical requirements necessary for program participation. As described in the Terms and Conditions section of the application, withholding relevant health information may result in disqualification or termination from the program.

Where will my child be living?

All YES students live with host families who have been carefully screened and selected. Host families receive formal orientation and training to introduce them to cultural differences and to prepare them for the hosting experience. Local coordinators provide support to participants and host families throughout the program. Students attend a school in their community alongside American peers.

What happens in the case of an emergency?

YES implementing organizations are prepared to respond to emergencies in the United States. Each organization provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency and facilitates appropriate medical treatment, including evacuation, if necessary. YES consults with the U.S. Department of State and external risk management organizations to monitor participants’ safety while in the United States.

Will my child have medical coverage while abroad?

YES participants are provided with accident and sickness medical coverage to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, students are treated as soon as possible.

What costs are covered and which are not?

The YES program provides:

• round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;
• the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;
• placement with a U.S. host family;
• a modest monthly stipend;
• health insurance; and
• the cost of program activities and materials.

The YES program does not provide:

• cost of obtaining a passport
• required medical examinations and immunizations
• extra pocket money while on the program

How will YES help my child prepare to go abroad?

YES provides a wide variety of support mechanisms for students preparing to go abroad. Preparation for the YES experience begins shortly after the finalists are selected, with weekly follow-up by each YES program country office. Additionally, all YES finalists are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation where they will learn about program rules, how to use the chain of communication for support, health and safety, adjusting to living in a new culture and family, and dealing with challenges typically encountered during a 5-month exchange program.