KENNDEDY-LUGAR YOUTH EXCHANGE & STUDY (KL-YES) PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP 2020

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (KL-YES) Program is designed to provide scholarships (fully-funded by US Department of State) for high school students from Muslim’s majority populated countries across the globe; engaging them in the activities and learn about American lifestyle.

At the first glance, the idea of application came from the inspiring achievement of Luqman Hakim, one of the Abqarians that had been accepted to embark the exchange journey in Asia Kakehashi Project 2019/20 to Japan. The whole application for KL-YES program was a long challenging journey, including a state and national interview.

During the national selection camp, I met other 119 best students in the country; aiming for only 40 places of KL-YES scholarship. Afterall, the lifelong friendship and memorable experience were the most matter. Opportunity like this doesn’t often come along. So, when it does, you need to grab it!

In terms of scholarship interview, whatever you need to do is believe in yourself! BE YOU! Be honest to yourself and the interviewers. There is no right or wrong in answering open-ended questions, hence state your thoughts according to your ability. As cliché as it sounds, be prepared for the interview. You need to know the scope of the program you are applying to, the details of sponsorship, the funder and other limited details that seem to be significant.

For those who are in Form Five (in the respective year, particularly Malaysian high school students), do apply for the KL-YES Program Scholarship. You will experience the best six months of your life attending high school in the United States and living with American’s host family!