YES Iftar article

2005 press releases

U.S Ambassador Hosts Iftar for Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Students and Families

Kicks off Recruitment for Study in the U.S. Scholarship

October 20, 2005

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman hosted 31 Lebanese high school students, and their families, at an iftar, at Bourj Al Andalous in Raouche, Thursday, October 20, 2005. The students all spent an academic year living with American families and attending high school on the U.S. Government-funded Partnership for Learning Youth Exchange and Study (YES) scholarship program. Nine Lebanese high schools students spent the 2003-04 school year in the United States; 22 traveled in 2004-05. This year 40 Lebanese students are living with American families in 21 different states. They are part of 650 students from 22 different countries awarded YES scholarships this year.

In his remarks before the iftar, the U.S. Ambassador said, “Today, as we break the fast together, millions of American Muslims are observing the traditions and obligations of the holy month of Ramadan throughout the 50 American states. And thanks to many of our YES students here tonight, many more Americans now understand and appreciate the importance of this spiritual month of reflection, fasting and charity, for Muslims, both in America and throughout the world."

The Ambassador also noted that recruitment for the 2006-07 YES program has begun. Information and applications are available on the U.S. Embassy website (http://lebanon.usembassy.gov) or from Amideast, who administer the program in Lebanon. The Amideast offices are located in Beirut Central District, Bazerkan Building, First Floor, Nijmeh Square, Next to the Parliament, Beirut. The mailing address is: PO Box 11-2190 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2100. For inquiries, phone 961-1-989901 ext 162. Applications are due November 18th at the Amideast office in Beirut.

The YES program allows students from Lebanon to be enrolled in a full academic year of study in the U.S. They live as members of an American family, as well as participate in extracurricular activities to develop a well-rounded understanding of American culture through interaction with diverse groups of Americans. Likewise, participating students will act as cultural ambassadors to their American host communities, teaching them about the rich and vibrant culture of Lebanon. Students who have participated in the program in the past describe it as a “life-transforming” year, during which they made many American friends.