I've decided to a frequently asked questions post about the YES Abroad program!
1. What does the application process entail?
The application process has two rounds of selection. The first is an online written application, which was due in early January this year. The application had three essays, one host family letter, and a ton of other information to fill out. If you become a semifinalist, you will advance to the second round of selection, the In Person Selection Event. In late March, YES Abroad will pay for you spend a weekend with them. This year it was held in Chevy Chase, but it's been held in Denver and Houston as well. At IPSE, you have interviews and group evaluations.
2. What is a timeline for acceptance?
For this year, the application came out October 20. It was due January 10. We were told we'd hear back about semifinalist status in Late February, which means the last day of February. The IPSE was March 22-24. Everyone heard back about finalist status on Friday, April 12th. The last day for alternates to be accepted is the day the PDO begins. The time line for alternate acceptance varies for any given year depending on who drops the scholarship.
3. How many people apply? How many people get in?
YES has never released specifically many people applied, however, we do know that over 1000 students started the application. (We don't know how many of them finished it.) 120 semifinalists were sent to Chevy Chase and 65 finalists were chosen, along with 10-15 alternates.
4. What should I wear to my interview?
I wore a skirt and blazer, most girls wore dress slacks and a nice shirt or a skirt and a nice top. Guys wore knakis or slacks and a button down shirt. It doesn't really matter, as long as look presentable and feel confident!
5. What is the French Interview?
If you've taken three or more years of French, you will have a French interview at the IPSE. It lasted about 10 minutes and was conducted completely in French. It does not affect whether or not you become a finalist, just where you are placed if you are chosen.
6. Am I guaranteed to get my top country?
No. When you apply for YES, you get to rank your country choices. However, there is no guarantee that you will get a certain number choice or above. Most people get within their top five, but people have gotten lower choices than that before. This is why they stress the importance of being open to all countries. Before I went to IPSE, I really wanted one of the countries in my top five. But after I learned more about YES and the countries, I realized I would be honored to be chosen for any of them. Many of my fellow finalists felt the same after they left. It's okay to have a preference, though, you can explain why you want a certain country in your interview.
7. How many kids get chosen for each country?
That depends on the country and the year. YES Abroad can send students to Bosnia, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, and Turkey. However, due to unrest in Mali, Tunisia and Egypt this year, students were not sent to these countries. The 65 scholarships were divided among the remaining countries. There are eight of us going to Morocco, but there are fewer students going to other countries. The amount of students ranges between 5 and 8.
8. How can I convince my parents to let me go?
Because my parents have been really supportive about exchange, I didn't have to deal with this. However, many of my friends have had to work hard to convince their parents. They've made slideshows, had their parents talk to YES staff, set up phone calls with alumni, and begged incessantly. If you're having trouble convincing your parents, the best thing to do is explain the situation to your fellow applicants and them for suggestions. And check out this blog--it's my friend Caillean's mom who is blogging about her experience as a YES parent! http://www.rootsandwingstooman.blogspot.com/.
9. What is included in the scholarship?
Everything. Your airfare, room and board, school fees, visa, health insurance and a stipend. The only things not included are extra spending money and, in some countries, additional trips throughout the year. In certain countries, the cost of these trips around the country are also included. You do have to buy your own passport though.
10. What type of support will I have while abroad?
YES Abroad gives grants to American Councils, Amideast and AFS, all of whom have representatives, coordinators, or offices in your host country and town. Throughout the year, they'll be able to give on the ground advice, set up volunteering activities, and/or run trips within the country.
11. On the website, it says gap years are not allowed or recommended for certain countries. Does this mean gap years cannot apply to YES?
No, it just means that gap years cannot go to certain countries. They can go to: Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa, Oman, Thailand and Turkey.
12. What are they looking for in a candidate?
Qualified candidates come from diverse backgrounds, with varying experiences and skills, but according to the YES website: Finalists will be selected based on their demonstration of qualities that are necessary for a successful exchange experience. These include but are not limited to: global awareness, interest in diverse cultures, curiosity, open-mindedness, and flexibility.
13. Will I receive orientation before I leave?
YES! We all receive a packet in May with more specific information, packing lists, and other guides. The Pre Departure Orientation (PDO) takes place in late June (June 26-29) each year. All finalists go and learn more about their host countries, visit their respective embassies, and tour the State Department. We also have conference calls and webinars with the other finalists to our countries to learn more about our upcoming year. Some finalists have an additional orientation in New York before leaving and most of will have some sort of orientation when we arrive in our host country. Just to make sure we are very, very oriented.
14. What is an alternate?
An alternate is someone who will take the place of a finalist if they are unable to go abroad for any reason. If a finalist drops out between now and the PDO, the alternate will take that spot.
15. How do they choose finalists?
The application process is fairly opaque, but I'm told that your application is read and scored by two people. You are then interviewed and scored by two other people and evaluated in a group by two people as well. They then use these scores to make an informed decision.
16. If I apply for a less popular country, does that increase my chance of being accepted?
No. YES chooses all the finalists before assigning them to their countries, so how you rank your countries doesn't affect if you are accepted or not.
17. When will I leave?
That depends on your host country. Students going to India and Thailand left right after the PDO this year, while other students leave throughout the summer. Malaysia leaves in mid July. Bosnia leaves early to mid August. Morocco and Oman depart around the same time in late August, and the rest of the programs in the first week of September. Your return depends on when you leave, but it's usually 10 months following your departure.
18. Can my parents visit me?
Visits are strongly discouraged by YES Abroad, and your parents must get permission to come. My family is planning on visiting me, and as long as it's after Christmas, they should be approved to come.
19. What are other ways to get involved in YES?
You can host a YES student from another country in your home or at your school! Check out these links: http://www.yesprograms.org/host-family and http://www.yesprograms.org/host-school.
20. Should I apply to YES Abroad?
YES!
I hope this is helpful to all the hopefuls out there!
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