The YES program offers students from countries of strategic importance the chance to experience life in the United States by living with a host family and attending an American high school. Areesha, a proud YES alum (AY24-25), recently shared her exchange story with us.
“My name is Areesha Tanveer, and I am from Pakistan. I completed my exchange year in the United States in 2024–2025, where I was hosted in River Rouge, Michigan, by the wonderful Baldwin family. I was honored to be a YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study) scholarship student. Receiving this scholarship meant the world to me because it gave me the chance to live my dream of studying abroad, represent Pakistan, and experience a new culture while sharing my own.
My exchange year had a life-changing impact on me. It taught me how to adapt to new challenges, become more independent, and build confidence in myself. From participating in school activities to volunteering in my host community, every experience gave me the opportunity to grow and connect with people from different backgrounds. I also cherished the moments when I was able to share my traditions, food, and culture with others, which helped me realize the true value of cultural exchange.
Currently, I am studying for my A Levels in Pakistan. For my future studies, I plan to either pursue Business Management or build a career in Artificial Intelligence. My exchange year inspired me to think big about my goals and gave me the courage to explore these fields internationally.
Exchange programs are very important to me because they allow young people to become global citizens. They break down stereotypes, promote understanding, and build lifelong connections across borders. My exchange journey showed me that even one person can make an impact by fostering peace and friendship, and I believe programs like YES and FLEX are essential for creating a more connected and understanding world.”
-Areesha Tanveer
