Youth Ambassador Student Exchange

The Program

Founded in 1977, YASE remains the only formal secondary school exchange between the United States and Israel. Following the belief that experience is among our most effective learning tools, we have sent students from more than 60 cities overseas on a mind-expanding journey they will never forget.

Our "Youth Ambassadors" partake in a month-long adventure that is both exciting and rigorous. Immersed in a world both new and familiar, our students soar to new heights of awareness. They discover the wonders of unexplored cultures, and, unlike many nations separated across vast distances when American and Israeli youth visit each other's homes curiosity, and the thrill of exploration find free-reign in the comfort of shared values. Beyond Israel and America, YASE looks to unite young citizens throughout the world to celebrate democracy where it thrives and (elsewhere) to support its struggles.

The program also builds character and self-esteem, and encourages future plans for education and career. Once achieved, our students learn to apply their new cross-cultural understanding, confidence and sense of purpose in developing leadership and conflict resolution skills.

Our students represent the cultural, ethnic and socio-economic diversity of our nations

This unique program has cultivated goodwill ambassadors since its inception. The program's benefits do not end with the exchange. Our alumni continue to employ the skills they learned as Youth Ambassadors: leadership, open-mindedness, hands-on experience, tolerance and respect for diversity. They also learn about the shared interests that define the vital historic friendship between the U.S. and Israel.

The Program Youth Ambassadors:

• Live with host families and attend classes at local schools
• Conduct auditorium presentations on their home country with host student, answering questions relating to topics like culture, sports and politics
• Participate in leadership workshops and seminars on cross-cultural issues, democracy, and citizenship
• Participate with host student in classroom discussions
• Partake in a broad range of recreational/cultural activities and site visits

Post Program Follow Up

Follow-up activities involving Youth Ambassador Alumni include:

• Local orientation programs for new Youth Ambassador participants
• Promoting the program through presentations to local civic groups, interviews and AIFL PR events, receptions and other program activities throughout the year
• Classroom presentations of YASE experience back home in schools, clubs and places of worship
• Volunteering for AIFL local chapters
• Keeping in touch with other group members through alumni area on AIFL website
• Planned annual Youth Ambassador reunions in New York City