Roshan Kalantarian, a recent graduate of Gifft Hill School in St. John, has been awarded the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. Kalantarian will embark on a journey to Senegal this week, marking a significant milestone in their academic and personal development.
Kalantarian expressed excitement about the immersive nature of the program, stating, “One of the most unique aspects of this program is living with a host family and attending classes entirely taught in French, so I will be surrounded by Senegalese students. I think making those close relationships is the best way to gain insight into life there.”
Chosen from a competitive pool of 65 students nationwide, Kalantarian is set to represent the United States as a “youth ambassador” through the YES Abroad program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program focuses on fostering citizen diplomacy, enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and building lasting connections with host families and peers. Participants also engage in volunteer service and leadership training aimed at contributing positively to the host community.
Kalantarian’s motivation to join the YES Abroad program stems from a desire to build on the global exposure they have gained through their family. “I have been exposed to so much through my family, and I want to experience more,” Kalantarian said.
In addition to mastering French and Wolof, Kalantarian aims to deepen their understanding of international relations. “Learning about any country in an immersive environment is incredibly beneficial, and I’d like to continue pursuing this interest in my career,” Kalantarian added.
Since November 2023, Kalantarian has been employed at the Bajo El Sol Art Gallery on St. John and is eager to connect with Senegal’s art community during their stay.
The Kennedy-Lugar YES program was established by the U.S. Congress in the wake of September 11, 2001, to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between Americans and people from countries with significant Muslim populations. Initially designed for international high school students to study in the U.S., the program expanded in 2009 to include YES Abroad, allowing American high school students to study abroad.
For the upcoming academic year, YES Abroad will facilitate exchanges in 11 diverse countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, and Türkiye. The program is administered by a consortium of nonprofits, including American Councils for International Education, AFS-USA, Amideast, and iEARN-USA.
Exchanges in Senegal are managed by American Councils, a leading international nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and fostering global understanding. As a key player in international education, American Councils supports individuals and institutions in navigating an interconnected and rapidly evolving world.
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