A-SMYLE: American Serbia & Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange

A program of the US Department of State
Administered by American Councils for International Education

A-SMYLE will award scholarships to secondary school students from Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro for the 2012-2013 academic year. All participants will live with American host families throughout the United States and attend American high schools.

The program will enable students to learn about civic responsibility and community activism, to see firsthand how democracy is practiced in the US, as well as to educate Americans about their country and culture. The program was established to provide young people in Serbia and Montenegro an opportunity to develop the skills they will need to lead their generation in the 21st century and to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Serbia and Montenegro. Upon completion of the program, participants will become part of a network of alumni dedicated to improving their society through community service and promoting civil society.

Scholarship recipients will attend an orientation session prior to their departure to the US, which will help them feel at home as a member of a US host family and as a student at an American high school. Students will learn about the United States firsthand by participating in family life, school study, and extracurricular activities. Program participants will also learn about civic activism, student participation in education, and succeeding in a diverse environment. Upon return to their home country, students may participate in leadership development workshops that will help prepare them for community outreach and civic activism in Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro.

Recipients of A-SMYLE scholarships are selected by an independent panel of American professionals in education and international relations in the United States on the basis of merit as demonstrated in application materials. Merit is determined by evaluating the written application, recommendations, English language proficiency, and an applicant's demonstrated preparedness for a yearlong exchange experience.

Eligibility Requirements - 2012-2013 Academic Year Program:

- Proficient in English
- Currently Enrolled in First or Second Grade
- Citizen of Republic of Serbia or Republic of Montenegro
- Meet US J-1 Visa Requirements for high school students
- Born after Jan 1, 1995 and before July 15, 1997
- Have Not Spent More Than 3 Months of the Past 5 Years in the US
- Demonstrate Leadership Potential
- Desire to Contribute to Community Upon Return
- Students with disabilities who were born between March 15, 1994 and July 15, 1997 and who are not in the last year of secondary school are eligible for the competition

All scholarship recipients will be provided with round trip travel from their home to the United States and back, and an allowance for living expenses. They will receive medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions. This program is open to all high school students, including students with disabilities who meet the requirements of the program.

The competition for scholarships is conducted by American Councils for International Education. Representatives of American Councils will visit many regional centers to conduct testing in the fall and winter of 2011. All eligible students are invited to take part in the first of the three rounds of the competition. Students must bring proof of eligibility (School ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate). For a list of cities and dates for the A-SMYLE tests, click here.

Impressions of A-SMYLE students on the Program

Detailed information about the Selection Process

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Filling out the A-SMYLE Application: Frequently Asked Questions for Students who Have Passed to R3 ONLY