Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about the host country's society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate others about American culture while learning about their host country's culture. Approximately 65 American students travel overseas each year.

Upon their return to the United States, the students apply their leadership skills and share their knowledge about their host countries through community engagement.

The YES Abroad program is administered by the YES Consortium and its partners in each country.