The Global Link - Online Newsletter for Foreign Exchange Students and Host Families

If you are excited about what you have learned in the AYA newsletter, please share it with your friends. Some of the most successful exchanges occur when friends and neighbors host students simultaneously! It gives the chance to share experiences and allows you to learn about a variety of cultures. If anyone you know might be interested, please forward us their name and e-mail address so we can put them on our e-mail list. Write to Stella Jacaruso at sjacaruso@aifs.org to subscribe.

OTHER AIFS PROGRAMS

Academic Year in America is part of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation. AIFS Inc includes other programs for cultural exchange as well. The Au Pair in America program enables American families to host international young people, who assist with childcare and share their culture. Our College Division organizes study abroad for U.S. students at 18 campuses abroad including Richmond, the American International University in London. The Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) offers three-week summer residential and day programs on college campuses for academically talented students in grades K through 11. AIFS University Prep provides high school students with a three-week summer residential program focusing on SAT prep courses, college visits, and the college application process. Camp America and Resort America bring young international visitors to the U.S. to serve as camp counselors and support staff during the summer.

Fall 2010 Students Available Now!

The Olympics have just come to an end, but the spirit of international camaraderie doesn't have to! Students from Brazil, China, Germany, and South Korea, to name just a few countries, are eager for a chance to live and study in the U.S. this fall and are available now for placement with a family like yours.

Start browsing student profiles today at www.academicyear.org/stu_profiles.asp.

AYA offers high school students from around the world the exciting opportunity to come live with American families and attend local high schools for a semester or a year. The students pay all of their own fees to cover flights, insurance, tuition costs, and spending money. Host Families provide room and board, and treat the student as a member of the family.

Please contact Stella Jacaruso at (800) 322-4678 ext. 5164 or sjacaruso@aifs.org today to find out more about hosting, or visit www.academicyear.org.

Student Profiles

Pascal from Germany
GIJ047

Pascal is quiet, patient, and self-controlled.
He enjoys going to school, where he has studied English for six years and French for five. He is interested in math, biology, chemistry and physics.
He has many hobbies, including playing the trumpet. Another hobby is robotics class, where he builds robots, programs them, and takes part in competitions.
Pascal wants to see the real American way of life and is grateful for this opportunity to join another family, assimilate into their daily life, and learn about American culture through them. He hopes to be considered a member of the family and take part in all activities.
In the U.S. he would like to continue playing the trumpet with the band and play sports after school.

Jiyeon from South Korea
HAN002

Jiyeon is outgoing, positive, and active.
She often goes hiking and swimming with her father. She also plays the piano at the Catholic Church. She volunteers in a rehabilitation center helping people with physical disorders.
In her free time she likes to read books and watch movies with her family and friends.
Jiyeon is a diligent student who always tries to get good grades by studying hard. She is the vice-president of her class.
Jiyeon would like to teach in the future.
She is looking forward to coming to the U.S. She knows that she will face challenges, but believes that with her positive and cheerful personality, she will overcome any difficulties in her path.

LC of the Quarter

Sheila Green
Nominated by Kira Greenwood

Sheila Green has been chosen as LC of the Quarter! Sheila's dedication to her exchange students is truly something to be admired. She shows her dedication through the activities she plans for her students, host families, and communities. She holds her own orientation for her students upon their arrival in Missouri to elaborate upon what to anticipate with their host families and all of the unique features of the area. She takes her students to local attractions, big cities, and even a few professional sport games!

One of Sheila's most valuable qualities is her commitment to all of her students that they have a successful year here in the United States. She recognizes the opportunity that each host family and student has to experience other cultures in such a special way. Her facilitation of cultural understanding allows students to return to their home countries with not only a broader understanding of the United States, but also of themselves.

Thank you Sheila for all of your hard work! Congratulations!

See past LCs of the Quarter: www.academicyear.org/local_coordinator/ recognition.asp

Special Recognition for an Artist

Contributed by Pat Evans, Local Coordinator
Ubly, Michigan

Two of my students were featured in the local paper, the Huron Daily Tribune. Kevy from India was photographed working her service hours at the Youth For Christ Charity Auction held in November. This photo is a picture of Thai student Nutcha’s artwork that made the Tribune Calendar.

Greetings from Montana!

Contributed by Arman from Kazakhstan, living in Montana

Hello! My name is Arman. I just would like to share with you I’m having a great time in Montana. Everything is amazing: family, school, nature, people. And I want to tell you about my local representative Marilyn Murchie. She’s awesome! We already have been to the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone Park. It was unbelievable!