Host Families in Indiana Needed to Host Ayusa International Exchange Students
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 12, 2016 -- Ayusa International is launching its annual search for families across Indiana to volunteer to open their homes to host a foreign exchange student, just like the Green family from Indianapolis. Families who volunteer to host contribute to the global community as public diplomats for greater international understanding. Communities where host families are needed include the following:
Indianapolis (public schools), Lawrence, Lebanon
Kokomo, Lafayette, Crawfordsville
Muncie, Anderson
Bloomington
The Green family, from Indianapolis, has been hosting Ayusa student Israr, who is from Pakistan, since the Fall and have enjoyed learning about a new culture. Host mom Julie shares: “Having Israr here has been really fun -- the more the merrier -- especially for my similarly aged son. It has been extremely interesting to learn all about a completely different culture and also challenging to have discussions that have honestly caused me to look at own biases and patterns,” she continued. “It has been surprising at times when there is an unexpected realization about one another’s culture. It has been exciting to introduce him to new and very American experiences.”
Ayusa works with diverse families who are interested in hosting an international student of high school age. Families without children, empty nesters, military families, retirees, and single people are all welcome. Ayusa families come from all over the country and reside in rural, suburban and urban communities.
Jess Hodge, Ayusa’s Regional Manager who provides support for families, schools and exchange students in the state, shared, “Indiana is a great place for Ayusa students! The history of the state along with the friendly and welcoming communities makes it an excellent environment for exchange students learning about life in America,” she added.
Host families who volunteer provide their exchange student with three meals a day and a bedroom (private or shared). Each host family, student, and local high school is supported by a professionally trained Ayusa representative throughout the year.
Ayusa’s exchange students are 15-18 years old and come from countries around the world. Students are fully insured, bring their own spending money, and are proficient in English.
How to Host an International Student
Interested families can learn more about the program and available exchange students and request additional information by visiting http://www.ayusa.org or calling 1-888-552-9872.
Families who would like to host complete the online application, which includes questions about themselves and local high school, references, and a background check. The local Ayusa Community Representative conducts an in-home interview and helps each family with any questions they may have about the application or process.
After families are fully approved, they can select the Ayusa student they would like to host!
About Ayusa
Ayusa International (http://www.ayusa.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit student exchange organization founded in 1981 and an official U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor. In addition, Ayusa administers high profile grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of State and other organizations. Ayusa is a sister company of Intrax, a family of organizations that provides a lifetime of high-quality educational, work and volunteer programs that connect people and cultures. Intrax is headquartered in San Francisco with offices on four continents.
Patsy Barich, Ayusa International, http://www.ayusa.org, +1 (415) 596-5860, [email protected]
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