A select few of the top high school students from the Middle-Eastern part of the world will arrive in local communities this August as cultural ambassadors, thanks to the prestigious Youth Exchange and Study scholarship program (YES).
The U.S. Department of State has awarded full scholarships to the brightest, most qualified students, who will live with American host families, study in American high schools and serve as international youth ambassadors.
By May 15 AYUSA-Global Youth Exchange, a premier non-profit high school exchange program, will select families to host these outstanding young men and women for the 2007-2008 academic year.
As the leaders in their own schools and communities, these students are highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals eager to become involved in their host communities. Among these excellent students is Mohammed from Kuwait. Mohammed comes from a large family and enjoys playing tennis and reading. Another YES student is Zainab from Pakistan. She likes cycling, reading, science, and would like to become a journalist. Murtadha from Iraq loves computers, swimming and playing soccer. He has high hopes to become a doctor and help people in need. These three scholarship students, among others, are looking forward to becoming active members of their American host families, participating in their school and community activities and making friends to last a lifetime.
AYUSA International has been appointed by the U.S. Department of State to administer the YES program. During the next two months, AYUSA will select quality families to host these exceptional young people.
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To host one of these students, or to find out how your son or daughter can earn a full or partial scholarship to study abroad, contact AYUSA representative Christine Dusek at 879-5455 or christine.dusek@lceducation.org , call AYUSA toll free at 877-557-2561, or visit AYUSA online at www.ayusa.org . On the Web site, there is detailed information about being a host family and the rewards and benefits.
Host families have many different compositions; single people, divorced parents, retired couples, and young couples, in addition to the traditional two-parent families are all enjoying the hosting experience.
Students come with full insurance, spending money and pay for their own school lunches. Some students are semester students, staying for only one semester, and some stay the academic year.
All families are eligible for a $50 per month charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns. AYUSA encourages families to contact the organization early so families and students can begin the bonding process before the students arrive. Students from over 75 countries are also available for your family's international experience and bringing the world to you and your community! AYUSA has again this year received the full listing in the CSIET, certification of accreditation. AYUSA has been accredited since the program's beginnings in the 1980s.
