Ayusa Ramps Up 2015 Search for American Families to Host Exchange Students in Colorado
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 21, 2015 -- Ayusa International, a non-profit organization that has promoted global learning and leadership through high school student cultural exchanges for more than 34 years, is intensifying its annual search for families in Colorado interested in hosting international students for the 2015-2016 school year.
Ayusa is looking for host families throughout the entire state, specifically in and around:
• Denver
• Fort Collins
• Evans, Greeley
Ayusa hosts families who open their home to exchange students contribute to the global community as public diplomats for greater international understanding. Each host family and student creates a lasting relationship that spans the cultural differences between their two nations.
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 50 states and reside in rural, suburban and urban communities.
“Hosting an exchange student is an amazing and heartwarming experience, said Cheryl Blair of Greeley, Colorado. “This past year I hosted Mohammadarsh or “Arsh,” a young man from India who attended University High School. We shared cultures, religions, foods, traditions, experiences, music, and movies. He learned to love the Denver Broncos, and I learned to love Indian movies. Together we went shopping, did chores, and cooked; we shared accomplishments and disappointments with each other. We truly became a family and will continue our relationship for a lifetime, despite the distance between us,” she added.
Student Arsh expressed his gratitude in spending the year in Colorado with host mom Cheryl: “I come from a very close-knit family, so I was a little concerned about going into single person family, especially halfway around the world,” he said. “But I immediately discovered that she truly cared about me, and respected my Islamic religious practices and restrictions, plus my overall health and well-being. It took only two weeks for us to become a family. I could never imagine that I could be so comfortable and so loved by a complete stranger. We share so much laughter and fun together. Now I can’t imagine not being in touch with her.”
“Colorado is a popular destination for Ayusa exchange students in the U.S.,” said Cathy Galli-Vaneveld, Ayusa Regional Manager for the Western U.S. “Host families are known for their hospitality as well as their generosity in sharing rich “Wild West” history of this beautiful Rocky Mountain state,” she noted. “Hosting an exchange student also allows families to learn about other countries and cultures, without the travel. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your Colorado lifestyle with a student from abroad, I encourage you to give us a call, or check out our website to read the many stories of these international friendships that last a lifetime!”
Host families provide the exchange student with three meals a day and a bedroom (private or shared). A professionally trained Ayusa representative supports each host family, student, and local school throughout the program year. Ayusa’s exchange students are 15-18 years old and come from more than 60 countries around the world. All 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.
The process to apply is simple. Families complete the online application, which includes questions about themselves and local high school, references, and a background check. Once the application is submitted, the local Ayusa Community Representative will conduct an in-home interview. They can also help 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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