AYA Host Family Orientation: Welcoming New Arrivals & Embracing Cultural Exchange

1. Orientation for Host Families Welcome! Thank you for coming!

2. Congratulations You have a new arrival!

3. Host Family Orientation Agenda • What is AYA? • Purpose of the Program • Who are AYA Students? • Responsibilities of Host Families, Students & Local Coordinators • AYA Rules & Regulations • Student Safety Video • Important Topics • Calendar of Events • End of Year • AYA Support Team • Q & A

4. What is AYA? • One of the world’s most respected high school student exchange programs • Over 30,000 students placed • Nearly 1,000 high school students live with host families across the U.S every year. • AYA Motto: “ We bring the world together”

5. Purpose of the AYA Program • Provide high school students an opportunity to spend a year studying in another country, learning the language, discovering the culture, developing skills and maturity • Bring the world into our local communities through friendship • Promote AYA goal of world peace and understanding, one person, one exchange at a time

6. Who are AYA Students? • Outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18 • Carefully selected & well-prepared students • Most speak English well • Anxious and excited to: • Improve their English • Discover American Culture • Represent their countries • Become part of your family

7. Responsibilities of Host Families • Welcome student as a family member • Provide a safe and suitable home • Provide students with own bed & place to study • Provide all meals except school lunches • Provide transportation to & from school and religious services • Help with challenges • School, Culture shock, Language, Homesickness • Encourage the exchange of cultural ideas • Realistic expectations

8. Responsibilities of Students • Serve as ambassadors from their countries and to teach Americans about their culture • Follow all AYA, Host Family & school rules • Adapt to Host Family and be involved with their activities and help with chores • Perform well in schools • Communicate openly in English • Take care of personal expenses

9. Responsibilities of Local Coordinators • Recruiting, interviewing & selecting safe and suitable host families • Enrolling student in local high school • Supervising student & host family • Monthly contacts with students and families • Submit monthly reports • Conduct 2nd visits • Answer questions and provide emergency assistance • Encourage students to participate in AYA activities

10. Student Safety • Host Family Safety Video • Appropriate v. Inappropriate behaviors • Warning Signs & Prevention • Emergency Procedures • Second Visit • will be conducted by another LC or an AYA sponsor representative within 30 -60 days of student’s arrival

11. Important Topics • Flights • School • Insurance • Student Travel

12. Student Support & Disciplinary Process • AYA rules • Host family rules & expectations • Expectations Worksheet • Mediation • Discipline Policies

13. Calendar of Events • Holiday Parties • Community Service Projects • Cultural Enhancement Trips • Fund-raisers

14. The End of the Year • Leaving for home will be harder than leaving home was a year earlier • Reverse cultural shock • “The more successful the exchange, the harder the re-entry” • You may see them again, and you will have travel opportunities unlike any you’ve experienced before • Closure activity

15. AYA Support Team • Local Coordinator_____________ • Regional Director _____________ • 1-800-322-4678 ext ________ • AYA Headquarters: 1-800-322-4678

16. Questions

17. Thank You!