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 2 nd 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!