Seeking American Host Families to Promote Peace Among Youth

[Anna]

The U.S. State Department provides more than 2000 scholarships to international high school students to learn about American society, traditions and values. Departing from hundreds of cities in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and other regions, these scholarship students will arrive in August 2009 and return home in May 2010. We are currently seeking schools and families throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, who can host these students during the 2009-2010 academic year.

The scholarship students go through a rigorous selection process that includes English tests, essays and face-to-face interviews. The students are high achievers who are selected because of their potential to be future leaders of their countries. Many come from conflict areas and gain a better awareness of resolving issues through various activities provided for them during the year.

While attending high schools in the U.S., scholarship exchange students have opportunities to enrich their understanding of democracy as well as hone critical thinking and problem solving skills. At the same time, American students have unique opportunities to interact with peers from the farthest corners of the world and teach them what America is really about. For people involved in peacemaking projects and diplomacy, these exchange students provide a personal perspective of their communities back home that is otherwise difficult to grasp through the media and other outlets.

You can read about the State Department scholarship exchange programs on the following websites:
American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE)
http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/a_smyle/index.html

Congress – Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (Germany)
http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/cbyx.html

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program (former Soviet Union)
http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/flex.html

Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program (countries with Arab and Muslim populations)
http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/yes.html

Other resources include: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hosting
http://exchanges.state.gov/(media/features/hosting-opps/hosting-faq...

Hosting Opportunities
http://exchanges.state.gov/hosting/index.html

If your school, your family or friends are interested in hosting/enrolling a student this year, the State Department's Youth Programs Division will help identify a placement organization that meets your preferences and needs. All you need to do is send an e-mail message to: [e-mail] with the name, address and contact information of the school and/or host family and we’ll take it from there.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity!
Anna

[Murl Baker]

I'm impress with how this program looks on the ground. Just got back from southwest Kansas while attending nephews graduations. Both small high schools located in rural areas. Each graduating class had one or more international students. From what I've seen, these international students lift standards on academic work and in general, provide interesting leadership. It's not an easy social situation to walk into. Finally it provides a little additional funding that rural schools badly needing these days.

[Anna]

Thanks for your feedback, but with the economic situation as it is this year, we're having a harder time finding good families for these students. The students are selected and the funding is there, but without schools and families, we won't be able to bring them over.

[Myriam Desrosiers Senatus]

I find this program very interesting. Actually my oldest daughter 18, is going to Washington to attend th "GLOBAL YOUNg LEADERS CONFERENCE' for 15 days. She has been selected based on her GPA. I am very happy. She wants to be a leader ein Haiti one day and bring peace and change. This is the reason why my sister who is a medical doctor in North Carolina is interested to host a student. But she is not american even she has been living there for 16 years around. She has a permanent resident visa. Could she help with the program even if.

Myriam

[Anna]

Myriam,
Your sister can host a student if she wants to.

Thanks very much!
Anna

[Farea Al-muslimi]

Thank you very much. I was one of those students in the u.s.
It was the best experience i ever had in my life, the best.
It was great to learn about American culture and people by living with them rather than watching them in the media.
Good luck

[Anna]

Hi Farea,
I am glad you had such a good experience! Do you have any suggestions for finding good host families?

Thanks,
Anna

[Santigie bayo dumbuya]

I am very much interested in this Youth exchange programmes in other to bring peace and development in the world and also sensitize youths about their role in peace and development. so please i am requesting for room of application to join this programme.
Thanks,
Santigie

[Anna]

Where do you live, Santigie?