Resources
Ayusa Global Youth Exchange is proud to be the sponsor of your program and warmly welcomes you to the United States. As a student, you are leaving your familiar environment to embark on one of the most exciting experiences of your life. You will get to know a different culture, make new friends, become fluent in new language, overcome a number of challenges, and – we hope – have a lot of fun along the way. At the end of the program, you will have learned not only a lot about life in the United States, but also about yourself.
During your time abroad, we encourage you to visit the student section of our website often. This section is filled with great information that will help you stay connected with Ayusa throughout the year. Whether you are planning on going on a trip over spring break, need to validate your transcripts at the end of program, or want to enter one of our student contests, the student section has all the resources you need. For further information on cultural adjustment, living with your host family, academics, your safety, and rules and support while on program, please click here to read the Participant Handbook.
You can also read stories about what other Ayusa students are doing across the country during their year or check out the ‘Host Family of the Month.’ We love hearing about your experiences as exchange students. To submit your story to Ayusa email news@ayusa.org
Ayusa and the Department of State take foreign exchange student safety, well-being and successful participation in our program seriously. If an issue with an exchange student in the U.S. arises, please let your Community Representative know. Ayusa’s 24-hour phone number is 1-800-727-4540 and you may also send an email to studentsupport@ayusa.org. For emergencies or safety concerns, the Department of State can also be reached toll-free at 1-866-283-9090 or by email at jvisas@state.gov.
Getting the Most Out of Your Cultural and English Experience
Upon arriving to the U.S., full immersion in American culture and the English language can sometimes seem overwhelming. Below are some resources to help you think creatively about the ways in which you can overcome any cultural, linguistic and other challenges posed by this immersion and ultimately enhance these aspects of your exchange experience while in the United States.
Culture Shock: A description of the various stages of adjusting to a new culture.
Dealing with Culture Shock: Advice on overcoming culture shock and avoiding homesickness.
Benefits of Studying Abroad: These benefits serve as a reminder about what an amazing experience this can be!
American Culture: A quick look at some of the key characteristics of American culture.
Safety Tips: Important safety tips for students on program.
Diversity, Acceptance and Tolerance: Ayusa's policy on discrimination.
English Language Statistics: Some interesting facts about the English language.
Expanding Your Vocabulary: Memorization techniques to help you increase your vocabulary.
Idioms: These are some fun and more commonly used English expressions.
Instructive English Language Websites: A list of websites that can help you perfect your English skills.
Word of the Month
This section provides advanced vocabulary words for students on program. Advanced words recently integrated into the English language through an official listing in the Oxford English Dictionary are chosen on a monthly basis. For a comprehensive list of all recently added words and their meanings, click here.
November
Mash-up (noun)
Definition: A creative combination or mixing of content from different sources (e.g. movies, news, etc.), though it most often refers to a musical recording that combines vocal and instrumental tracks from two or more recordings.
Example: Did you see the new mash-up of Gangnam Style and Too Legit to Quit at the American Music Awards? It was really energizing!
October
Cheeseball (noun and adjective)
Definition: A person who or a thing that lacks taste, style or originality
Example: That new action flick looks really bad, but I'm going to see it anyway since I love those cheeseball plots!
September
Hater (noun)
Definition: a negative person
Example: When I told my friend John that I got into a top university, he told me, "I don't know why you even like that university. It's full of preppy people." He's such a hater!
August
Chillax (verb)
Definition: A combination of the words "relax" and "chill" meaning to relax, calm down, behave.
Example: He was so stressed about the math test that his friends finally told him to just chillax and come with them to the movies.
July
Overthink (verb)
Definition: To think about something too much or for too long.
Example: She overthought the presentation so much that when it came time to give it, she was very nervous and stuttered throughout.
June
Buzzkill (noun)
Definition: A person or thing that prevents people from enjoying themselves.
Example: Everyone at the football game was having a great time until the home team began to lose. It was such a buzzkill!
May
Frenemy (noun)
Definition: A person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.
Example: The two girls have been frenemies since they were on competing soccer teams in high school. Although they insist that they get along well, they avoid each other whenever they can.
April
Staycation (noun)
Definition: A blend of stay and vacation, it is a vacation spent at home or nearby one's home.
Example: John decided to save his money by just visiting friends and going to museums during his staycation.
March
Man cave (noun)
Definition: A room or other part of a home regarded as a refuge for the man or men of a household.
Example: A man cave is often equipped with a pool table and pinball machine.
