The host family/student bond is the most important part of the AYUSA program. Your exchange son or daughter looks forward to full participation as a member of your family. This includes sharing quality time as well as household chores.

Your student will strive to create a special friendship with each member of your family. Young children enjoy a patient, playful, big brother or sister. They often learn bits of foreign language ahead of their peers, and develop an early appreciation for cross-cultural friendship.

Older children and teens often look to this new family member for companionship and shared interests. A trip to the mall or attending a sporting event, becomes a new experience, appreciated through the eyes of an exchange sister or brother. American teens develop a more open-minded perspective, and a greater thirst for world knowledge -- better preparing them for work in the global marketplace of the future.

Adult families without children at home, enjoy filling their nest with the laughter and warmth of a new son or daughter. Students love the undivided attention, and enjoy exchanging ideas and customs with their host mom and dad.

Hosting an AYUSA student is a wonderful learning experience for the whole family. Social studies textbooks come to life as you sample a cake baked the Brazilian way or a dish of Japanese-style rice and vegetables. A simple family discussion about German politics or a fun lesson in Spanish slang, adds color and interest to an ordinary day. Host brothers and sisters often incorporate this new cultural knowledge into school reports, presentations and research projects. Teachers have a special appreciation for these enrichment opportunities provided at home.