Next Steps

After you are accepted into an AYUSA Study Abroad program, we will provide you with the information you need to be prepared for your cultural exploration! You will receive information on your future host family or dorm stay, invitation to begin your "Global Student" online study abroad course, access to the student section of our website, a student handbook, an extensive pre-departure orientation, and departure assistance. Once you arrive in your host country, you will have the additional support of an in-country program representative.

For students embarking on an academic year or semester program, once you have received your acceptance notification, we will begin the host family and school matching process. This process is individual and we therefore cannot give you an exact date on which you will be matched with a host family and school.
For all study abroad students participating in a homestay, details of your host family along with contact information will be provided once we have selected a host family match. It's a great idea to contact your host family before you depart so you can get to know them better.

Two to four weeks before your departure, you and your parents will participate in a comprehensive pre-departure orientation. Typically the orientation will be conducted over the phone via a virtual webinar and will cover topics such as: adapting to a new culture, tips for getting along with your host family, academics and school life abroad, logistics for your arrival and AYUSA's and our overseas's placement partners role during your program.

Generally students travel independently to their host country. Whenever possible, AYUSA arranges for students to travel as a group, although this depends on where you live in the U.S. as well as your study abroad destination.

AYUSA provides emergency phone numbers for students to call in case of any unexpected delays or problems during travel. Upon arrival in your host country, you will be met at the airport by either your host family or your local coordinator, and transported to your host community.

Within the first week of arrival, you will participate in an arrival orientation. Now your cultural exploration begins!