Mandarin Language Exchange Program

THE AYA PROGRAM

The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation is the proud sponsor of the Academic Year in America program. Recognized as a leader in the field of student exchange, Academic Year in America (AYA) annually places hundreds of high school students, ages 15 to 18, from over 35 countries, with U.S. host families. Students attend local high schools for 5 or 10 months and share their language, culture and customs with their host families and new friends.

Students are supported not only by staff in the AIFS Foundation Connecticut office, but also by regional Local Coordinators who find loving host families for the students and provide support and supervision throughout the year.

INTRODUCING MLEP

The AIFS Foundation is pleased to introduce the Mandarin Language Exchange Program (MLEP). The increasing number of American schools offering Mandarin instruction combined with a growing number of American families wanting to expose their children to the Mandarin language has provided the impetus for this new program.

HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL PARTICIPATE?

Participating American high schools will work with the AIFS Foundation’s Academic Year in America (AYA) program by welcoming high school students from China to attend your school for the academic year. Your school will identify local families interested in hosting a Chinese exchange student and can identify a Local Coordinator in the area who will work with the exchange student, host family and your school throughout the year.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN GET STARTED:

• Contact the AYA office to get more details about the students available and to register as an MLEP school. Call 800 322 4678 ext. 5070 or email aya.info@aifs.org
• Send a letter to families in your school to offer them the opportunity to host.
• Hold an international dinner with a focus on China and Mandarin language study.
• Make presentations to the Parent-Teacher association about hosting and studying abroad.