Ayusa seeks Katy families to host high school exchange students

Ayusa, a not-for-profit worldwide organization that promotes global learning and leadership through foreign exchange, study abroad and leadership programs for high school students, is looking for families in the Katy area interested in housing foreign exchange students during the 2012-13 school year.

"Sharing the American experience with an international student is a unique opportunity for the average American to profoundly impact the life of a teenager and provide them with a positive, transformational experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives," said Ayusa Executive Director Sherry Carpenter in a news release. "Katy host families are in a great position to show international exchange students an especially authentic slice of American life, which is one reason we are actively looking for Katy host families."

Ayusa foreign exchange students come from more than 60 countries, are fully insured, bring their own spending money and are fluent in the English language.

"Katy host families are the heart and soul of Ayusa's foreign exchange program," added Heather Wells, Ayusa regional director and Katy contact. "Katy families have been hosting Ayusa exchange students for the last 11 years, and the experience has been transformative for the students, who blossom in the local community through support from the families and schools."

Host families must pass a criminal background check and a home visit by an Ayusa representative.

For more information, contact Emily Rusca at 415-434-5529 or erusca@ayusa.org.