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ASSIST Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders.

Explore becoming an ASSIST host family

52 Countries • 5,050 Alumni • One Family

www.assistscholars.org THE MISSION OF ASSIST

ASSIST creates life-changing ASSIST was founded to create opportunities for leading international students of talent and promise to contribute strongly to American opportunities for outstanding independent secondary school communities. ASSIST students are selected with great care from 20 or more countries in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa through a rigorous national scholarship competition in each country. international scholars to learn from After initial pre-screening by in-country leaders, ASSIST interview teams spend 10 or more weeks overseas interviewing finalists. We seek students 15–18 years of age with impressive academic credentials, strong spoken and written and contribute to the finest American English, engaging personalities, and talents that can be shared in extracurricular programs. independent secondary schools. We shape each ASSIST Class with time-tested, handcrafted methodology. Of the 1,060 students who applied for the Class of 2017/18, 526 were credentialed strongly enough to interview; of those, 160 were selected to receive scholarships (an acceptance rate of 15%). Our Scholars will serve as ambassadors representing 23 countries. For 2017/18, our 81 member schools are investing scholarships totaling U.S. $5.8 million in our students.

I consider my host family to be one of the best parts of not only my exchange year, but my life in “the future. I was placed in a beautiful family that gave me the best year I could have wished for. My host family will be one of the warmest memories from this whole experience. I believe a life- long bond was formed: they took me in and treated as a family member and so did I.” GUODA LITHUANIA (NY)

Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 3 What host families say about ASSIST Scholars

“Our experience was a model of the best experience anyone could have. As the weeks progressed I marveled how we all got along; Larissa’s stay with us was seamless. I honestly felt she had grown up with us as family. We simply merged into a harmonious whole. Recently her parents came and stayed with us for three weeks and once again we were amazed to discover that we had become one large family on two continents. We are very grateful to ASSIST for bringing us together.” The Leach Family, California

“Our experience as a host family was extremely gratifying. Our ASSIST student was clearly thoughtfully chosen and was well prepared to spend a year in a foreign culture. All in all, a wonderful experience for her and a wonderful experience for our family. She will be forever in our hearts.” The Reddy Family, Ohio

Why choose to host an ASSIST Scholar? “Our family experience was a positive experience and one we hope to indulge in again in the future. Diego will always be a part of our family. No matter the time that passes, Living successfully and happily in the 21st century means becoming a skilled he will always be welcome home and we hope to visit his home in Spain someday. My global citizen – and helping others to do the same. Hosting an ASSIST Scholar middle son really took to Diego and they will forever be friends and brothers. We miss means the following: him already!” The Baker Family, Pennsylvania

• Become a citizen of the world without leaving your home. “We have hosted a total of three ASSIST students during our daughter’s high school • It takes a family to help raise global citizens. years. They are Laura from Zaragoza, Spain, Paula from Madrid, Spain, and Lea from • Expose your own kids to a larger world and change your family’s dinner Düsseldorf, Germany. Each student has been absolutely outstanding, and our only conversation. regret is that our daughter has now graduated, so we will not be hosting a fourth.” The Smith Family, California • Who do you think will learn more – you or the student you host?

• Be confident knowing you’re hosting a Scholar who’s been closely vetted. “While I was in Germany visiting Philipp’s family, they expressed such profound • You’re not in it alone – ASSIST and your school are ready to help. gratitude to me for having served as a host family because they said without people like me the program was impossible. I hadn’t quite thought of it like that because to me, being a host family was just one of the greatest things that our family ever did.” The Ramirez Family, Texas

4 www.assist-inc.org Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 5

ASSIST Countries 2017/18

Australia Hungary Serbia Austria Italy Slovakia Bulgaria Lithuania Somaliland Cambodia Moldova Spain Croatia Netherlands Sweden Czech Republic New Zealand Turkey Denmark Palestine Vietnam Germany Poland

ASSIST Member Schools 2017/18

Albuquerque Academy, NM Indian Springs School, AL , PA The Baldwin School, PA , ME Sidwell Friends School, DC , MA , NH St. Albans School, DC Bryn Mawr School, MD Laguna Blanca School, CA St. Andrew’s School, DE Canterbury School, IN Lancaster Country Day School, PA St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, TX Carolina Day School, NC Laurel School, OH St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, TN Catlin Gabel School, OR The , NJ St. Catherine’s School, VA Chadwick School, CA Linden Hall, PA St. Christopher’s School, VA Chatham Hall, VA The , CT St. Mark’s School of Texas, TX What are the primary responsibilities Christ School, NC The , NY St. Paul’s School, NH , IN Maumee Valley Country Day School, OH St. Timothy’s School, MD of a host family? , MA Mercersburg Academy, PA Stoneleigh-Burnham School, MA Most families instinctively know what is right and proper according to the Darlington School, GA Miss Hall’s School, MA The Stony Brook School, NY circumstances, but families always ask ASSIST about what is expected and for advice on , MA North , IL Stuart Hall School, VA Episcopal High School, VA , NJ , CT how to maximize their experience with their host child: The , CT , NJ The , CT • Provide the student with a safe, welcoming, and supportive home environment. Foxcroft School, VA Perkiomen School, PA Tower Hill School, DE Friends School-Baltimore, MD Andover, MA Trinity Preparatory School, FL • Welcome the student as a member of your family and try to integrate him or her Garrison Forest School, MD , NH Wasatch Academy, UT Girls Preparatory School, TN , NJ The Waterford School, UT into all aspects of family life. Greenhill School, TX Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, GA Wayland Academy, WI • Provide room and board for the student and a place to study. All students must have The Gunnery, CT Sage Ridge School, NV Waynflete School, ME Hawken School, OH Saint Andrew’s School, FL Webb School, TN their own bed, and if sharing a room, it should be with a child of the same gender , ME Salem Academy, NC Westminster School, CT and of a similar age. , PA , CT Westtown School, PA The Hockaday School, TX Sandia Preparatory School, NM Woodberry Forest School, VA • Provide transportation to and from the school. The , CT Savannah Country Day School, GA , PA • Encourage the sharing of ideas to help your student learn about American culture and to help your family learn about the student’s culture.

• Voice concerns and questions regarding the student to the host school’s ASSIST Representative and/or to ASSIST staff.

6 www.assist-inc.org Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 7 During Orientation, students participate in ice-breaking and team-building exercises, travel to Boston (where they walk the Freedom Trail, learn about our nation’s history, and sight-see in Quincy Market), have fun, and use their English skills. A day of classes is designed to orient students to the experience and to answer the many questions they may have about school expectations, living with a host family, rules, managing stress, time management, and making friendships. A highlight of the orientation is a “Traditions of our Cultures” evening in which students share their many talents: singing, dancing, playing instruments and having great fun.

What support does ASSIST provide to families? It will not surprise you when we suggest that not every day will follow flawlessly upon the previous one! Intercultural exchange, and opening your home to someone previously unknown to you, will create stress, and you may find yourselves in need of ASSISTance. While the answers may well be found within your family or your school community, please think of ASSIST and the school as your partners throughout the time your student is in your home. The ASSIST Representative at school, as well as administrators and other faculty, will act as resources throughout the hosting period, but you will also be able to call upon ASSIST if you encounter difficulties for which you are unprepared. We have 48 years of organizational experience in the field, and those resources might be helpful to you. Most host family experiences do not require ASSIST’s help, but please know that we stand ready to help if the situation arises! ASSIST Scholars are provided numerous materials to help prepare them for their exchange year, and they also attend a pre-departure orientation in their respective countries. Upon arrival, each student will also participate in the ASSIST Orientation program held at in Pomfret, CT. It is a four-day program designed to allow students to begin their assimilation into American culture, to draw strength from experienced staff members, and to prepare for the year ahead.

8 www.assist-inc.org Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 9 Frequently asked questions about hosting an ASSIST Scholar How long will we host the student? A family may host a student for his or her entire stay in the U.S., which is approximately 10 months, or for a shorter period, such as for a half year, a semester, or during vacation periods. Please inquire with your school’s ASSIST Representative regarding the time period options for hosting. We understand that there will occasionally be times during the hosting period when your family may need to travel for a weekend or a school break without your ASSIST student. In these cases, the ASSIST Representative will help make arrangements for the student to stay with another family during the time that you are away.

What is the financial commitment for a host family? ASSIST host families are not compensated financially, but you may be entitled to a $50.00 per month Federal tax deduction for the period of time during which you host your ASSIST student. ASSIST students are expected to finance out-of-pocket expenses, but families hosting students will incur some additional expenses related to having a teenager join their family (e.g. meals, entertainment, and travel). What happens if our student gets sick or injured? All ASSIST students must be covered by a health insurance plan throughout their exchange year that will cover medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, x-rays, hospitalization, etc. Most students elect the plan offered by ASSIST, but a few students will be covered by other plans. Prior to hosting, ASSIST will provide each host family with information regarding their student’s health insurance coverage.

What happens if a placement doesn’t work out? The ASSIST Representative, in coordination with ASSIST staff, will work with the host family and student to try to resolve misunderstandings and other issues that may arise. Most of the time, misunderstandings can be resolved with the help of an objective mediator. If the ASSIST Representative and ASSIST staff determine that a situation cannot be resolved, or if there is an unexpected change in family life, the ASSIST Representative will work to secure another placement for the student.

10 www.assist-inc.org Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 11 What difference can a year make? What difference can you make in a year? The members of the ASSIST Class of 2016/17 distinguished them- For the academic year, 68% of the Class submitted High Honors work. In ad- selves in many arenas of school life, beginning with their achievements in the dition, 26% of the Class submitted work at the Honors level. Combined, 94% classroom. Studying at America’s most demanding secondary schools, they of these Scholars were High Honors or Honors level students during their performed at a dazzling level. American year.

Carlota Corbella, Spain, Hotchkiss School (CT) First Honors. The Charles E. Berry Award, Filip Flenhagen, Sweden, (MA) High Honors. Community service presented “to the members of the cross country team who live up to the code of the runner in that at Camp Starfish (children with intellectual disabilities). Member of Model UN and Chinese Clubs and he or she neither boasts of victory over a worthy opponent nor excuses defeat.” Winner of the New wrote for the student newspaper. Acted in the Senior-directed play. Lettered in Varsity and England Division I Cross Country Championship and champion in the New England 3000 meters. Varsity Soccer. Honorable mention by the Independent School League Council for contributions to the Member of Astronomy Club, Saxophone Quartet, Outing Club, El Club (Spanish club), Woods Squad, Belmont Hill soccer team and Second Team All-ISL Soccer selection. and Club Swim. Lettered in Varsity Track & Field and in Varsity Cross Country. “My year at Belmont Hill exposed me to opportunities that one can only dream of. “The ASSIST experience has prepared me for life. After this year I feel more ready to Belmont Hill and ASSIST are by far the most interesting and inspiring communities face challenges with positivism and enthusiasm, to adapt to unexpected situations, and that I have ever encountered; two communities in which each individual does not only to appreciate the richness of any culture. Now I know that, regardless of where I end up, work hard for his, or her, own progression, but moreover helps and encourages others ASSIST will have been key to my future.” to reach their goals. Being a part of the ASSIST program allowed me to explore and learn from a foreign culture; furthermore, my ASSIST year helped me understand who Jannis Stöter, Germany, Woodberry Forest School (VA) Walker Scholar (min. GPA I am and what I believe in. The students, teachers, and members of ASSIST that I have 4.00). Princeton Book Club Award: “Awarded to a 5th former who has exhibited outstanding met this year, are people who I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life, both as leadership and academic capabilities as well as substantial contributions outside of school in a friends but also on a more professional level.” leadership capacity.” Lettered in Varsity Soccer and Varsity and was Varsity Assistant Coach. Member of International Forum, acting and directing class. Cast member in fall and spring Isabel Byrne, Australia, Hathaway Brown School (OH) High Academic Honors (GPA of plays, and took vocal lessons; arranged for Holocaust survivor Esther Bauer to address the school. 4.39). Lettered in Varsity and contributed strongly to the dance program. Joined service trip to Nicaragua. Member of Hathaway Brown Orchestra and Choir, winner of HB Talent Quest, and “With ASSIST I embarked on a journey unprecedented in my life. I learned how to look out for opportunity, where to find it, and how to take advantage of it. I realized sang a solo at the internationally acclaimed Nighttown Jazz Club. how much potential there is in the world and comprehended what it means to think “I am so grateful to ASSIST for opening grand doors to me. I reflect upon how I almost critically. My year truly was a life-changing experience and it makes me proud to didn’t apply for an ASSIST scholarship, thinking I would not be accepted into such a consider myself a Woodberry boy and even prouder to be part of ASSIST.” prestigious programme, and I am thankful everyday that I took the chance! ASSIST has given me a global perspective—I now view the world with a stronger understanding Bilyana Georgieva, Bulgaria, Greenhill School (TX) High honors. Outstanding Accom- and awareness of issues outside the comforting borders of my own country. As this plishment in AP Statistics Award, Excellence in Physics Book Award, History Book Award, Theater world becomes increasingly smaller, global citizenship and participation is imperative. My ASSIST year has broadened my outlook to how many opportunities exist for this Award, and Dance Award. Cross-country team, dance company, spring musical. generation. When we muster the courage to pursue every lead, absolutely anything is “My ASSIST year broadened my perspective in so many ways and helped me define possible, and it is such a privilege to have developed this confidence through ASSIST. myself as an individual. I met so many wonderful people whom I now call my second Thank you for believing in me.” family, and I know this wouldn’t have been possible without this exchange. Even though this invaluable experience went by too quickly, it left a permanent mark on my heart, and I will be forever thankful to ASSIST!”

12 www.assist-inc.org Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders. 13 ASSIST central staff International Headquarters Suffield, USA

Leadership of ASSIST Robert A. Stanley, Jr. — President (appointed 2000) Mr. Stanley served in American independent schools for 13 years and has previous experience in the corporate world. Mr. Stanley is a graduate of Suffield Academy, Applying to be a host family Brown University and Yale University Divinity School. We are seeking families from within the school community who see this as an J. Martin Milne — Vice President (2009) opportunity to grow and develop new perspectives while providing a loving and Mr. Milne served in independent schools in the and abroad for 13 years suitable home for the ASSIST scholar. and is a graduate of , Deerfield Academy, St. Lawrence University and State University of Albany. The ASSIST Representative at each member school is responsible for initial recruit- Anne C. Stanley — Director of School and Family Relations (2000) ment of host families. Once nominated, all families will be asked to submit host Mrs. Stanley began her career in the corporate world, served two independent schools family application materials to ASSIST (available for download on our website) that over the course of 8 years, and has been with ASSIST over the course of 18 years. She provide a detailed summary of the family and living environment. We will also ask is a graduate of Syracuse University. each family to submit personal references, and to undergo criminal background checks for each household member age 18 and over. Prospective families in day schools will be also be visited by the school’s ASSIST Representative to conduct an U.S.-Based Staff and Volunteers in-home interview. ASSIST will process and review these applications, then contact In the U.S., a professional staff of twelve supports ASSIST Scholars from selection you regarding your approval as a host family. and placement through their exchange year. Each member school appoints an ASSIST Representative to liaise among Scholar, faculty members, host families and Our host family application protocols are guided by the standards set by the Council natural families. ASSIST Scholars enjoy extraordinary support throughout their initial on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and by the regulations exchange experience and, increasingly, as alumni and members of the worldwide established by the Department of State that prioritize the health, safety, and welfare ASSIST Family. of all exchange students.

For further information or questions, please contact your school’s ASSIST ASSIST Overseas Leaders Representative, or reach us directly at our office. In addition to staff in ASSIST’s international headquarters in Suffield, CT, the organiza- tion maintains a part-time employee or volunteer leader in 20 countries. Our colleagues promote the program, prescreen candidates, prepare and orient the students, and ASSIST e-mail: [email protected] provide support during the placement year. They keep ASSIST abreast of important 68 Bridge St. Suite 213 phone: 860-668-5706 national trends and serve both ASSIST and member schools as liaisons to families Suffield, CT 06078 fax: 860-668-5726 throughout the exchange year. web: www.assistscholars.org

14 www.assist-inc.org ASSIST is a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status incorporated in Vermont. ASSIST is designated by the United States Department of State as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program. ASSIST is able to facilitate the issuance of the J-1 visa under which our students study in the U.S. for one academic year on Exchange Visitor status.

ASSIST does not discriminate, nor does it condone harassment on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other basis proscribed by applicable policies or laws.

ASSIST Today’s scholars. Tomorrow’s leaders.

American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers

P.O. Box 969 Telephone: (860) 668-5706 Suite 213, Suffield Village Facsimile: (860) 668-5726 68 Bridge Street [email protected] Suffield, Connecticut 06078 USA www.assistscholars.org

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