During your time abroad, we encourage you to visit the student section of our website often. This section is filled with great information that will help you stay connected with Ayusa throughout the year. Whether you are planning on going on a trip over spring break, need to validate your transcripts at the end of program, or want to enter one of our student contests, the student section has all the resources you need. For further information on cultural adjustment, living with your host family, academics, your safety, and rules and support while on program, please click here to read the Participant Handbook.
You can also read stories about what other Ayusa students are doing across the country during their year or check out the ‘Host Family of the Month.’ We love hearing about your experiences as exchange students. To submit your story to Ayusa email news@ayusa.org
Ayusa and the Department of State take foreign exchange student safety, well-being and successful participation in our program seriously. If an issue with an exchange student in the U.S. arises, please let your Community Representative know. Ayusa’s 24-hour phone number is 1-800-727-4540 and you may also send an email to studentsupport@ayusa.org. The Department of State can also be reached toll-free at 1-866-283-9090 or by email at jvisas@state.gov.
Getting the Most Out of Your Cultural and English Experience
Upon arriving to the U.S., full immersion in American culture and the English language can sometimes seem overwhelming. Below are some resources to help you think creatively about the ways in which you can overcome any cultural, linguistic and other challenges posed by this immersion and ultimately enhance these aspects of your exchange experience while in the United States. Culture Shock: A description of the various stages of adjusting to a new culture.
Dealing with Culture Shock: Advice on overcoming culture shock and avoiding homesickness.
Benefits of Studying Abroad: These benefits serve as a reminder about what an amazing experience this can be!
American Culture: A quick look at some of the key characteristics of American culture.
Safety Tips: Important safety tips for students on program.
English Language Statistics: Some interesting facts about the English language.
Expanding Your Vocabulary: Memorization techniques to help you increase your vocabulary.
Idioms: These are some fun and more commonly used English expressions.
Instructive English Language Websites: A list of websites that can help you perfect your English skills.
Word of the Month
This section provides advanced vocabulary words for students on program. Advanced words recently integrated into the English language through an official listing in the Oxford English Dictionary are chosen on a monthly basis. For a comprehensive list of all recently added words and their meanings, click here.
March
Man cave (noun): humorous
Definition: A room or other part of a home regarded as a refuge for the man or men of a household.Example: A man cave is often equipped with a pool table and pinball machine.
