How is the Host Family selected?
ASAI Host Families are volunteers who are usually found through presentations to local church and civic groups. Prior Host Families also refer new families to us.
Why do families host?
There are many reasons. Some families want to give their children a chance to meet other young people from different countries. It is the opportunity to share the American culture wile learning about a foreign culture.
Will the student graduate from High School?
ASAI never promises a diploma. Some schools do allow students to graduate. The decision is always up to the school and often determined by school policies.
Can the student go back to his own country for a visit?
No. If a student leaves the US, he or she is terminated from the program.
When does the program end?
Five days after the school year end.
Can my student get a driver license?
Yes, under certain circumstances. The student has to be enrolled in an approved Drivers Educational program in their high school and must surrender their license to their Regional Director and never drive any automobile while in the ASAI program.
If a student has a problem, whom does he/she turn to?
ASAI has a network of Area Representatives who are there to help the students.
How often is a student checked upon by ASAI during his/her stay in the US?
ASAI requires that a Representative check with the student at least once a month.
What happens if a student gets sick?
All students have health insurance. In case of illness or other areas of concern, Host families treat the student if he/she were their own of course.
When will the student find out who his/her host family is?
After a family is found, ASAI notifies the sending International Representative. Then, the information is passed along to the student.
Who will meet the student at the airport?
Either the Host Family or the Area Representative will meet the student at the final destination airport.
Can the natural parents of the student come to visit him/her in the US during his/her stay?
We do not encourage this. If a family wishes to come, we recommend coming at the end of the program. It is neither wise nor polite to assume that the host family will be able to accommodate extra guests. The natural family should plan on staying at a local hotel.
May a student travel independently?
No. While on the ASAI program, a student may only travel with the host family, the ASAI rep or on a school or church sanctioned trip. Students may not leave their host community area to visit friends or relatives in other cities. From time to time ASAI approves trips provided by a certain tour operator who is experienced in dealing with foreign students. Information about these trips will be provided to students during their stay in the US. The Area Representative can provide complete and specific details about the ASAI policy for approved travel.
What happens if a student does not have sufficient English skills to handle the work in school?
Although ASAI carefully screens students for their ability to be successful in our program, from time to time a student experiences difficulty with English. ASAI may require that a student secure a tutor at the student's expense should a lack of English language skills prevent a student from succeeding in the program.