Bring Brazil To Newtown

Somewhere in Brazil, there is a teenager dreaming about America. That teenager dreams of perfecting his or her English, sharing stories of life in Brazil that a Newtown family won’t see or hear on television or the Internet, and learning everything he or she can about American culture. But most importantly, that teenager dreams of becoming part of an American family, your family.

By bringing a Brazilian student into your home for 5 or 10 months, you can experience another culture without ever leaving your home. You can also develop a close tie to someone who genuinely wants to experience your way of life. Eric Via, a host father from Texas, recently hosted an exchange student, Christina. He said, “I know I was only her host father but I felt like I was her real father sometimes. We’ll never forget her, and I’ll cherish her stay with us.”

For more than 19 years, Academic Year in America (AYA), a program sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, has brought international students between the ages of 15 and 181/2  to the US. These bright young “ambassadors” of Brazil will arrive in August with full medical insurance, their own spending money, solid academic records and English skills – as well as great hopes.

In addition to the tremendously rewarding experience of helping make someone’s dream come true, you can earn up to $1,000 toward any number of travel abroad programs sponsored by AIFS. For more information on hosting a Brazilian exchange student, please call Danielle Carpino at 800/322-4678, ext. 5164, or e-mail dcarpino@aifs.com. You can also visit AYA on-line at www.academicyeaer.org.