The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) and - PowerPoint Presentation

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The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) and Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) ProgramsSupporting your YFU Scholar Slide2

CBYXstrengthens ties between Germany and the United States

* jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag

FLEXpromotes respect for cultural diversity, friendship between the United States of America and Eurasia (former Soviet republics)

* funded by the U.S. Congress

YESpromotes mutual understanding between Americans and people in countries with significant Muslim populationsfunded by the U.S. CongressShared Program Objectives for Participants:Acquire an understanding of American society, people, values, culture, diversity, and respect for others with different viewsInteract with Americans and generate enduring tiesTeach Americans about your home country and cultureExplore and acquire an understanding of the key elements of US civil societyShare and apply experiences and knowledge in your home country as alumni

“The diversity of culture would be the one thing I miss because there is no other place in the world where you find it.” Asif from Pakistan

CBYX, FLEX, & YES PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Slide3

“This experience has changed my life forever. I am grateful to my host parents who taught me how to see the world differently, my American friends who helped me to stay optimistic during some hard times in the USA and my special “thank you” is for my host-sister […], because […] even

though we may not talk much when we are part, still I feel connected with her.”Oksana from Ukraine

FLEX & YES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

FLEX

YESAmerican Councils for International Education administers FLEX and YES as lead grantee with US Department of State

Recruitment:10 countriesLed by American Councils900 inbound students with 9 to YFU

Recruitment:45 countries

Led by

a consortium of organizations under American Councils

900 inbound students with 44

to YFU

Placement and

support:YFU and other placement organizations under American Councils Placement and support:YFU and other placement organizations under American Councils Slide4

“My main goals for this exchange year was, to understand the American culture better and to share my experiences with other people. I am gaining every day more experience and new things I have never heard before. I think that this second half of my exchange year is going to give me a quite a lot more experiences.”Lorenz from Germany

CBYX PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

CBYX

YFU USA is a prime grantee for CBYX with the US Department of State.

YFU USA partners with YFU Germany. Inbound – 57 students Outbound – 50 students YFU administers a portion of the CBYX program along with other placement organizations which have their own CBYX

grant. Slide5

Amy Ballard, NO, 202.774.5316Elizabeth Logsdon, NO, 202.774.5321Debbie Bledsoe, YES focused FD for Great Lakes and support to all regions. 248.468.9108

Registration Specialist Team: Chris, Emily, Tammy, Lori, Jillian

YFU Staff Resources

Staff Contacts:

Follow-up with American Councils on FLEX/YES applications, photos, missing documents, vaccinationsSingle/double/private school placement requestsStories and cultural resources relevant to FLEX/YES students’ countriesOutreach tips and suggestions for families and schools considering grant students Provide help with:Slide6

YFU CBYX, FLEX & YES scholars are part of YFU communities with all YFU students and comply with all YFU rules and policies in

:Passport to the USA & YFU Host Family Handbook

The CBYX, FLEX & YES programs offer special supports to

promote

scholars’ success:Pre-arrival Orientations (by FLEX & YES Programs)Cross-Cultural Resources (FLEX & YES)Financial Allowances (FLEX & YES)InsuranceMonitoringCommunicationsRequired Activities “After coming back from my FLEX year as an open-minded person with new ideas and interest in other countries and cultures, I did not want the wonderful experience of diversity and cultural exchange in my life to end.” Iryna from Ukraine

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAMSlide7

”In America we not only learn about American culture but we learn about so many different cultures. Here is cultural diversity, that’s why I am thankful for my YES program for such a great opportunity to learn about half the world and new ideas, new information that I couldn’t learn in my country.” Asif from Pakistan

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM

CROSS-CULTURAL RESOURCES

Imam Arafat, Director of Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundations (CECF)

Advises on cultural adjustment and Muslim practices; Meets with YES students at the arrival orientation in Washington, DC;Shares resources on Islam throughout the year with host families and students;YFU Community/Cluster LeaderMost FLEX & YES students have a community/cluster leader, who organizes enhancement activities for students placed in nearby communities. At least 60% of YFU FLEX & YES students are placed in communities/clusters.The Community/Cluster Leader supplements the Area Representative’s support to the host family and student regarding

program- and culture-specific issues.YES & FLEX Support Communications with Sending Partners YFU

Support Service Managers (SSMs) communicate with American Councils YES Support and OPS staff for FLEX for cultural insights and input from sending partner countries on adjustment issuesSlide8

“I saw myself as a tiny string of the network of exchange students knitted all over the U.S. and now as I stand here, I have realized my true potential as an element of change, joining hands with all the people who are trying to make a difference on their part, so they can foster better understanding for a better world and a brighter future.” Syeda from Pakistan

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM

CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: MUSLIM YFU SCHOLARS

Muslim student practices can vary widely depending on the home country and the student. Check with your student to determine his/her practices.

Faith practicesProvide a pet-free space with privacy to pray at home, such as the bedroom.Personal cleanliness is key to prayer time; discuss practices with your student. Opportunities to visit a mosque are welcome but not required.Be aware of religious holidays and ask your student how he/she celebrates. Example: Ramadan, June 18 – July 17, 2015, is a major holiday that includes daily fasting with an Eid celebration at the end. DietA special blessing and/or vegetarian options accommodate students who eat only halal meat (meat butchered according to Islamic law).Muslim students will not consume pork. Be sure to alert them when it is served or part of a dish as they might not recognize pork in some items, such as pepperoni.

Student may choose to follow a different diet than they observed in their home country.Slide9

”I celebrated Eid (a festival for Muslims) with my American host family who are Christians and gave them Henna tattoo and enjoyed Thanksgiving Holidays with them too. This month was filled with true cultural exchange along with a lot of fun and enjoyment.” Huma from Pakistan

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS:

NATURAL & HOST FAMILY ROLES/EXPECTATIONS

Life for youth in

some FLEX & many YES cultures is typically centered around family activities. Loyalty to the family can be a plus for placements OR students may need support to adjust to and engage in activities outside the family. Designated male/female roles in home cultures may prompt adjustment issues:Male students may need extra support to understand US male/female head of household roles. Female students are sometimes hesitant to engage and interact socially, especially around males, due to cultural norms.Slide10

“Never had I ever expected it to be this cold. The weather has been a huge culture shock for me but at the same time, doing winter activities like sledding, snow-tubing, ice fishing, while seeing snow for the first time in my life is indeed truly amazing.” Mayeesha from Bangladesh

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS:

PETS & ENVIRONMENT

Student from YES cultures may experience adjustment issues related to pets and environment.

Pets:Pets are not typical in all YES cultures.Dogs and cats might be only feral animals in their communities. Help students adjust over time. Slowly introduce the pet and allow for a pet-free space in the home.Many YES scholars come to treasure their host family’s pets over time. Environment:Dramatic differences in climate and architecture may require adjustment. Experiencing

snow for the first time may be wonderful; freezing temperatures and shortened daylight hours may be challenging. Abundant trees and shrubs may be unusual for some students.US homes made of wood “sound” different to students used to other structures.Slide11

”My beloved family….thank you for every thing this year. You took me in your house which is a great thing for you to do. I’ll always keep you in my heart and would never forget my moments with you.” Zeiadee from Israel

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: HOME COUNTRY CONCERNS

Internet/phone access

issues to

reach natural family in remote areas can cause students worry; American Councils is available to help facilitate these communications as needed. Political turmoil at home may trouble students; American Councils and State Department will provide helpful news updates from partners. Slide12

“This program taught me many things. It opens my eyes to see the world from totally different perspective, I see myself become more confident, independent, and aware about myself, people, community, and environment around me.” Intan from Indonesia

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM CROSS CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: ADDRESSING CULTURAL ISSUES

Misunderstandings

may arise due to the student’s

cultural background. Ask your student about his or her home country practices to avoid confusion and create opportunities for clarification on US practices Reference tools: Common Cultural Traits in FLEX Countrieshttp://yfuusa.org/media/FLEX_Lounge/CommonCulturalTraitsinFLEXCountries.pdfCommon Cultural Traits in YES Countrieshttp://yfuusa.org/media/yes_lounge/CommonCulturalTraitsinYESCountries.pdfCommon Cultural Traits for CBYX StudentsSlide13

“The school dances - prom and homecoming - were great because it is totally different aspect of teenage life which is unfortunately not present in our part of the world.” Asif from Pakistan

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM

FINANCIAL ALLOWANCES & INSURANCE

Stipends (FLEX, YES only):

Intended to provide a typical US teenage experience$125 monthly stipend – $250 is paid bi-monthly to students from YFU National Office $300 incidental allowance for school supplies, sports and club activities is receipt-based reimbursement to student or host parent from YFU National Office Students might not need assistance to budget their allowancesMedical/Accident Insurance (FLEX, YES, CBYX):YFU CBYX, FLEX & YES scholars are covered by the US Department of State ASPE medical planAdministered by Seven Corners Arrival packets mailed by YFU to host family and YES scholar upon arrival with ID cards and plan materials C

ustomer Service: 1.800.461.0430/Website: http://usdos.sevencorners.comSlide14

”A lot of people have influenced me, taught me something, and became part of my life during this year, especially my host family… I know I will never thank them enough for what they have done for me. I have a lot of other people that have supported me a lot too: from my YFU area reps, to the awesome teachers, and my awesome friends.” Aicha from Senegal

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM

MONITORING

These measures provide timely feedback and appreciation to our families and communities:

Visits & Telephone Contact: YFU Area Representative contacts student and host family monthly American Councils or US Department of State staff visit 20% of students/host families/schools (scheduled at convenience of host families) (FLEX, YES only)American Councils staff check in via bi-monthly telephone calls to students & families (FLEX, YES only)Surveys: Students self-report to YFU via brief online monthly surveyQuarterly reports:YFU collects Area Representative, Field Director, and Community/Cluster Leader feedback to share with American Councils and US Department of StateYFU Support Calls: Monthly conference call for Community/Cluster Leaders, Area Representatives, and Field Directors with YFU National Office staff to share updates, resources, and questions

(Calls for FLEX, YES & for CBYX)Slide15

Required activities provide opportunities for scholars to:Give back to the community and schoolDevelop leadership skills

Explore civic education and US cultureCommunity

Service (20 hours minimum required)Volunteer work in community and school

Ex

: food pantry, animal shelter, tutoring, promoting exchangeEnhancement Activities (5 required) (funding provided for FLEX & YES only)Diverse local activities planned by YFU community/cluster leader/AR/YFU field Ex: state capitol visit, interfaith celebrations, election observation LeadershipSchool clubs and community engagementEx: student government, clubs,

leadership workshopsService Days (required participation) International Education Week, November

2015Ex: cultural presentation, food demonstration, arts performance

Global Youth Service Day, April 2016Ex

: park clean-up, assisted living companion, blood drive helper

”It surprises me how everyone is so involved in activities and they keep themselves busy. It surprises me how schools have so many club you can join and how teenagers here make their life productive by participating in a lot of activities.”

Klea

from Albania

YFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM REQUIRED ACTIVITIESSlide16

YFU FLEX & YES scholars will have opportunities to compete for a scholarship to attend leadership workshops in the spring sponsored by American Councils. Topics include civic education; teaching English, and social media.YFU USA also offers YFU FLEX & YES

scholars a competitive application to participate in the Better Understanding for a Better World,(BUBW) an interfaith, intercultural conference in Baltimore, Maryland in the

springUp to 30% of YFU scholars may

attend

Area Representatives and Community/Cluster Leaders may apply to participate as chaperones** Funding limitations do not provide these opportunities for CBYX ”And the BEST thing that ever happened to me here in the US, the BUBW Conference, I will NEVER forget those days. Thank you to YFU for giving me that opportunity, it was a wonderful, incredible experience for me. I met people from more than 35 countries and made friends in one day, we became a family so fast.” Ndeye from SenegalYFU SCHOLARS ON PROGRAM LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIESSlide17

YFU CBYX, FLEX & YES PROGRAM RESOURCES

For staff, volunteers, students, and HFs:Student Required Activities Booklet

(program specific)Q&A for YFU ARs, Community/Cluster Leaders, Host Families

(YES, FLEX)

FAQ for YES Host Families (YES)Facts about Islamic Calendar (YES, FLEX) ASPE Insurance ID card and handbook (CBYX, FLEX, YES)YES Country Handbooks: Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Southeast Europe, Thailand,TurkeyFLEX Country Profiles: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine

Find resources on YFUUSA.org and my.yfu: http://

yfuusa.org/international-students/cbyx.phphttp://

yfuusa.org/international-students/yes.phphttp://

yfuusa.org/international-students/flex.phphttp://

my.yfu.org/dept/adreg/FDLounge/HFRecruit_eKit1.htm-

See Grants TabSlide18

CBYX, FLEX, YES Placement Resources

Promoting School Enrollment & Hosting US Department of State support tools

School Administrator Letter thanks schools for enrolling a grant student and names YFU as a partner in these programshttp

://

yfuusa.org/media/CBYX_Lounge/DOSGrantsSchoolAdministratorLetter.pdfSchool Administrator Handbook helps school staff understand the students can be unique assets to and contributing members of your school. http://yfuusa.org/media/Education/A-SMYLE-CBYX-FLEX-YES-SchoolAdministratorsHandbook2014.pdfMedallion Program Recognition for high schoolshttp

://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/host-high-school-student/high-schoolsHosting videos (focus on YES)

http://yfuusa.org/host-a-student.php

http://yfuusa.org/host-a-student/opportunities/youth-exchange-study-yes.php

Program Specific Websiteshttp://discoverflex.org/

http://

www.yesprograms.org/impact/story/halloween-remember

http

://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/Slide19

Placement Considerations Non-traditional or Private Schools:

CBYX, FLEX, YES do not cover private school tuition

Placement in a non-traditional or private school requires Dept of State consent and NP consent for religious schoolsHF Member Considerations:

Conservative partner countries under YES may be less open to male teen siblings for

female students, same sex, and single adult placements. Communications with YES Support can help facilitate these placements.HF/IS communications:CBYXPlacements are sent via YFU Germany and AISNo special lead time for IS and HF to communicateFLEX and YESPlacements are sent via AIS only7 days from placement entry in my.yfu before HF can communicate with IS**AIS is central data base for all CBYX, FLEX, YES placements, administered by American Councils for Department of StateSlide20

CBYX, FLEX, YESGrant students bring to YFU USA…

Increased diversity of YFU students – cultures, faiths, race, country of origin – for benefit of YFU HFs, schools, volunteers, and staff

A voice in the collaboration and conversations with other exchange organizations

Stronger relationships and support of Department of State programs