AYUSA is a non-profit 501.c.3 educational and cultural exchange organization with headquarters in San Francisco, California. Since 1980, AYUSA has provided opportunities for more than 37,000 students from the U.S. and around the world to live and study through our programs.

Description:
Student participants aged 15 through 18 learn about a new culture by living with a volunteer host family, making new friends, and studying at a local high school. Programs varying in length from summer, semester or academic year experiences are available depending on individual needs. The students' program is continually monitored and improved by an experienced staff of educators and overseas study specialists. AYUSA is designated by the United States Department of State as an official Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor. On the basis of materials submitted and reviewed, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel grants AYUSA full listing in the Advisory List.

History:
AYUSA International was founded in 1980 by John Wilhelm and Takeshi Yokota who, after many years experience in the international citizen exchange field, saw the need for a new approach to high school exchange.

AYUSA combines the idealism and spirit of traditional exchange programs with a professionally managed organization emphasizing youth leadership and attuned to the opportunities of a changing international community.

The purpose of AYUSA is to build bridges of cultural understanding among the world's most promising youth.

Contact people:

Whitney Fisher, Director, Community Outreach, (phone), (email) Cheryl Jordan, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

9204 Green Springs Circle Sanger, TX 76266 (See a map)