For the right individual, becoming a Local Coordinator with an exchange program is a wonderful way to grow a professional network by helping others. It is an opportunity to build meaningful friendships, mentor students and organize intercultural experiences in your community. As a Local Coordinator, you can share the best of life in the United States with deserving high school students from all around the world—and earn great opportunities to travel.
Is becoming a Local Coordinator right for you? Here is a quick checklist to help you decide:
1. The best Local Coordinators have a passion for cultural exchange and international education.
Passion is contagious and something Local Coordinators have in common. Experience in intercultural exchange, education, social work, family counseling and working with teenagers is advantageous. If you are an energetic, open-minded individual and equally as enthusiastic about sharing what makes your hometown special as you are to learn more about the bigger world around us, check Yes.
I care a great deal about cultural exchange and international education. __ Yes __ No
2. Being connected and actively involved in the local community are keys to success.
Networking within your home community is an important part of becoming a successful Local Coordinator. High level engagement is a major asset to communicate the value of the Academic Year in America program and build a strong referral network. Local volunteer work and experience within the educational community are great starting points. If you enjoy attending community events, using social media, and building relationships with individuals and organizations in your area, check Yes.
I enjoy building connections with people & organizations in my local community. __ Yes __ No
3. Effective communication skills are a must to be a successful Local Coordinator.
As a Local Coordinator, you will be communicating in both personal and professional capacities and must be able to balance your relationships as a mentor, mediator, colleague and, in many instances, friend. The ability to work with teenagers is a must. In person, over the phone, via social media, etc.—you should be willing to use all tools available for meaningful conversation. If you like to help people build connections and are comfortable providing leadership through effective communication, check Yes.
I have the ability to communicate responsibly as a source of friendship, support, leadership and training for students, schools, families and my community. __ Yes __ No
4. A spirit of fun-loving professionalism is notable among Local Coordinators.
Being a Local Coordinator is a great way to build friendships that often grow to feel like family, but it is still a professional responsibility. You can have a lot of fun getting involved with your community, enjoying cultural exchange and building your network, but at the same time, you must be able to draw the line between work and play. If you have a jovial personality, enjoy working with people and have the maturity to conduct yourself responsibly, check Yes.
I am a friendly ‘people person’ and very capable of being trustworthy and dependable in my dealings with others. __ Yes __ No
5. Local Coordinators must be organized, detail-oriented and responsible.
Building, coordinating and supporting a network of people requires a high level of responsibility, time management, organization and attention to detail. Local Coordinators must adhere to deadlines, prepare and submit paperwork, conduct orientation sessions for hosts and students, mentor and assist program participants, and stay up-to-date with their own training and development. If you are an organized individual with the talent to meet challenges and deadlines with a calm and sensible demeanor, check Yes.
I am level-headed and organized with excellent time-management skills and attention to detail. __ Yes __ No
So how did you do?
If you checked Yes in all five categories, congratulations! You may have what it takes to become an AYA Local Coordinator. If you want to learn more, the best way to get started is to complete this interest form.
Benefits to consider:
- Training on marketing, community outreach and mediation
- Opportunity to grow professionally
- Certification by U.S. Department of State, a professional credential
- Payment for each full year international placement you supervise
- International and domestic travel opportunities
- 24/7 support by AYA national office
Additional requirements to consider:
To become a Local Coordinator, you must be a minimum of 25 years old and pass a background check. You must be able to provide interim room and board for students in the case of emergencies, have reliable transportation and access to a computer and the internet.
Successful applicants will complete the Academic Year in America training program and U.S. State Department certification. College degree preferred.
The AYA Advantage: AYA shares America with the world by bringing foreign exchange students to the United States to live with American families and attend American high schools. Local Coordinators play a key role in fostering a positive relationship between the U.S. and our international neighbors. The AYA team is there to help you every step of the way.
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