As the world becomes smaller as a result of technology, learning about other cultures becomes so much more important. That’s why cultural exchange programs like Academic Year in America (AYA) are essential.
How exactly do these programs make an impact, though? There are countless ways… but we’ve simplified the list.
Here are 3 ways cultural exchange programs help to change the world.
1. They Embrace Diversity
Cultural exchange programs embrace diversity – and, by doing so, foster love and understanding.
Programs like AYA celebrate how big and diverse our world is. When a community welcomes an international student, they start a new chapter of celebrating differences.
Similarly, students from other countries celebrate American cultural differences, too. Ayesha, an AYA student from Pakistan, reflected on her time in the USA saying, “It is totally something beyond my vision. Loving the USA with the cores of my heart.”
2. They Create Lasting Connections
Through cultural exchange programs, people connect with another part of the world. While these programs have a formal start and end, this connection continues long afterwards.
Former AYA host mom Melissa said, “Hosting an exchange student is gaining a lifelong family member.” Some AYA host families even “swap” the exchange by visiting their student’s country after they return home. Robb, AYA host father from Ohio, explored Germany recently with his former students – an experience he never would have had without a cultural exchange program experience.
3. They Encourage Global Curiosity
Cultural exchange encourages global curiosity by taking people out of their local “bubble.”
AYA unites international students and American host families by allowing them to explore a part of the world they’ve always been curious about. It helps people see that there’s always more to learn, and that there are always exciting “firsts” to experience.
With this in mind, it’s clear to see how cultural exchange programs leave their mark. They transform the world into a more appreciative, loving, and captivating place.
Want to discover how cultural exchange programs change the world? Find out more about hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA).
[…] cultural exchange occurs when students or athletes from one nation travel to another to learn about diversity and promote mutual understanding. Your school might have such a program — you may have heard of […]