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Exchange Student Spotlight: Andi from Indonesia

June 1, 2017 AYA Leave a Comment

Exchange student Andi and her host sister

Today, we are delighted to present an exchange student spotlight on Andi from Indonesia. Andi’s host mom, Jocia, wrote in to share her pride and appreciation for her host daughter’s accomplishments as a high school exchange student in the state of New York. Andi is a great example of how AYA students are the best of the best!

Andi is our student from Indonesia. She has grown so much, and I could not be prouder! She came to us with a lot of unusual circumstances that would be quite difficult for anyone to deal with, let alone a teenager so far away from home. She managed to be so very brave.

Andi and her host family at an art show
Andi displays artwork

Andi had to trust us for guidance through a difficult time. On top of that, not unlike many students, she had very definite expectations. She had to rely on her training from the exchange programs, the teachings of her family and her religion to help her to adapt and make new expectations.

She also learned to let go and just enjoy experiences as they unfolded. It sounds like such a small thing, but it is not. Andi matured so much in such a small time!

Andi poses with the family cat
Andi and her host sister

Andi goes out of her way to accommodate anyone that wants her to do a presentation about Indonesia. I have personally witnessed people—who had certain beliefs or preconceptions about Muslim people—change how they feel after seeing her present herself and her country. So many people have said that her presentation was the best they had ever seen, and several were people from organizations that often have presenters.

Andi enjoying dinner with friends
Andi with a trophy
Andi and her beloved host family
Andi and her host sister enjoy tea time together with the family cat

Andi has embraced her school and become an integral part of Genesee Valley Central School. She has participated in softball, Robotics Club (Robojags), Yearbook Club, Lego League and more. Even so, she is also an Honor Roll student.

When we walk into school with Andi, it is as if she is a rock star. Everyone greets her and truly loves her—and all the younger kids run to hug her!

 

Andi and host sister attend a game together
Andi makes a heart sign with her hands

Again, I am so very proud. I could go on and on. We are blown away by how much we admire and love this girl. Andi is amazing!

Learn more about Academic Year in America and how you can host a fantastic student like Andi.

Host Families, Students Academic Year in America, cultural exchange, High school exchange, Indonesia, international education, muslim, new york, student spotlight

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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