Hosting Visiting Russian Students

American Councils of International Education is currently recruiting host families for the YEAR program, an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. This fall, two Russian students between the ages of 19 and 21 will be coming to Madison to spend the 2016-17 academic year studying at Madison College. Elizaveta and Veronika will be arriving on a competitive scholarship as a part of the first ever delegation of the YEAR Program. Designed to support person-to-person diplomacy and foster greater cultural understanding between the U.S. and Russia at a time of growing tension, the YEAR program (Year of Exchange in America for Russians) will provide full university scholarships to approximately 75 Russian students who have outstanding academic records, excellent English, and a strong interest in learning about U.S. culture. 

Two of these young people will be living with host families in the Madison community, and are excited about the opportunity to share their culture while learning about the American lifestyle. During their year, they will become members of local families while forming friendships at Madison College and in the general Madison community. They are involved leaders in their home communities, and are eager to explore new leadership roles during their time in the U.S.

Veronika is pursuing a degree in computer science and plans to work in IT someday. Her English is superb and has been honed through several years of study, including competing in the English Language Olympiads in her school and city. Elizaveta is studying English language & literature with a minor in translation studies, though her true passion is fashion. She hopes to one day open up her own fashion design business and to write a fashion blog.

Families and individuals as diverse as America itself can host YEAR students. We ask only that they be open to new cultural perspectives and ready to help a young student adapt to life abroad while providing a comfortable bed, a quiet place to study, daily meals, and friendly conversation. I have attached ​​​​a flier with more details about the program as well as the host family application. Anyone who is interested in learning more or in applying can contact me at juliannastohs@gmail.com or 608-515-0547.

Click here to learn more about the program or apply here!

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