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Global Link - AYA Online Newsletter - June 2004
In this issue:
AYA proudly announces our 2003-04 Host Family of the Year
I had the pleasure of organizing this year’s Host Family of the Year competition, and was delighted to read the many touching essays our students submitted. It is always difficult to select one essay as the “winning” essay because each student highlighted the special moments and memories they shared with their LC and family throughout the year. The AYA team individually read each essay and submitted their nominations for tallying. It is with great joy that I present this year’s “Host Family of the Year” award to the Estelle family of Kansas, nominated by Larisa Bekmetova, a FLEX student from Uzbekistan. The AYA team felt that this essay captivates the essence of cultural exchange: building bridges of understanding and acceptance. Larisa highlights her process of growth and change through the lessons of hard work, the challenges of personal independence, and the fruits of risk taking and discovery. -Bethany Davis, Regional Director To read Larisa’s essay, visit: http://www.academicyear.org/hf_of_the_year_larisa_0304.htm. There were many nominees for this competition. To see what some of our other students had to say, visit http://www.academicyear.org/hf_of_the_year_quotes_0304.htm. This month, the Country Spotlight features Hungary, located deep in the heart of central Europe. Covering 35,919 square miles, this country roughly equates to the size of the state of Indiana. While this nation is small in size, it boasts such a wonderful culture that it continues to attract visitors from all reaches of the globe. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was united in 1872 when the two cities of Buda and Pest joined together. Budapest is a city of great mystique and beauty. In fact, many refer to Budapest as “the Paris of the East.” While many Americans have not yet ventured this far into the heart of Europe, they are certainly satisfied to have done so once they arrive. Visitors can enjoy the luxuries of Hungary’s famous hot springs and Turkish Baths, the breathtaking castles and ruins, the fragrant aromas of fresh pastries and bread, and the delightful smiles of the Hungarian people. Hungary’s population is a mere 10.1 million inhabitants and approximately 10 percent of these people live in the capital city. Magyar, otherwise known as Hungarian, is the official language of Hungary (spoken by 98 % of the population), and is an intricate, complex language. As Western travelers will notice, English is quickly spreading throughout the cities of this country. German is also becoming more widespread throughout the nation as well. One thing is for certain: whether you speak a word of Hungarian or not, Hungarians will always show you a friendly smile and accommodate you with open arms. They are proud of their country and people and wish to share this beauty with others. Approximately two thirds of the Hungarian population is Roman Catholic, and this presence can be seen throughout the country with the nation’s spectacular churches decorating the landscape. Hungarians are very proud of their democratic history, as Hungary’s democratic practices far preceded many other European nations. Hungarian families typically consist of three to four in a household, as the cost of living in urban areas continues to increase. Hungarian women are following today’s westernizing trend, as nearly 80 % of these women work outside of their home. Men and women in Hungary are now sharing more household responsibilities and children are often asked to partake in household chores as well. Gulyás (goulash) is one of Hungary’s most popular food dishes. Pork and chicken are found in nearly every main dish as well as the familiar spice, paprika. The nation’s favorite sport is soccer and Hungarians also tend to be particularly interested in the fine arts as well. To learn more about Hungary’s great culture and traditions, why not host one of our wonderful Hungarian students in your home? Perhaps you would have the chance to visit your student in the future, and marvel at the wonders of this fabulous country. Please visit our student profile link at http://www.academicyear.org/students.htm to consider hosting one of our Hungarian students. Contact Keli at 800-322-4678 ext. 5164, or e-mail aya.info@aifs.org for more information about becoming a Host Family to any of our students. Join our Local Coordinator Team
Find out how you can change the world with us! Contact Keli at 800-322-4678 ext. 5164, or e-mail aya.info@aifs.org. To download the Local Coordinator application, click here: http://www.academicyear.org/lcapp.htm. AYA Quick Links
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Local
Coordinators help to make the magic of the international exchange
happen for students and families. Since our founding in 1967 by
Senator Robert Kennedy, AYA has grown to over 300 people working
to increase cultural understanding in communities around our country.
As an “LC”, you can earn many types of incentives, including
a trip to Dublin, Ireland in November! As a non-profit organization,
AYA believes in giving back to those who make the program run.