US study a feast of culture
APPLICATIONS are being sought for the College Cultural Exchange Programme, which will see lucky territory students attending college in the United States and enjoying the many cultural and personal benefits of a host family experience.
This unique programme is organised by the ASPECT Foundation, a worldwide non-profit educational organisation set up by the US Information Agency.
ASPECT devotes its energies to helping students discover other cultures 'from the inside out' - giving them the opportunity to live with local families and attend school in the host country.
Since 1983, ASPECT has helped thousands of young people discover the US through quality home-stay experiences which can last from several weeks to a full academic year. In Hong Kong, Silkway Education Service is responsible for screening students with strong academic backgrounds and traits which suggest they can live independently.
Silkway Education Service executive Melody Chan said the programme was offered to young adults aged from 18 to 21. Over a 12-month period, students live with an American family and attend a US college.
Ms Chan said successful applicants would gain in-depth knowledge of American culture and community life, as well as experience which could help further studies and career.
'Throughout the stay in the United States, they live the life of an American young adult and learn more about America than they ever could in other travel situations,' she said.
'You live with an American family and join in their family activities. You also become involved in the life of the community and college outside the classroom.' Ms Chan said US colleges offered a wide range of courses. 'Students can choose several different subjects each term,' she explained. 'Most academic classes consist of three credit hours and students spend additional hours studying outside the classroom.' Ms Chan said that the host family experience was one of the most important elements of a successful exchange and families were chosen carefully.
The programme runs from mid-August to June.
A TOEFL test is mandatory for those applying. Students should have a minimum TOEFL score of 450 from a test taken in the past two years.
Application deadline for the 1996-97 programme is March 20. For more information call Silkway Education Service on 2736-6882.
