American Councils is pleased to introduce A-SMYLE ( the American Serbia & Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange Program). This program is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and supported by the Ministry of Education of Serbia and Montenegro. It is administered by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, working in cooperation with Belgrade's Civic Initiatives. Fifteen students will arrive in January 2006 and stay for one semester, while 95 will arrive for the 2006-07 school year .

The goals of the program are: 1)to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Serbia and Montenegro; 2)to develop a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community development among youth; 3)to assist the next generation of Serbia and Montenegro to develop the qualities it will need to fulfill their aspirations for change in the 21st century.

We are looking for families willing to host who are able to provide students with a loving and supportive environment, a place to sleep (sharing a room is okay), meals and snacks, as you would normally provide a member of your family and a quiet place to study. All types of English speaking families are welcomed including those with teenagers or younger children in the home, retirees, "empty nesters," and single parent families.

What are the benefits for you to host?
? Partake in historic programs sponsored by our government.
? Share our culture with people from other countries.
? Create positive impressions about America and Americans, breaking stereotypes.
? Learn about cultures of the world on a personal level.
? Receive a $50/month tax deduction.

American Councils provides the following for students:
· $175 incidental fund
· $100 emergency fund
· $125 monthly stipend
· medical insurance

Upon the students’ return to their home country, the program will continue to support them with follow-up and alumni activities so that they may apply their experiences in the United States to their lives in Serbia and Montenegro

To learn more about the program, please visit:
http://www.americancouncils.org or call 1-800-621-9559 or email inbound@americancouncils.org