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Introduction to AIDE
The Association of International Development & Exchange (AIDE)
is an educational travel company devoted to expanding the horizons
of people of all ages through experiencing another culture. Based
in Austin, Texas, AIDE was launched by Alliance Abroad Group (AAG)
CEO Victoria Lynden in 2007 to serve as a sister not for profit
organization of AAG to house all of AAG’s programs outside
the United States. AIDE has the mission of creating and advocating
cultural exchange experiences that link people of the U.S. and other
nations in order to construct "global bridges" to foster
cultural enrichment, community development and global dialogue through
international work and volunteer programs. We hope that with AIDE,
we may be able to reach more people, including those who might otherwise
never have the chance to benefit from such opportunities.
With more than 16 years experience and
through its affiliation with some of the world’s oldest
and most respected language schools and experiential education
programs, AAG serves as ideal model and platform from which
to birth a new, innovate organization such as AIDE. AAG has
helped thousands of people travel abroad, and we have high
expectations and dreams for AIDE to reach above and beyond
the programs AAG has traditionally operated. AIDE provides
interesting customized programs to students, young adults,
professionals, career breakers, retirees and everyone in-between
to work, teach or volunteer in many countries across the world.
AIDE prides itself in being able to offer program flexibility,
support, quality placements, an easy application process and
affordable prices.
AIDE encourages parents and family member involvement in loved ones’
programs. We are happy to answer any questions that may arise, and
have dedicated a section of our website just to parents at: http://www.aideabroad.org. Parents are welcome to contact AIDE at any time
with questions and concerns.
How our programs operate
Programs that take place outside of the USA are generally operated
by local partners based in those countries with whom we have developed
relationships over the years. These people understand the local
conditions in a way no outsider could, and they are very experienced
when it comes up to working with people from other countries. We
choose our partners carefully, and we develop clear guidelines of
what we and our clients expect from them.
The In-Country Coordinator, which is what we
call our overseas partners in the country in which you will be living,
is your immediate resource for any issues you may encounter. These
include:
* Accommodation difficulties
* Transportation challenges
* Working difficulties
* Culture shock
* Language/Cultural issues
The In-Country Coordinator is the person who
sets up your work/volunteer placement and arranges the accommodations.
They are in the best position to help you sort out any difficulties
with these issues.
Contact with AIDE while
overseas
While you should generally turn first to your In-Country
Coordinator for assistance, if you have any serious issues, or if
the In-Country Coordinator cannot resolve your concerns to your
satisfaction, it is important that you contact AIDE to let us know
of your concerns before an issue turns into a problem. We are your
advocate with the partner office, and if there is a dispute, we
can often help resolve it. This is particularly true if you feel
that you have not received services that were promised to you. If
we do not have documentation from you about what is missing or is
wrong, we cannot take action.
We want to hear from you during your stay! We require that all participants
check in with us within 48 hours of arrival. That can be done via
email, phone, also through our website at the following address
– http//: www.aideusa.org - but we also want to hear from
you throughout the program. We love receiving mass emails and photographs
of your travels.
Upon your completion of the program, we
ask that you fill out an evaluation form. Your feedback is
greatly appreciated and helps ensure a high level of placements
for future participants. You will be sent an evaluation form,
or may fill one out from our website.
Preparing for Your Program
Helpful links to Visa Information:
Australia
Argentina
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Ecuador
England
Guatemala
Peru
Spain
Thailand
Host Family
The majority of your time abroad will be spent living with a host
family. Host families offer an excellent insight into a country’s
culture, and are most often thought of as the best part of a participant’s
trip. When you first enter your new home it is likely that you and
the members of your family will feel awkward. Your family will be
wondering how they can make you feel comfortable, and you may feel
like a guest and wait until what you need is offered to you. These
thoughts and feelings are normal; give yourself a couple of days
to adjust. Your host family will be excited to host you and share
their culture with you, while learning about you at the same time.
Most of the host families for our programs come
from middle class socioeconomic backgrounds. Our In-Country Partner
has screened all host families. There should be no problems. However,
if problems do arise the first solution is always to communicate
with the family. If problems persist please contact your In-Country
Coordinator and the Outbound Program Coordinator at AIDE. We will
do everything we can to help! If the problem persists and cannot
be resolved, we will do our best to find you another host family
Your Host Family’s
“Culture Shock”
It is possible for some families to experience a form of
“culture shock” too. No one usually gives much consideration
to the way we do things. Each person assumes that the way of life
they have is “natural” or “right.” Both
you and your host family may feel your particular lifestyle is better
or more “right.” You may each feel defensive or protective
and it is important that you recognize and appreciate the differences.
Acknowledging that the other’s way of doing things is not
necessarily “wrong,” just “different,” is
important. Remember sharing cultures is one of the primary reasons
that you have chosen to come together in the first place.
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