Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

CITIZEN EXCHANGES –
YOUTH PROGRAMS DIVISION
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American Serbia & Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE)

Programming Components

A-SMYLE students arrive in the United States.

Orientations
A number of orientations are provided for A-SMYLE students throughout the year. These orientations include discussing the goals of the program, teaching skills to deal with adjustment issues and cross-cultural issues, preparing them for their return, and informing students about alumni programming. An orientation for natural parents and U.S. host families is also provided. Orientations include a pre-departure orientation, a post-arrival orientation, a U.S. host family orientation, a mid-program orientation, and a closure and re-entry orientation.

Leadership Development
Opportunities in leadership development are provided throughout the year, which provide hands-on training in leadership skills to the participants. Local program activities, arranged in collaboration with placement organizations, also provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, expose them to models of leadership in various sectors of the community, and offer discussions of leadership issues.

Enhancement Activities
A-SMYLE students participate in non-academic activities outside the school setting so that program goals may be fulfilled. This includes outreach to the community for Americans to learn about Serbia and Montenegro; community service; education in such areas as citizen participation in government and in dealing with community problems (i.e. environmental protection, substance abuse, domestic abuse prevention, or homelessness); activities that expose participants to and increase their understanding of the diversity that exists in American society; and special events. Enhancement activities are educational in nature and are designed to provide students the opportunity for community and public service, as they promote an understanding of the role volunteering has in America.

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