The Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) is excited to offer individuals and families the opportunity to participate in an international program this fall, as homestay hosts for a weekend!
UConn's GTDI will welcome 21 college student leaders from Southeast Asia (Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Philippines) to participate in a five-week program to learn about the U.S., economic development, and social entrepreneurship. The students will then apply the skills learned in the program to address challenges back in their home countries. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) (https://youngsoutheastasianleaders.state.gov/about-yseali/) aims to strengthen leadership development in areas of social entrepreneurship. All of the students in the program are fluent in English and were selected by the U.S. Department of State.
Throughout the program, students live in on-campus housing, with the exception of a weekend homestay. GTDI is seeking families and individuals to host 1-2 students each for a “homestay” weekend, beginning Friday evening, October 21st through Sunday afternoon October 23rd. The goal of the homestay is for students to experience U.S. culture by seeing how residents live and spend their leisure time in this country.
The homestay is a unique cross-cultural opportunity to learn about regions in Southeast Asia and to develop new friendships. Please contact Kaitlin Troy at kaitlin.troy@uconn.edu or 860-486-0873 if you would like to participate or have questions. Thank you!