Author: Project Coordinator

New Year and New You

Happy New Year! 2025 is here! Can you believe it? You are halfway through the school year. Where has the time gone?

It is time to reflect on last year and celebrate what you have done. Then, think about your goals for this year.

Why set goals?
1. They help you plan and prepare.
2. They can help reduce stress.

Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

Setting new goals is a way to plan for the new year and to count the cost of what you need to do to achieve your plan. 
Let’s start with the past and move into the future:


Celebrate your accomplishments
1. Learned about American culture, English, and new traditions.
2. Tried new things: foods, sports, activities, and making friends.
3. Improved study habits, grades and asking for help.


Reflect on What You Can Do
1. Talk more and watch less. Reduce your screen time on your phone or video games. 
2. Make good choices for food, sleep, exercise, and study time. 
3. Spend time with friends and family. 


Reset Your Goals
1. What do you want to accomplish? Start with three goals.
2. How can you show gratitude? Do something kind.
3. What fun activity would you like to do? Plan it.


Do you feel better about the year? Now, you are prepared to start the year in a good way with your new goals. We are proud of you! We pray that you continue to try your best and have fun.

Vicky is happy to start the New Year!

Coordinator of the Month

Ara Shishmanian is our Coordinator of the Month! This year, he has four students, all boys. He is excellent at meeting with them and checking on their wellbeing. He encourages them and finds additional support to ensure that the boys are learning and growing while they study in the U.S.

Student of the Month

Our J-1 Student of the Month is Inés! She is an excellent student and a hardworking athlete with a positive attitude. She makes friends easily and is always ready for new activities with her friends and host family. Help us to give congratulations to Inés!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to Rose, our F-1 Student of the Month!  Rose is very sweet, helpful, and thoughtful. She was nominated by her host mom who appreciates the extra time and effort that Rose gave to helping the family. We are thankful for you and proud of you!

Global Christmas Exchange

Merry Christmas! Is this your first Christmas season in the U.S. or one of many? It’s a special time of year with concerts, parties, shopping, gifts, cookies, lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. We celebrate Christ’s birth, sing carols, listen to holiday music, and spend time with family and friends. It’s a nice break from school too! We are happy that you are here to enjoy the sights, sounds, and joy of giving.

Your host family and friends are excited to share their Christmas traditions with you. Have you thought about sharing your holiday traditions with them?  

Here are some ideas for sharing your traditions with your host family:

Fun with Food

  • Cook or share a special dish from your country (Moon cookies, dumplings, tapas, seafood, pasta, Pho, or Christmas Cake). 
  • Go to a restaurant to talk about and share your favorite food.
  • Show a video or pictures of traditional holiday food and treats.

Holiday Activities

  • Create holiday decorations together (Lanterns, Stars, Piñatas, Chuang Hua Papercutting, Nativities).
  • Share a traditional song, dance, or story.  
  • Watch a movie or a documentary about your country.

Show and Tell

  • Talk about how your family celebrates a holiday. 
  • Draw or paint a picture of a holiday memory.
  • Dress in fun holiday clothing.

Gifts and Time Together

  • Spend time together. Getting to know you is a gift to your host family.
  • Teach part of your culture with a language or writing lesson.
  • Give a handmade ornament or a traditional gift.

Enjoy the Christmas season! Take time to learn more about each other and share your culture. For your host family, friends, and you, this Christmas is extra special because you are celebrating together.

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

Coordinator of the Month

Congratulations to Stephanie Moore! She is AHLI’s Coordinator of the Month. She writes great detailed monthly reports and adds fun photos of her students. This helps our international students’ agents and parents see glimpses into their lives here in the U.S. Also, she plans adventures to do with her four girls individually and as a group. We appreciate how well she cares for them!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to Gyeol! He is AHLI’s Student of the Month. He is a smart and outgoing dynamo who seizes every opportunity. He plays soccer, takes photos for the yearbook, sings in the choir and plays guitar. Plus, he was in his school play. We are happy that he is thriving!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to Morgan! She is AHLI’s Student of the Month. She is thriving! She loves adventure, is an excellent student, and a great athlete. Her fun, energetic, personality is a joy to those around her. We are thankful that she makes the most of every opportunity.

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