PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

Aya on International Education Week

Hi, I’m Aya from Jordan. I’m a YES program student in Washington, and my experience so far has been absolutely amazing. I love being involved in the community around me—whether it’s at school or while volunteering it’s all absolutely great!

However, IEW was one of the best things I’ve experienced so far. I really wanted to make the best of it, so I did five presentations in a row in a U.S History class in my school. I made 100 cups of a traditional dessert called laiali el lubnan, and I gave away souvenirs from my country. I absolutely loved sharing my culture and giving people the big picture of what my country is like and what the people of my country are like. I also loved answering all the questions students had. Although I was nervous in the beginning, the support of my teacher and friends made it easier for me. I loved every single bit of it. It was such an awesome and fun experience! 

—Aya (YES, Jordan), hosted by the Robertson family (WA)