Anne

an international student on scholarship through ASSIST with their host family over the holiday season.

“During the holidays I was always hosted by nice families!” says Anne. The scholar from Webb School states, “I found so many new friends.”

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Aureja

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“ASSIST has inspired me to become a global citizen not only by scratching more and more countries off of my map, but also by becoming a part of the global ASSIST community, joining in on global projects as well as sharing my own culture. All of this has translated into me being in the IB…

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Baia

Photo of ASSIST Scholar Baia

“My words cannot describe the adventure and experience I had in the USA because of ASSIST. In Georgia, a lot of people I’ve met and had conversations with mentioned that I came back as an even more grown-up, independent, and confident individual, which is a sign of progress and self-development. Definitely, my worldview, perspectives, and…

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Berta

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“I’ve always wanted to study abroad to gain new experience and ASSIST gave me so much more than that. ASSIST really gives you your best fit school. I am certain that all of the experiences I am having will guide me later in life.”

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Caesar

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“So, why ASSIST? This year so far has been one of the best years of my life. I have experienced a new culture, new traditions and met so many new friends. This wouldn’t have been possible without ASSIST. ASSIST connected me with one of the finest academic institutions in the U.S. Here at Salisbury School,…

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Elen

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“I really want to encourage you to give it a shot because it’s really, really worth it.”

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Hedi

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“I found the application process both challenging and enjoyable, especially the interview part where you can meet with some very nice people from ASSIST. There can only be a positive outcome if you decide to apply. Do not hesitate because there is absolutely nothing to lose in just applying.” On ASSIST Member School, St. Timothy’s…

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Idil

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“If you are considering applying, I would highly suggest you do so. The program changed my life.”

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Krum

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“Because of ASSIST, I am able to live the dream of many kids around the world.”

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Lucie

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“I am experiencing best days of my life in my ASSIST school. I am very happy with my school and I don’t think there is a school that would make a better fit,” “The school year started with a great New Student Orientation Trip, where I got to meet my lovely roommate and many more…

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Nina

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“It was my dream to study abroad. I love meeting new people and learning new cultures and traditions. I really love the ASSIST community, they’re literally like my second family. I want to encourage you to give it a shot because it’s really, really worth it!”

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Petra

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“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities, growth, and invaluable experiences that your gift has afforded me.”

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Sophie

An ASSIST Scholar from Germany enjoyed her time with her host family in the United States

“From the very first moment, I’ve felt super welcome in my host family. My host sister and I have become extremely close. On Thanksgiving, in the morning, we all ran a 5k race following a tradition called the “Turkey Trot” which I had never heard of before. Sharing traditional food from my own culture with…

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Zhenya

photo of Zhenya

“I always wanted to do an exchange year and going with ASSIST was definitely the right decision. Not only are you given the opportunity to be at the leading schools around America, but you build lifelong friendships and relationships and become part of a big family.” On a highlight of her ASSIST year: “I attended…

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Ubah Ali

ASSIST Alumni from 2016, Ubah Ali

Ubah Ali is a social activist and educator from Somaliland, who campaigns against female genital mutilation. In 2020, she was listed by the BBC as one of the world’s most influential 100 Women. Featured in BBC’s 2020 World’s Most Influential Women Founder of Rajo: Hope for Somaliland Community  Co-founder of Solace For Somaliland Girls Foundation …

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Petra Bakosova

Petra Bakosova white woman with blond hair wearing a black top and a tan sweater

Petra Bakosova ‘05 lives in Chicago, where she works as Chief Executive Officer at Hull Tactical, leading a finance team and wearing multiple hats as a Financial Engineer / Portfolio Manager / Chief Executive Officer. She is ​​passionate about financial econometrics, statistical modeling and machine learning. Petra is a triathlete in her free time and…

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Pia Bungarten

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Director, Friedrich Ebert Foundation Refugee Counselling Program of the German Red Cross Head of UN New York Liaison Office UN Director of the International Dialogue Division

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Charles Cahn III

photo of Charles Cahn III

“ASSIST students make a memorable impact on Suffield Academy each year. Our community is enriched by the positive spirit and the many talents of our ASSIST Scholars. Suffield has long valued its relationship with ASSIST and enthusiastically supports the organization’s great work.”

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Adam Černý

Adam Cerny a white man with a mustache and beard wearing a shirt and sport coat

Adam is a dedicated student leader experienced in project planning, classroom management, and mentoring international students. He aims to apply leadership and management skills for collaborative team environments. He is an ancient philosophy reader, music enthusiast (Foo Fighters, Dream Theater).

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Paula Franke

Paula Franke blond woman

“I am working in a CyberSecurity position for both IT and OT, to gain further experience in the professional field and to prepare myself for what lies ahead after my degree.” Paula was an ASSIST Scholar at Albuquerque Academy in Albuquerque, NM in 2015/2016. She studied in Montreal, Canada on an exchange year in 2021/2022…

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Gustė Gurčinaitė

Gustė Gurčinait, ASSIST Alumni, from 2017

2022 Rhodes Scholar B.S., NYU Abu Dhabi  M.S., University of Oxford  Young Energy Ambassador for the European Union

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Robert Hershey

Robert Hershey

“Our ASSIST Scholars have made a tremendous impact on the life of our school and the way our students view the world. They arrive intent on making the most of every experience and depart having left an impressive mark on our school community.”

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Georgi Klissurski

ASSIST Alumni from Bulgaria, Georgi Klissurski

ASSIST is a life-changing opportunity, truly. My ASSIST year allowed me to explore the world, yet find what I most appreciate at home. It is a powerful experience for a young person that I wish for as many students as possible.

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D. Scott Looney

Scott Looney

“I have been working with ASSIST for almost 25 years, at two different schools, and have been thrilled with the caliber of student they provide, and the personalized approach they take to making sure each student/school match is good. ASSIST has been terrific in partnering with our school to ensure that the experience of the…

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Javier Moreno Marin

Jose Mareno Marin is wearing glasses and a sportcoat

Thanks to ASSIST I had the opportunity to study 11th grade at Saint Andrew’s Preparatory School, in Boca Raton (FL). After a wonderful academic year in the U.S., I returned to Madrid (Spain) to finish High School and soon after started my degree in industrial engineering. Some years later, I went back to the U.S.…

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Ola Nowak

ASSIST Alumni Ola Nowak from Poland who graduated from ASSIST in 2014

My experience with ASSIST taught me to say yes to opportunities that arise, as they may end up being life-changing and eye-opening, just like ASSIST year was to me.

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Philipp Raupp

Philipp Raupp

Former Real Estate Finance & Valuation Consultant at Wüest Partner Philipp Raupp was an ASSIST Scholar at St. Andrew’s Sewanee School in Sewanee, TN. He was an exchange student at University of Pennsylvania in 2021 and graduated from the University of St. Gallen class of 2022 | B.A. in Economics. He is currently a student…

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Kotryna Smith

Kotryna Smith is a blond woman wearing a black dress

Kotryna (Patapaite) Smith credits ASSIST for her professional career. While with ASSIST, Kotryna attended Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut. She connected with ASSIST alumna Aukse Jurkute ‘93, who became her mentor and helped her find Macalester College and pursue a career in investments. She would gladly mentor young ASSIST Scholars.

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Bessie Speers

“I have been in education for over thirty years and have been fortunate to welcome and get to know dozens of ASSIST scholars as part of school communities. All of these ASSIST students have been truly incredible people. While they are each unique individuals, coming from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures, what they share in…

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Jim Ventre

photo of Jim Ventre

“Please accept my most tremendous respect and gratitude for the commitment, due diligence, and leadership the ASSIST program has cultivated on behalf of our schools. Most significantly, ASSIST is inextricably linked with our need to invite a more diverse student body to our communities. With limited resources available for international travel, our schools are most…

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Suzanne Walker Buck

photo of Suzanne Walker Buck

“For numerous years Western Reserve Academy has benefited enormously from the ASSIST students who enrich our school. Intelligent, thoughtful, and most importantly, engaged, ASSIST scholars immerse themselves fully in our living and learning environment. Their unique perspectives and experiences are valued by students and faculty alike. Partnering with ASSIST ensures a global network that is…

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Katarzyna (Kasia) Zarzycka

photo of woman in blue shirt with columnsnear her (Katarzyna (Kasia) Zarzycka )

“My year in an American school with ASSIST made me see that every form of education is equally valuable – whether you are a humanities scholar, a scientist, an artist or an athlete you deserve the space to grow. Thanks to the program I realized I can, and have the abilities to pursue what I…

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Helis Zulijani-Boye

Helis Zulijani-Boye is a blond woman in a black dress

Helis Zulijani-Boye ‘00 was an ASSIST Scholar at Cranbrook Kingswood in Bloomfield Hills, MI. She graduated from Harvard University in 2005 and is currently serving as Member at Large of the Harvard College Fund Executive Committee. A career in investment banking and private equity drew Helis to New York City where she recently joined Paine…

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