Student American International's mission is to promote the idea that we can help make the world a more peaceful place if we recognize the differences between various cultures, and work to understand and celebrate those differences, person to person. Through its academic home-stay program, students, host families, schools and communities learn about one another's differences and similarities. SAI believes that as generalities and stereotypes give way to real people, participants are able to see beyond ethnic, racial, religious and cultural differences to establish relationships based on understanding and acceptance.
SAI was established as an outgrowth of friendships made during first hand exchange experiences. The President, Melissa Polos, has been involved in exchange at all levels. She was an exchange student several times, a host parent, a Local Representative, a Regional Director, and has managed SAI since its inception in 1996.
Our Student American International representatives provide ongoing support for SAI students and their host families, and as such, are key to the SAI support network.
SAI relies on local contacts across the United States for placement, supervision and direct contact with all of our students, host families and schools.
