Learn About Another Culture While Making A Dream Come True

Each year thousands of high schools around the nation invite Foreign Exchange students to attend their school.  This is a dream come true to students from around the world. It is only possible with Host Families that open their hearts and homes to hosting a student for the school year. Host an Academic Exchange Student and bring the world to you.

International student exchange is an educational tool that benefits all students who share their classroom or school with an International visitor. Foreign students challenge their classmates with a different perspective of the world, and act as insightful resources on current events and the understanding of different cultures.

The success of the International Academic Exchange programs started after World War II as an important element of U.S. diplomacy, as well as fostering peace and International understanding.

Over the past two school years, Tampa, Bradenton and Pinellas County area school students have had classmates from Thailand, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Denmark. It is exciting to make a new friend from a far away land and to learn about their country and culture.

The State Department requires all Host Families be volunteers. PAX-Program of Academic Exchange places students from around the world with host families in our area and throughout the country. Host families help to make dreams come true when they “adopt” a son or daughter from another country for the school year, bringing joy and inspiration to their host families. Students come with their own expense money and insurance. Host Families and Students have 24/7 support from their local Community Coordinator.

Academic Exchange students are excited to embrace learning everything they can about the American lifestyle and strengthen their English, along with teaching our community about their culture. Host families get the opportunity to make a positive difference in a young life from another part of the world, often making a lifetime friend.

For more information about hosting a Foreign Exchange student this upcoming school year, please contact Karen at 727-329-8060.