Have you considered?

Our season of placing exchange students is in high gear this month as we are
finalizing our students and host families. I find that a lot of people are interested in the prospect of hosting, but fear and doubt of the unknown take over…

What are we looking for in a host family? I look mainly for people who  are nice. I like to see people who are fun and interesting. Someone who enjoys teenagers and who would like to be involved in their lives and in the community.

The most common reason for not hosting is the family is just too busy. We LOVE busy people. Busy people are not boring! They get things done. They go places and experience more of the American way of life. Who ISN'T busy these days? Almost everyone works outside the home - it is ok! The kids are good kids, they can let themselves in off the bus and do their homework or they can participate in extra curricular activities after school. All of that can be worked out. Many of our students have parents who work outside the home and are accustomed to this.

My kids are involved in sports… I can't run any more kids around! Well, what if you had a student who played the same sport or activity as your child? They play on the same team and have a great experience together. 

My children are small… We have teens who have younger siblings and cousins at home. They would love to be a part of your family. 

My kids are grown and out of the house… So are mine! My students who LOVE being the only child (our princess) for a change - they don't have to share! They make friends at school and they get along great.  If you wish, you can have two students so they enjoy the company of one another. 

I have grandkids! Great!!! So do I!!! My grandchildren love my exchange students and they get to enjoy the experience of another student from another culture! They have cousins from all over the world!!!

I am a single parent. We love our single parent families, we will match a student to suit your family's needs. We have many students who are from single parent homes and are perfectly fine living with a single parent here in the States. They are grateful for the opportunity.

I am on food stamps but I would love to share my home with a student. I will keep in touch with you and when your financial situation improves, we will  be happy to work with you. 

We don't have any children. That is ok, we work with families without children in the household all the time. Our students are grateful for the opportunity to live here for one or two semesters and they will enjoy the time with you. If you wish, you can have two students so they have the company of one another. 

They would have to share a room with my teen. No problem as long as it is a child of the same gender and close in age. The just need their own bed.

We homeschool… Our students go to the local accredited school - they can ride the bus if necessary and enjoy your family when they get home. We have many home school families who host successfully. These are good kids and well screened and they make nice friends and it works out. 

My kids go to private school. We have tuition payers. We also have students who go to the local school wile their siblings go to the private school. 

They would have to ride the bus to and from school. Most students are used to walking or riding the bus to school in their home country.

What if we have problems? We have 24/7 support available locally and regionally. You are not alone. We are involved with our students and families monthly and are available and ready to help before a situation becomes a problem. We want our host families and students to love the experience. 

Host Families:

•                Accept a student into their home as a “son or daughter” for one or two semesters

•                Provide a bed and room (student can share a room with a host sibling of the same gender within 4 years age difference)

•                Share 3 meals a day (if students choose to purchase school lunches it is their responsibility)

•                Receive local and regional support 24/7 for any needs (we have a 24 hour emergency hotline)

•                Claim a $50 per month deduction on their federal income taxes  

Students:

•                Are aged 15 to 18 (Grades 10-12)

•                Well screened

•                Speak English

•                Have their own spending money

•                Have full coverage health insurance