My family wants to host a foreign exchange student?
So my family and I (a junior in High School) want to host a foreign exchange student, preferably from Spain. Does anybody know how we would go about doing so? Thanks :)
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You should research the different exchange programs in your area. If you go to: http://www.csiet.org, you'll find details on many of the programs that are out there. You may want to stay with those that are CSIET approved as the non profit provides standards for safety, leadership and support. Once you find one, contact them and find out how they run their program relative to hosting students. They should also give you the criteria and details for the process and expectations. Since I am the Chair of the Rotary Youth Exchange program in South Florida, I can only comment on ours. Rotary's main website is http://rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx. I'll just give you the basics. We have a multi step process. We have to visit your home and interview you and your family. This is also a question and answer period. You fill out an application which includes authorization for a background check which we do. Once approved, we hold a local orientation where we give detailed instructions to all the host families. From there we lay out a schedule and start the process of introducing you to the student before they arrive. While we consider requests for certain countries, we do not guarantee what countries from which your student will be. It's a wonderful program that's a life changing experience for all involved. Good Luck!
2 :
You need to check with your high schools, as the regulations will vary somewhat. They can give you the names of organizations that operate in their school. Hopefully, YFU and/or AFS will be among the choices. As those are the top programs, they should be. You will also need to find out how many students are accepted each year. Some schools will require you to apply in the spring for the following school year. Once you find the organizations, contact the area representatives. You are in the driver's seat, so interview several if possible. Try and work with one in the same city also. The closer your representative is, the better. One reason to stick with AFS and YFU, the representatives are NOT paid. They do not get a dime for placing students in your home. It is an avocation, not a vocation. Don't be fooled by those who claim to be "paid volunteers". That's an oxymoron. After you have contacted the representatives, they will ask you to either fill out a host family application either on paper or on line. They will come and do an interview with you and you will be required to provided personal references. You must also submit to a criminal background check (note, this is NOT a credit check). There are no financial requirements to host, but you are responsible for room and board for the student. Also, a private room isn't necessary but of course nice if possible. In both YFU and AFS, you will be able to pick your student from profiles and letters they have submitted. Try to find one that shares at least one interest with your family, i.e. music or sports, as that will give you something to talk about! Now, if your school does NOT have exchange students, or does not have any contact information I've provided the websites for both YFU and AFS. You can fill out an application on line and someone will contact you. Happy hosting! http://www.yfu-usa.org/ http://www.afsusa.org/usa_en/home EDIT: I agree Rotary is also a good program. However, at least in our area, they move the students several times per year, and I don't care for that approach. Also, some districts only allow Rotary members to host. If you can get into it, I think you would also be pleased.
3 :
Humbly and respectfully submitted: Feisty gave a wonderful answer (please choose hers as the Best Answer) - I can't really think of much to add to her answer. If I may, I would like to place a vote to host with YFU (Youth For Understanding). My husband and I have hosted 5 exchange students. The first time we hosted, we did not check out the agency very well. While the overall experience was good, the agency did not take care of some important issues before our Russian daughter got here and could have done better with respect to support while she was here. Some years later, we decided to host again. We contacted multiple agencies on the CSIET list. Because of our previous experience, we did our homework before contacting the agencies and stressed the requirements of our school District. YFU was the agency that was most responsive to our needs. I have incredible respect for the Rotary Club - they do wonderful things. However, based on communications that I have had with others who have had direct experience with Rotary Club's exchange programs, I would recommend hosting with someone else. Support Rotary but, when it comes to hosting, I recommend going with an organization that only does exchanges. If you decide that you would like to check out YFU more and live in Colorado or Wyoming, please contact me -- I can put you in direct contact with the local representatives.
Read more other entries :
