Be a Host Family for an Exchange Student!
Source/Author: Dr. Jean Spencer-Carnes
May 21, 2015
Henrik, an eleventh grader from Hamburg, Germany, is seeking a host family for the duration of next school year (August 2015-May 2016). He would like to enroll just like his sister, Lene, enrolled in 2012-13 during her eleventh grade year.
In addition, we will be continuing our partnership with Experiencias Interculturales. We need one or two families to host one student per family for 8 weeks (Oct 15 - Dec 12). Boys and girls in this program are between the ages 13 - 17 and attend private bilingual / trilingual schools in Guatemala City. Participants go through a strict selection and screening process, and recognize the experience as enriching for their emotional and academic growth. They have already visited the US as a tourist experience and speak English well enough to communicate (some are more fluent than others). Usually both parents are college graduates, and 90% live in the city. Participants also complete a psychological evaluation, which determines maturity, responsibility, and whether or not the participants are ready to take on this experience. A $1000 stipend will be awarded to these host families.
He is from a super family already familiar with Shorecrest, who would like their son to have English and American cultural exposure and experience. Anyone can host Henrik. It doesn't matter what age your students are.
In addition, we will be continuing our partnership with Experiencias Interculturales. We need one or two families to host one student per family for 8 weeks (Oct 15 - Dec 12). Boys and girls in this program are between the ages 13 - 17 and attend private bilingual / trilingual schools in Guatemala City. Participants go through a strict selection and screening process, and recognize the experience as enriching for their emotional and academic growth. They have already visited the US as a tourist experience and speak English well enough to communicate (some are more fluent than others). Usually both parents are college graduates, and 90% live in the city. Participants also complete a psychological evaluation, which determines maturity, responsibility, and whether or not the participants are ready to take on this experience. A $1000 stipend will be awarded to these host families.
The Guatemalan participants will be incorporated as regular students to their US
school classes. The exchange students are expected to turn in homework, take exams and participate in all school activities, just as an American student would. The students will participate in all host family activities. It is important that the family treats them as their own child, including them in activities such as: attending religious services, having dinner at the family’s established time, and helping with household chores. The students have health, dental and travel insurance.
Why Host?
The cultural exchange between your family and the student will help you both gain a deeper understanding of human values that unite all nations. But what really makes this experience so exceptional are the relationships that evolve into lifelong friendship! You'll be showing your student how we live and our customs and values, while at the same time learning about another culture from your new 'son' or 'daughter'. Your family will be the seeing the United States through the eyes of an inquisitive teen. Rediscover the simple things that we often take for granted such as a baseball game, a community picnic or even window-shopping at the mall. At the same time, teach your family to share its love and kindness with others.
If you have questions, concerns or would like to sign up to host today, please call the admissions office or email [email protected].
Why Host?
The cultural exchange between your family and the student will help you both gain a deeper understanding of human values that unite all nations. But what really makes this experience so exceptional are the relationships that evolve into lifelong friendship! You'll be showing your student how we live and our customs and values, while at the same time learning about another culture from your new 'son' or 'daughter'. Your family will be the seeing the United States through the eyes of an inquisitive teen. Rediscover the simple things that we often take for granted such as a baseball game, a community picnic or even window-shopping at the mall. At the same time, teach your family to share its love and kindness with others.
If you have questions, concerns or would like to sign up to host today, please call the admissions office or email [email protected].
