Students, ages 15-18, from around the world including Germany, Spain, Austria, Iceland, Thailand, and China are seeking host families residing in Michigan for the upcoming 2012-2013 academic school year. Each student possesses a strong record of academic achievement, speaks basic English, and provides his/her own medical insurance and spending money. Visiting students are interested in learning more about life as an American teenager and participating in customs and traditions with the help of local families. Families desiring to host a foreign exchange student must apply by Friday, Aug. 31.
Host families simply provide living accommodations for the student and incorporate him or her into their family's daily routine. Participating in an exchange program makes a lasting and profound difference for both the host family and the exchange student. It lays the groundwork for the development of life-long friendships for the entire family.
IE-USA, the sponsoring program, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. IE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.
"Every year our region plays host to hundreds of talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America," said Joseph Bissell, iE-USA's Great Lakes regional director. Bissell adds, "Michigan's spirit of hospitality and focus on academic enrichment makes it an an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level."
To learn more about how to make the dream come true for a deserving international exchange student and how to become a host family for a semester or academic year, call (517) 388-8948. Host families can apply online by visiting the iE-USA website at www.ie-usa.com.
Published: Wed, Aug 22, 2012
