Foreign exchange programs needs host families

World Heritage International Student Exchange Programs, a nonprofit public benefit organization, is currently seeking host families to open their homes to international exchange students for the upcoming school year.

Students 15-18 years of age come from over 60 countries around the world, including France, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Australia and Spain.

The students are carefully selected based on their academic performance, English proficiency and personal character, and they are eager to become part of an American family, attend a local high school, and share their own traditions, said World Heritage International in a press release.

During their stay, World Heritage exchange students immerse themselves in American culture by living with and becoming part of a volunteer host family while attending a local high school. This experience allows them to improve their English skills, form lifelong friendships and gain a deeper understanding of American life and values.

In return, host families and communities benefit from the unique perspectives and cultural exchange that these students bring, the press release says.

Host families provide a safe and supportive home, meals and encouragement, while students come with their own spending money and health insurance, ensuring that hosting is a rewarding and enriching experience without financial burden.

Anyone with a warm and welcoming home can host an exchange student. Host families come in many forms, including married couples (with or without children), single parents, young professionals, empty-nesters, same-sex couples and retirees.

ASSE also offers qualified American students the opportunity to learn another language and culture by spending a school year, semester or a summer with a host family in another country.

Families interested in hosting an exchange student or exploring study abroad opportunities should visit host.world-heritage.org or contact Debra Garbon at 800-888-9040 or at info@worldheritage.org.