Local Families Needed to Host International Students

International Student Exchange (ISE) is a non-profit organization that places international high school students with American host families each year. ISE is now looking for families to host high school students in the new academic year. Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact locally and globally. High school classes will start soon and interested parties must apply immediately.

ISE’s exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18 and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway, and others. “The exchange program focuses on bringing the people of the world closer together while educating the leaders of tomorrow through student exchange,” says Wayne Brewer, CEO of International Student Exchange. American teenagers can now study abroad in Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom through International Student Exchange.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31 and families can select an international student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc. Family screening includes a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references. The international students are English-speaking and have their own spending money. Local host families provide the caring environment, room, and daily meals.

A local ISE area representative will work with each family and student to support their time together, including monthly contact, school liaison and community service projects. James Nunn has been an Area Representative since March 2015 and has worked with a number of local families and exchange students. James has also hosted exchange students in his home and maintains a strong connection with his three former students. “Each time we invite a student into our home, we gain so much. Learning about each of their cultures, their families and their lives in their home country has taught us that there is so much in common with how American students live. Whether a student is with us for one semester or two, our lives improve in so many positive ways,” says James. “Having an area representative work with you to find the best student can go a long way in how positive the experience can be.”

Families who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student. Families interested in hosting an exchange student for the 2019/2020 school year should contact James Nunn, ISE Area Representative.