Families across the U.S. have a unique opportunity to experience a new culture right in their own homes. World Heritage International Student Exchange Programs, a non-profit public benefit organization, is currently seeking warm and welcoming host families to open their homes to international exchange students for the upcoming school year.
Hosting an exchange student is a life-changing experience for families that fosters cultural understanding and builds lifelong friendships while enriching local communities. Students aged 15-18 years come from over 60 countries around the world, including France, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Spain and many more. 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.
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.
“Being a host family isn’t just about providing a place to stay; it’s about making a student from another country part of the family,” said Debra Garbon, World Heritage National Director.
“Many host families find that the experience is just as rewarding for them as it is for the student. The bonds formed often last a lifetime.
“Exchange students bring energy, curiosity and fresh perspectives to their host families and communities. They attend local schools, participate in activities and become a real family member.”
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.
Founded in the 1930’s by the Swedish Ministry of Education, ASSE and World Heritage International Student Exchange Programs, a non-profit, public benefit organization, is a trusted name in Cultural Exchange. Through its mission to promote global understanding and goodwill, the program creates life-changing opportunities for young people and their host families to experience different cultures, learn new perspectives and develop lifelong friendships.
Families interested in hosting an exchange student or exploring study abroad opportunities are encouraged to learn more and apply by visiting www.host.world-heritage.org or contacting Debra Garbon at (800) 888-9040 / [email protected].