Organization For Cultural Exchange Among Nations Invites Families To Host International Exchange Students Scheduled To Arrive In The U.S. In August

Online, June 16, 2011 (Newswire.com) - "Hosting an international exchange student is a wonderful way for American families to learn about another country and culture without ever leaving their homes," says Laura Stahl, Special Services Director for Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations. "It is also a great way to promote cultural awareness while providing young people with the opportunity of a lifetime."

While participating in the exchange program students learn how Americans celebrate holidays that may be new to them, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. They also participate in the family's daily life while attending American high schools and joining in school activities such as Homecoming and Prom.

"My year in the U.S. is going to end here in a couple weeks and it breaks my heart to leave my host family and my American friends behind," said Marie from Germany who spent a year with a host family in Austin, TX. "Even though there can be hard times, I know that this honest and funny host family is the best that could have happened to me!"

Students are fully insured, proficient in English and come with their own spending money to cover personal expenses. Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations is currently sponsoring students from the countries of Brazil, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Slovakia, Spain and the Ukraine.

The Thompson family, who hosted a young lady from Thailand, stated, "She appreciates everything that is done for her and always thanks us for every little thing. She brings a lot of laughter and joy to our household. She is a very outgoing girl with a great personality and great sense of humor."

Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations invites families of all types to participate in its program, to include single persons and senior citizens, as well as married couples who are either with or without children. Host families are volunteers and are asked to provide the student with room and board, as well as a loving family environment. Prior to placing a student with a host family, an organizational representative must visit the host family in their home and conduct a personal interview. The potential host family must complete an application packet, undergo a criminal background check, and provide at least 3 personal references. A local representative will be available to provide the student and host family with guidance and assistance for the duration of the program.

Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations is a non-profit organization founded in Tempe, Arizona in 1994 and has been designated as an Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor by the U.S. Department of State. On the basis of materials submitted and reviewed, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel grants full listing to Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations in the 2011/2012 Advisory List. The CSIET certification mark certifies that this organization complies with the standards set forth in the CSIET Standards for International Educational Travel Programs.

Toll-Free: 1-888-996-2326
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hostanexchangestudent.org