Non-Profit Organization Seeking Host Families for Foreign Exchange Students from Mexico

June 29, 2011 - PRLog -- “Hosting a student from Mexico is a great way to learn about our neighbors to the south and to promote understanding between the two cultures.” says Laura Stahl, Special Services Director for Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations.  “These are wonderful students who have so much to offer and share with their American host families and classmates.”

Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations is seeking families willing to open their hearts and homes to 3 girls and 1 boy from Mexico.  Sara is a friendly and cheerful girl who enjoys physical education, volleyball and spending time with family and friends.  Melissa is a friendly and adaptable young lady who participates in classical ballet, cheerleading and swimming.  Maria Fernanda enjoys athletics, going to the gym and riding her bicycle.  She is friendly, talkative, energetic and responsible.  Alfonso is a kind, easygoing and sports-minded young man.  He likes to play basketball, racquetball and soccer, as well as play cards with his grandmother.  

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.  Students are happy to introduce their host families to Mexican holidays, such as Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo, as well as provide them with information on traditional foods like tamales and mole.  

Students are fully insured, proficient in English and come with their own spending money to cover personal expenses.  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:  info@hostanexchangestudent.org
Website:  www.hostanexchangestudent.org

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Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations is a non-profit organization which sponsors international exchange students, ages 15-18, and places them in volunteer host families and high schools throughout the U.S. for a semester or academic year.