CHANGE THE WORLD ONE STUDENT AT A TIME! NON-PROFIT SEEKS VOLUNTEER HOSTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Also offering referral fees and hiring local representatives

By Deann Rios

May 22, 2018 (San Diego) -- International Education Student Exchange Program (INTER-ED) is committed to making the world a better place by offering opportunities to break down cultural barriers and bring our world closer together. This non-profit, in association with the United States Department of State, is seeking volunteer hosts to help them achieve this goal by serving as American ambassadors.

Hosts open their homes and hearts and invite one or two international students to be part of their family for a semester (five months) or school year (ten months).

INTER-ED is also looking for help with spreading the word about their program and is offering referral fees to individuals or groups who help them find hosts. Finally, they are hiring local representatives to help identify and orient host families and support students, host families, and schools while their exchange students are living and studying here.

INTER-ED is currently looking for hosts for the 2018-2019 school year. Volunteer hosts can be families with teens or younger children, empty nesters, single parents, or couples without children. They provide a room - which can be shared, meals, some transportation, love, acceptance, and guidance as students adapt to their new surroundings. Students come with their own insurance; school fees; and spending money for clothes, personal items, entertainment, phone calls, etc. They become part of your family while they are here, sharing in family activities and responsibilities.

Students are eager to learn about American culture by living it. They are encouraged to share their culture and language with their host families just as you share yours with them. Most of INTER-ED’s students come from Germany, Spain, and China. They are 15-17 years old and are strong, high achieving, well-rounded teens with a proficiency in English. Download a flyer about hosting here.

INTER-ED offers a referral fee of $100 to any individual who shares this opportunity with a family who decides to host or $200 to a non-profit - community or church group, sports team, club, scouting troop, PTA, etc. - who refers a host family. So, if you are unable to host, help spreading the word about hosting is welcome and rewarded! Consider taking this on as a win-win for a group to which you belong – raise money for your group, and support this program which promotes cultural understanding and new friendships from across the globe. You can help the East County Magazine Foundation earn $200; mention that you learned about hosting here if you decide to host! Download a flyer about referral fees here.

Because a lot of international students request placements in California, INTER-ED is looking to add to their team of local representatives (LRs). As an LR, you would market the program in your area; work with your local schools; place students with host families; supervise students; and support students, schools, and families during the students’ stay. If you enjoy people and fostering cross cultural relationships; are organized; and interested in a part time, flexible, commission based position, consider joining their California team! Download a flyer about local representatives here. 

To learn more about INTER-ED or discuss any of the opportunities above, please contact Deann Rios, INTER-ED’s San Diego Field Manager, at deann.sdhosts@gmail.com or 858-260-0747, or visit their website at www.inter-ed.org.