Over 230 employees throughout USA work at International Exchange, a non-profit organization founded in 2002 that’s continuing to make a difference in the life of international high school students.
Did you ever think about being a host to an exchange student? Well this could be your chance! More students are hoping to get the opportunity to come to the United States, they can attend school here in Tennessee and get the opportunity of a lifetime with plenty to learn! Students from over 50 countries are currently represented in the organization with over 2,400 host families.
Radio Greeneville spoke with Greene County’s Tom Cobble, who works on the Board of Education at Greene County Schools and has been working about 15 years with the program. He says he has had great experiences with the organization and kids are really excited to be apart of it.
The program is looking to have more host families volunteer and host a student in their home. Cobble says the application is lengthy but with good reason of course, as these are kids we are dealing with and have to protect them as much as possible. The organization is managed by the Department of State. Host families get a criminal background check and have rules to follow ensuring safety. Local coordinators live near the students’ placement and are easily accessible.
First the organization will select a host family. The host family must submit an application and letter stating their reasons for wanting to host. The student goes through a screening and application process listing academics, teacher recommendations, hobbies, likes/dislikes, a English proficiency test, along with a letter from them and their family. Students come from countries including Poland, Finland, Brazil, Thailand, Switzerland, and Italy, with the majority coming from Spain or Germany.
Once selected the student will have a 3 day orientation in their country before arriving in the US. Within a week of arrival there will be a home interview. High School students attend the 10-month program and bring their own insurance and spending money, alleviating financial burden on the hosts. Tom Cobble says students who don’t follow rules can get sent home if the situation is bad enough, but proper steps are taken before reaching that point.
International Exchange believes stereotypes and prejudices can be lessened and often erased, after sharing a year in another culture. The student and family are able to look beyond physical appearances, language, and cultural differences.
If you are able and want to help make a difference in a child’s life for the better, consider hosting a student this year. Visit the organizations website at iE-USA.org for more details or speak with Tom Cobble by emailing [email protected].
