Student Exchange Alliance 
 HOST a FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

Who, What and Why Host a Foreign Exchange Student

 

SEA-USA provides the opportunity for families to HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT. Who, what and why host a foreign exchange student? Your exchange student will become family for a lifetime.

What is the Student Exchange Hosting Experience?

 

WHAT HOSTING A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT GAVE OUR FAMILY!

• "An opportunity for our family to help guide wonderful young people"
• "A different insight into what defines American culture"
• "Appreciation and pride in our country"
• "The opportunity for our children to experience something unique and now they have an international sister"
• "Friends to visit in all corners of the world"
• "A chance for our children to see the advantages and benefits of learning a foreign language"
• "An international experience that our children are able to refer to when applying to colleges"
• "The benefits of experiencing community service while working with a non-profit organization"
• "The knowledge to overcome cultural boundaries and misconceptions of the world around us"

There are many benefits to hosting for the host family!

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WHY DO FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS WANT TO STUDY IN THE U.S.?

• Americans and the American way of life fascinate FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS worldwide. They are exposed to Americans and the American way of life every day through TV, Radio, and the internet and want to experience it first-hand.
• Parents of FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS realize how important it is to expose their children to the global world of today.
• English is fast becoming the world's language, and understanding and speaking it are essential for success.
• Students want to experience the American model of freedom and democracy that America represents throughout the world. Now, more than ever, FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS want to understand and experience these principles for themselves so they, too, can make a difference in the future.

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WHO CAN BE A HOST FAMILY TO A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT? 

HOST FAMILIES come in all shapes and sizes and represent the diversity of American culture. Our families are of varied economic, religious and racial backgrounds and include:

• Working Parents
• Couples without children
• Singles and Single Parents
• Adoptive Parents
• Empty Nesters
• Home School families

Answers to questions most often asked at Student Exchange Alliance

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THE HOST FAMILY OF A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO:

• Be a welcoming and open-minded family
• Treat their student as a member of the family, not as a guest
• Share established reasonable family rules and chores
• Guide their student in learning throughout the experience
• Talk often with the student’s counselor at school
• Discuss any questions and concerns with the program representative
• Share American culture and lifestyle with their student
• Show an interest in learning about their student’s culture
• Include their student in family and community activities

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SEA Alliance of programs provides students from over 60 countries!

ACADEMIC YEAR/SEMESTER FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS ARE:

• Boys and girls, age 15-18 years old
• Arriving in August and January, for 5, 10 or 12 month program
• Representing over 60 countries worldwide
• Academically strong students
• Talented in music, art, dance, sports, computers, more
• Proficient in English
• Eager to experience life in America and share their culture
• Well-screened by our sending partners abroad
• Individually matched to their host family's interests
• Prepared to assume responsibilities of daily life
• Instructed to bring adequate spending money
• Fully insured during their stay
• Encouraged by their natural parents at home

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT’S HOST FAMILY?

• Provide the student with a separate bed – an exchange student can share a room with a family member within 5 years of age and of the same gender
• Provide a quiet place to study -- most students enjoy learning the American way
• Include the student in three home meals with the family per day, two on school days
• Supply some local transportation, and encourage students to make friends
• Encourage open communication, and provide encouragement and sound advice
• Treat the student as a member of the HOST FAMILY (chores, rules, privileges)

Complete a special no obligation Pre-Application for matching your family with that special student

WHAT iS EXPECTED OF tHE FOREIGN eXCHANGE sTUDENTS? 

• Adjust to the lifestyle of the host family
• Be flexible, adaptable, and positive
• Be a responsible and caring member of the family
• Attend school regularly and show consistent effort
• Share his/her culture and customs with hosts and community
• Participate fully in family, community and school activities
• Demonstrate open communication and commitment to the program
• Show respect for the host culture
• Experience opportunities for community service

A sample of our students that are on program this year can be viewed at Meet our Students

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WHAT CAN HOST FAMILIES EXPECT FROM THE SEA MEMBER PROGRAM?

The SEA Family of Programs is dedicated to the QUALITY of programming, cultural understanding, academic development, and SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY. All SEA programs are there whenever you may need their assistance. Families receive contact information and details on proper communication channels in case of emergency.

In addition to the Program National Office, each program has a strong and dedicated network of local representatives and Regional Directors/Managers, working hand-in-hand with families, students and schools across the U.S. The Alliance members have 51 fully staffed Regional Offices throughout America. The program’s professional staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and stands ready to serve program participants in a variety of ways.

Part-time Local Representatives are needed for our students throughout America -- join us!

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WHAT CAN A HOST FAMILY EXPECT FROM THEIR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE:

• Advocate for the program in the local community
• Interview host families and verify personal references
• Match students and families with similar interests
• Administer and monitor school admissions
• Meet/greet and orient new students and families
• Clarify expectations and resolve misunderstandings
• Provide ongoing support and advice
  

Contact Student Exchange Alliance with any additional questions you may have

Visit our Home Page for additional information

SEA provides the opportunity to HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT. A HOST FAMILY will enrich their life as well as the lives around them. EXCHANGE STUDENTS will benefit the local school and community. Hosting is an experience that lasts a lifetime.

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