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Student Exchange Alliance, What is the
FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

“HOSTING EXPERIENCE?”


JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO THE SEA EXPERIENCE OF HOSTING


Dear Prospective Host Family,

HOW IMPORTANT IS HOSTING TO AMERICA?

The FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE is so important to the future of the freedom every American enjoys. So important that student exchange is a US Department of State designated program. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and present Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have stated that exchange hosting experience and those working in Student Exchange are America's number 1 Diplomat. We believe our host families having an exchange hosting experience and their representatives are truly "Ambassadors for America".

Most of us have known a FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOST FAMILY that has had the exchange student HOSTING EXPERIENCE by hosting a student from another country and living with them for a short period of time. Possibly it was a relative, neighbor, or possibly a co-worker who experienced hosting one of these young FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS.. While most people have heard about the FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE through people and families who have experienced FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING, many aren't sure exactly what HOSTING a FOREIGN STUDENT involves.

THE HOSTING EXPERIENCE

Having a FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE means opening your home (and your heart) to a teen from another country while he/she attends your local public high school. With the SEA Family of Programs, FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE opportunities are available for periods of 5 months, 10 months or the full 12 month program, with the most common being the 10 month academic year program. Exchange Students who participate in the program have been carefully screened before their acceptance. Participants are selected based on their academic achievements and their extracurricular interests. Interviewers identify individuals who demonstrate a curious, optimistic view on the challenges and adventures lying before them, responsible, outgoing and of adaptable nature. SEA partners programs are looking for "great kids" with positive attitudes and interests which have something special to offer a HOST FAMILY in their FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS COME PREPARED AND SUPPORT THEMSELVES

The SEA Alliance of Programs provides full medical and accident insurance coverage for the students as well as a local representative to assist families and students during the FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE. The foreign exchange students provide their own pocket money, host families are asked only to cover the cost of room and board. While no compensation is paid to those volunteer host families experiencing the FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE, the Internal Revenue Service has authorized families hosting for government-designated, NON-PROFIT exchange programs, like the SEA Alliance of Program Members, to claim a $ 50.00 per month charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns.

Just as there is no such thing as a typical student, there is also no such thing as a typical host family. Single-parent families, retired couples, families with only young children, as well as families with teenagers, have all had successful FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCES. The most important criteria for a host family is a genuine interest to share the American culture with a foreign exchange student teenager and a genuine interest in the well-being of the foreign exchange student.

During the time of the student exchange hosting experience, we ask that you treat your new son or daughter exactly as you would your own children. The exchange student will share the ups and downs of your everyday life, and by the time he leaves, he will have become a part of the very fabric of his host family.

Learn more about the FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING EXPERIENCE by clicking on a topic below OR GO BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NO OBLIGATION PRE-APPLICATION IN ORDER FOR YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE TO HELP IN YOUR SELECTION PROCESS OF CHOOSING A STUDENT JUST FOR YOUR FAMILY:

Host Families start the Exchange Student Hosting Experience upon a host family selecting their new foreign exchange student son or daughter. The Hosting Experience lasts a lifetime, and from generation to generation.