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Community Corner

LOOKING FOR HOST FAMILIES

Frequently Asked Questions about Exchange Students 

How much does it cost to host an exchange student? 

Exchange students come with their own spending for personal items such as school lunches, athletic fees, clothes, makeup, and activities .  We do not Want hosting an exchange student to be a  financial burden   on our volunteer host families.   While host families provide room and board, students are expected to pay for  all of their  own personal expenses. 

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Does an exchange student need 'their own bedroom?

No .  Exchange students can share a  bedroom  with another teenager who is the Same gender.

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Can an exchange student drive?

While exchange students CANNOT drive while they are on exchange, they may take drivers education with your permission and their natural parent 's permission. Often, it is hundreds of dollars cheaper for a student to take drivers education here than in their home country.

What rules does an exchange student have to follow?

Students go through two orientations  at the beginning of  their exchange program  to ensure that rules and expectations are clear for them.  Here is a  brief list of some of the rules that they must follow:

1 Follow all host family rules, including computer use,

curfew, and chores.

2.            No drinking, smoking, or drugs while on  program .

3.   Maintain a “C” or better in every course and attend

school  full-time.

4.           Use of a  computer and cell phone  is considered privilege and exchange  students must follow   all of the  rules and  expectations  for   using the host families 'computer and /or wireless connection.          ·

5. Students must participate in activities with their host

Family,, including social events, church,  and  chores.

While this is not all of the rules that a student must follow, it is an example of the expectations we have for each of our exchange students.  You will receive a full copy of the rules during host family orientation.

What if there is a problem?

You will be assigned an Area Representative who lives in your community .  This person is here to help you and your student have a great experience.  They will maintain regular  contact with you and are only a  phone call away if you need their assistance.

Who hosts an exchange student?

Just like students differ, host families come in different shapes and sizes. Single parents, large families, couples with young children, and even retirees are host Families . The common denominator- a  willingness  to open their hearts and their home to a young person from a different culture and to enjoy the experience!

 

For more information about hosting and to view student profiles, please contact:

Aileen Lainez-Best, Area Representative

484 231 8134; aileenbestices@yahoo.com

www.icesusa.org

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