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| | | MONROE |
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HOST FAMILIES SOUGHT FOR FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
August 26, 2009
(MONROE, WA) -- The local chapter of the STS Foundation seeks Sky Valley area families to host a high school student from a foreign country for the 2009-2010 school year.
The foreign students are preparing to come and live and go to school in America and must secure housing accommodations at this time in order to obtain their visas, tickets and to prepare for coming to America.
These students will integrate themselves into a Monroe area family that agrees to be a host family, with the goal of experiencing American culture as any average American high school student does.
The cultural exchange between the host family and the student helps both gain a deeper understanding of human values that unite all nations across the world. But what make these cross-cultural experiences so exceptional are the relationships that evolve. Host families often build life long relationships through the student exchange program.
Welcoming an exchange student to your family can be like opening a window to a different world where host families can learn kuch about a different culture, its values and traditions.
The students are placed through the STS Foundation, a non profit student exchange organization that helps facilitate these exchange student relationships.
STS has been doing foreign student exchange placements for the past 20 years and seeks new host families in the Monroe/Sky Valley area to connect them with exchange students.
Two students STS is looking for host families in the area for this coming school year are named Niko and Cornelia.
Niko is a 16 year old boy from Porvoo, Finland. He loves playing American Football and plays on a team in his hometown called the Porvoo Butchers. He has also played ice hockey for eight years is eager to learn more about American culture and customs.
Cornelia is a 17 year old girl from Lidingo, Sweden who loves playing soccer. She has also competed in gymnastics and enjoys playing the guitar and the piano.
Both are described by STS officials as excellent students and will have their own spending money and health insurance. The host family provides a separate bed for the student, family meals and a safe environment.
If your family is interested in being a host family please call Lillian at 1-800-522-4678 or send an email to lillian@stsfoundation.org.
For more information on hosting an exchange student visit www.stsfoundation.org
FAQ’s ABOUT HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT
What does hosting an STS student mean?
Hosting is opening your heart and home to a high school student from another country. You are expected to provide the same loving/caring environment for them as you would your own family members.
What kinds of families are acceptable?
Single-parent families, families with children of any age, families with grown children or without children. Double-placement is available if there is a host family who is interested.
How do you match students to host families?
We attempt to match students with host families whose hobbies and interests are similar: e.g. arts, sports, music and religious involvement. Host families may request country and gender of student.
What are host family responsibilities?
To provide a comfortable, nurturing and safe environment, school registration, three meals a day, separate bed and a quiet place to study.
What happens if the student is ill or has an accident?
Before their arrival, students are provided with their own medical insurance. When STS student files are forwarded to the host families, extra medical insurance forms and ID cards are included. STS Foundation National Office will provide assistance with filing of claims.
What about spending money?
The student's natural parents agree to send adequate spending money. This money is to provide for social activities, trips, clothes, and school expenses and phone calls home (phone cards). It is suggested that the host family assist the student in setting up a saving or checking account.
What is the length of stay?
Most of our students arrive in August for a 10-month academic stay. They return to their home country in June or July depending on the ending of school. There are a few students who only come for a semester, e.g. August to January or January to June/July.
What is expected of the exchange student?
Our students are here on an academic program. This means they must attend and participate in all classes and maintain a "C" average overall for each subject. The student is required to abide by all STSF student rules and regulations, including all local, state and federal laws. Students are also expected to follow host family rules concerning responsibilities: e.g. chores, curfews (which should be established within the first week).
Are host families paid?
No, but host families who itemize their taxes receive $50.00 tax deduction per month, for each month the student reside in their home. This falls under "Charitable Contributions" for both State and Federal taxes.
When is the best time to inquire about hosting a STS student?
Host Families are recruited year-round. Fill out online application or contact STS National Office at 800-522-4678 or e-mail us: info@stsfoundation.org.
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