The Center for Cultural Interchange is seeking volunteer families to host high school foreign exchange students. Now more than ever, your family can make a difference by hosting an exchange student… making the lifelong dream of an international student come true, and yes, contributing in a small, but significant way, to global peace and understanding.
Imagine...
...Sharing the beauty, history and culture of America with a young foreign exchange student from Russia, Vietnam, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Spain, or one of 30 other countries, developing lifelong friendships between your two families.
...Exploring your differences, discovering surprising similarities, and teaching your new son or daughter about your American values and beliefs.
...Seeing the United States through the youthful eyes of an inquisitive teen, and rediscovering the simple things that we often take for granted…a baseball or football game, a community picnic, even window-shopping at the mall!
Who can host?
CCI 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
•Empty-nesters
CCI Volunteer Host Families are:
•Warm, welcoming and open-minded people
•Often international travelers themselves or would like to be
•Proud to share their American culture and lifestyle
•Interested in learning about other cultures
•Eager to include a student in their family and community
•Happy to receive a modest tax deduction for hosting
What is expected from the volunteer host family?
•A separate bed and a quiet place to study
•Daily meals with the family
•Some local transportation
•Open communication, encouragement and sound advice
•Treatment as a member of the family (chores, rules, privileges)
What is expected of students?
•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 and school life
•Open communication and commitment to the program
Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is an organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development, and world peace.
CCI is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for the Secondary School and Summer Work/Travel programs. CCI is currently granted full listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). We are also a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSTC), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, GWEA: Global Work Experience Association, and The Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.
In addition to our National Office staff in Chicago, IL, CCI has a strong and dedicated network of local area representatives and Regional Directors, working hand-in-hand with families, students and schools across the U.S. CCI's professional staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and stands ready to serve program participants in several ways:
•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 uncover misunderstandings
•Provide ongoing support and advice
How does a family apply to host?
If you and your family are interested in hosting, please call 800-634-4771 or visit
http://www.cci-exchange.com/host.aspx
