Local host families needed

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The FORTE International Exchange Association (FIEA) is seeking host families in the Putnam County area.

Host families are families who would like different cultures in their home. Host families are families that love to help create memories and make dreams come true.

It is required that host families provide a safe and caring environment for the student. They also provide love, friendship, support and guidance.

The student is not required to have his or her own room, but must have their own bed.

Hosting an exchange student, for most families, is not very expensive. It is necessary to provide all meals eaten at home. Generally this includes breakfast, dinner and snacks during the week.

The student is responsible for meals eaten outside of the home and school.

To assist the host families, local representatives and the area director are available to give guidance.

Before a student is considered for the FIEA program, he or she must exhibit exceptional qualities. Students are selected on the basis of their academic standings, fine character and proven ability to speak English.

Host families are involved in the selection process of the student they would like to host. Cathy Newbury of Illinois is the area director for FIEA, which hosts high school exchange students from Albania, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.

Open your home, open your heart and create a dream of a lifetime. Call Newbury at (309) 369-0768 or e-mail cathyn@forteexchange.org.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: