Host Family Brochure

TOGETHER, MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

ETC

HOST FAMILY STORIES

HOSTING WITH ETC

HOSTING PROCESS

Hear from current and former host families

Benefits, students, and staff

Frequently asked questions

1029 SW Washington St. Portland, OR 97205 www.edutrav.org Email: support@edutrav.org (877) 222-9803

BY MICHELLE TAYLOR HOST FAMILY, NC

Hosting our ETC exchange student Jin has been a

I know that long after Jin has left our home, she will

dream come true. You see, our 5-year-old daughter

always have a place in our childrens’ memories as their

always wanted a big sister. Instead, she has three

big Chinese sister (who taught them some beloved

little brothers. Initially, we were not sure our family

songs and played Baba monster). As a homeschooling

was in a position to host a teenager. With four

mom, I have enjoyed switching it up from kindergarten

children under the age of 6, our hands were full,

curriculum to helping Jin with her high school

and we were concerned that an only child in China

homework. It has been fun to playfully construct

would experience compounded culture shock

sentences about our everyday life with her 11th grade

living with so many little people. But Jin has

English vocabulary words. My husband is passionate

integrated well into our family. I’ve found her

about history and has enjoyed helping her understand

putting on a tea party with folded paper cups and

U.S. History better, particularly as our country was

headpieces, pouring beads for “tea” with our

founded upon ideals such as freedom and individual

daughter. Our 5-year-old eagerly helps Jin wash

rights which are alien concepts to the Chinese system.

the dishes, so our dream has come true as this

As a former diplomat, I enjoy getting to explain

hosting experience has trained our 5-year-old to do

American culture to Jin to help develop mutual

dishes! Our children love music and we often hear

understanding. Hosting an exchange student provides

our 2-year-old singing the Chinese versions of Frere

an opportunity to leave foreigners with a much clearer

Jacques, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and a Korean

picture of what it means to be an American.

song about three bears that Jin taught them.

I WILL REMEMBER YOU

BY BECKY ZIEGLER HOST FAMILY, AZ Have you ever had that feeling that something was missing from your life? Or maybe you are like me and think if only my spare room had a purpose. If any of these statements ring true for you then I think you need an exchange student, or two? I feel like a career host mom who can’t turn away a student in need of a home.

I am currently hosting two students, Anri from Japan and Vivian from Germany. They couldn’t be more different from each other and from my own kids, but we live in perfect harmony. And for that, I am thankful, especially for their parents. Vivian is independent and free, and fun. Her mother has done an excellent job instilling confidence in her and teaching her the importance of building and maintaining good relationships. But, what I’m really here to tell you is, they are “helping” me as much as I am “helping” them.

I’ve got a car full of kids singing, laughing, sleeping, snap chatting, and speaking with enthusiasm about their day. I’ve got a house full of athlestes who put in 100% effort at practices and games while managing homework and good grades. My daughter has what she’s always wanted, a sister, make that a sorority! I get to be their forever host mom and hopefully leave them with a positive experience of what it’s like to be a mom in America who has a career, opens her home to others, and has fun.

My son always has someone to watch a movie with or play basketball with and my husband gets to hear all of the crazy teen stories when he picks up the girls from school. I don’t know if it was fate, or if my coordinator is just good at finding me the best students, but it taught me a lesson about enjoying the little things and enjoying people. Host an exchange student. In return, you may find your peace, love, and joy.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

BY JOSH & MARIANNE PADDOCK HOST PARENTS, CO Let me begin my saying, it was meant to be. Although we did not intend to host an exchange student since we already have 4 kids (one daughter who is 22 & three sons ages 20,16, &13) and 4 fur babies; we just thought how could we fit in another child in our constantly chaotic home?! Well, we did and it all started when I was browsing on a networking page where I stumbled upon a post about a boy from Korea looking for a host family.

Little did we know the experience will create a HUGE impact to all of us.

Just a perfect peg in a round hole! He fit right in as if he was ours. He immediately warmed up to our lifestyle and even the way we communicate which is full of puns, sarcasm, and jokes. Sae and our younger boys have so much in common in their preferred sports, their food preferences, the music they listen to, and much more.

He witnessed the election and the Denver Broncos winning the Super Bowl. He even sang Karaoke with us! Sae learned American slangs and has become like his silly host brothers. He went from bowing and hands together to begging for hugs, from being quiet to throwing punch lines, and even giving gag gifts.

We created wonderful memories at home and traveled 15 states with Sae that we hope he will never ever forget. We developed a lasting friendship with Sae and his family that we continue to stay in touch to this day. One year seems a long time. I suggest not paying attention to it. Instead, live your lives as it is and have fun with the experience. I am teary-eyed just remembering the day he left to go back to Korea. It was harder than we thought it would be for us and Sae. We are thankful he chose us and we will hold on to those memories forever.

NOMADIC

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Benefits of Hosting Learn a new language Opportunity to travel Increase your family's cultural awareness Rediscover your city/state Promote international understanding & goodwill Postive role model for your children Make a lifelong friendship Help make a dream come true Gain new insights & perspectives Experience parenting a teen View the world through the eyes of an exchange student Break down prejudices and build understanding Earn volunteer hours and the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award

ETC Designated by the US Department of State as a J-1 Visa program Member of CSIET Awarded Darkness to Light Partner in Prevention Mission is to promote cultural understanding Students Have spending money and insurance Attend their local high school Are eager to be a part of an American family Come from over 15 different countries Are highly screened and have great English Enrich the lives of everyone around them Stay for 5 or 10 months

Host Families Provide room & board Can be single, married, or empty nesters Must pass screening and background checks Share their American culture and provide guidance and support ETC Staff Live locally Provide guidance and support Meet with students and families regularly Plan activities and trips Are screened and well trained Many have hosted students

MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

Host a Student Our philosophy is to promote international goodwill and understanding through international student exchange experiences. It is our belief that participation in hosting will foster a significant understanding of the values and attitudes of foreign cultures, while at the same time exposing foreign students to the uniqueness and diversity of American life.

Our volunteer host families provide international students with a window in which to view and understand American life and culture. Students are expected to act as a member of your family. They will participate in your family's daily activities and chores, bond with their host siblings, and join in family conversations.

At the same time, the students will be sharing their culture and values with their American families. Students are encouraged to bring pictures of their home country, cook their favorite meals for their host family and share holiday celebrations and traditions from their home country.

Education at Home So many of life's lessons are taught outside the classroom. Hosting takes the concepts of language class, world studies or geography out of the textbook and brings them to life. Moreover, through an international exchange student, hosting introduces your children at an early age to the culture and diversity of another country. Whether talking at the dinner table, shooting hoops or just hanging out with your exchange student, your children will absorb lasting memories that will influence the way they perceive the world.

Travel Without Going Anywhere For many families, it is very difficult to arrange and pay for large family international vacations. Hosting a foreign exchange student allows you to bring the foreign country right into your own home. Countries cease to be distant places on a map and become a nation and culture that is dear to your heart.

Countries Served ETC currently maintains partnerships with organizations in Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and Venezuela.

Special Activities Each student can expect to participate in a variety of activities with their host family, coordinator, and other ETC students.

Each region typically has a Welcome and Farewell gathering. In addition, there are trips to the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Hawaii open to ETC exchange students placed throughout the U.S. American Public High Schools Students with J-1 visas are placed in an American high school in their homestay community. Students are required to maintain passing grades and take classes in English and American History or Civics. Students are not permitted to take ESL or English immersion classes. Students who fail to maintain a C average will be required to hire a tutor at their own expense.

Financial Responsibilities Students come with comprehensive medical insurance. Families are volunteers and are not expected to pay for student expenses. Students are responsible for their own personal expenses including school activity charges, class fees, clothes, travel expenses, entertainment, bus passes, long distance phone charges, and lunches purchased at school.

Hosting Locations ETC places students all around the USA.

Hosting Process 1.Talk it Over Hosting an exchange student should be a decision made by the entire family. Families are presented with profiles of students who are compatible based on family preferences, such as gender, activities, etc. Generally, the family will have several discussions to decide which student is right for them.

2.Submit Application The application process begins once the family agrees that they wish to host a student. The family will need to gain access to an electronic version of the host family application by contacting their ETC representative (usually the Local Coordinator or Recruitment Specialist).

3. Meet with ETC Representative Upon receipt of the host family application, ETC will review the application, check host family references, and conduct a background check on all persons over the age of 18 living in the house. An ETC Local Coordinator (LC) will also arrange to come to meet the family at their home. The LC will explain general hosting guidelines and what the family might expect, as well as answer any questions the family may have.

4. Wait for School Acceptance ETC submits the student's application to the host family's local high school. Once the high school approves the acceptance and the host family and school application is complete the placement becomes official. The overseas partner forwards the host family contact information to the student and he or she is encouraged to start developing a relationship with the host family through letters, e-mails or phone calls.

5. Go to Orientation Prior to the students' arrival, we ask that all host families attend an orientation meeting. The orientation, conducted by our staff, will provide families with a solid overview of the hosting experience. Orientations also serve a great forum to talk with other host families.

6. Welcome Your Student The big day! Families meet their student at the airport, with welcoming signs, warm smiles and enthusiasm. The student will need to register for school and receive a TB test, if required.

Families are asked to help the student register for classes. Students are required to attend an ETC Student Orientation.

7. Receive Ongoing Support Throughout the duration of the student's experience with a host family, an ETC Local Coordinator (LC) will be available to assist the student and family. The CC meets monthly with the student to monitor host family, social and academic progress.

Fill your life with adventures and stories to tell Hosting FAQs Q: Who is eligible to host?

A: There is not a traditional type of family that hosts exchange students. American families come from all types of socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and locations. Our host families reflect this diversity. Families may have children of similar age to the exchange student or they may be younger. Some of our families are empty-nesters who no longer have children at home.

Single parent families also make up a portion of our host families.

Q: What is the host family expected to provide?

A: A loving and safe environment for the student. Room and board. Students do not need to have their own bedroom and may share a bedroom with one host sibling of the same gender and similar age. A quiet place to study. Some transportation. Guidance and support.

Q: Who are the students?

A: Students range in age from 15 to 18 and are currently enrolled in high schools in their home country. Students apply through foreign partner organizations in their home countries. They go through an extensive application and evaluation process.

Q: Do the students speak English?

A: Yes. All students have English skills sufficient to enter an American high school. As part of the student application process, all students must take a Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) exam. Test results are used by ETC in considering whether a student is accepted into our program. Many of the students have been studying English for many years but wish to perfect their language skills by studying in the US. Q: How are students placed with families?

A: You will be presented with applications for several students and will have the opportunity to choose the student that best suits your family's lifestyle.

Q: What kind of support do we receive?

A: ETC is your support system throughout the entire hosting process. A Local Coordinator (LC) is available to you at any time to answer your concerns and questions. In the event that you are unable to reach your Coordinator, ETC offers a 24-hour emergency service.

Q: Are the families paid to host?

A: No. Due to the type of visa the students receive from the US State Department, federal law prohibits monetary compensation of families involved in cultural exchange. ETC limits the amount of financial burden placed on a family by requiring that students pay for any additional expenses beyond room and board.

Q: What costs are there to my family?

A: Aside from covering the costs of housing and feeding a student three meals a day, students will pay for any extra costs. All additional expenses will be paid for by the student (clothing, school fees, lunches purchased at school, entertainment, etc.)

Q: We're very busy, is that a problem?

A: Busy families make great host families! We have students who will fit right into your lifestyle.

Eventually students make their own friends through school and the community and will have their own social lives.

Q: What happens when we want to go on vacation?

A: Often times host families will arrange for the student to go with them (if the student agrees to pay for the additional costs.) In the event that it is not possible to take the student with you, many times a neighbor, school friend or another host family will have the student stay with them.

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