Aspect Foundation Student Exchange

Cause Area

  • Children & Youth
  • Community
  • Education & Literacy
  • International

Location

Nationwidewww.aspectblog.orgSan Francisco, CA 94133 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

Aspect Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to building international goodwill, cross-cultural understanding and a peaceful future through educational and cultural exchange.

Description

People have always been at the heart of Aspect Foundation. We believe that cultural exchange at its core is a relationship between people, bringing us closer to the world and each other in personal, transformative ways. Since 1985, Aspect Foundation has been providing exchange experiences that offer unique global perspectives and encourage the confidence to make a difference in our interconnected world. Aspect Foundation is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an exchange program and has a full listing under the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). We strive to help open the world of our students, host families and International Coordinators to new possibilities and give them the opportunity to make lasting connections and meaningfully experience new cultures, traditions, and points of view as our exchange students from around the globe become part of their American host families, high schools and communities across the United States.

Reviews

Would you recommend Aspect Foundation Student Exchange?
24 reviews Write a review
by JDX e. (2015-03-14 14:44:15.0)
I am very interested in this organization. And actually, I need a host family near Cambridge Christian School. If you know any information, please contact me. (407) 493 2481. I really appreciate it!
by Huaxia Z. from Corvallis, OR (2015-02-01 00:35:03.0)
I am a person who is very interested in volunteering, so I made friends with many people who have the same passion as mine. And we often share volunteer opportunities with each other
by Erika T. (2014-04-13 05:20:16.0)
You can find very easy how you can use your skills and talents to help other people.
by LAURA M. from WINDERMERE, FL (2010-07-19 07:43:03.0)
I worked as a volunteer coordinator for the 2009-2010 school year. I did not know what to think at first except that I had some friends in high school that were exchange students. I have to say I really enjoyed meeting these kids and interacting with them. I actually shared some similar interest with one of them. I have all of them as my Facebook friends now and even now that they are back home we still keep in touch. They were all incredible kids. All of my host families practically adopted the kids that lived with them and I know neither of their lives will ever be the same. They now have a lifetime bond. I would really recommend hosting if given the opportunity. It does not cost much at all just an extra plate at the table and lots of love and patience.
by Bart W. (2010-06-02 10:53:56.0)
I myself an am immigrant from Poland. I learned English when we came to the States when I was 6 yrs. old and I became a citizen... Thank God. Anyway so I guess I can relate to cross cultural ties and friendships. I just recently made friends with a student who was a foreign exchange student at UK Martin School of Public Policy Administration and that was challenging because of the language barrier since the particular individual was from South Korea and I was resourceful as far as showing her bus route..library...basic public utility functions that people need to know if they're going to livee temporarily in Lexington. :) Bart W
by Hien H. (2010-02-01 19:34:40.0)
During my stay in the states, I was given a very good care. My host family taught me in every possible way in order to help to learn more about the new language and culture. Of course, it was tough, but it is worthy. I truly believe that I would never forget for such a wonderful time. I have kept in touch with my host, and they have been my only family since I came to America. I love you, mom and dad.
by alejandra g. (2010-02-01 17:56:29.0)
Because they treat you as part of thier family, they care about you and what yours activities at school
by alejandra g. (2010-02-01 17:56:29.0)
Because they treat you as part of thier family, they care about you and what yours activities at school
by candy s. (2010-02-01 12:01:10.0)
I have been with the organization for several years. I was with YFU before this and it was a terrible experience. I have really enjoyed Aspect. They have high quality students. I have really enjoyed the students I have met through Aspect.
by Loretta B. (2010-02-01 09:40:53.0)
We have hosted with Aspect now for 12 years and have had 13 students. We must have a background check done on anyone that lives in our home that is over 18 before we are even accepted to be a host family. We are still in touch with most of ur students and several have came back to visit. I am also in touch with several mothers of these wonderful kids. One of our kids went home and became a volenteer to help the kids prepare for their year and even came back as a shaparone. As a host parent I am contacted at least monthy by my IC and our student is also. I feel that Aspect cares very much about these kids and try their best to make sure the kids are in a safe and happy home. The kids are also given phone numbers to contact if they feel they do have a problem. I do recomend Aspect as an exchange program.
by fran G. (2010-02-01 09:22:55.0)
I have hosted exchange students for the last 4 years. My first year was with another organization and the last three with Aspect. I really appreaciate the support I have received from Aspect IC's these last three years. During the first year, there was a problem and I was told by the regional office to take care of that problem my self. With Aspect I have had the support I needed for several problems and want to say thank you to all the local, regional and national staff. Exchange students have opened our lives to their home countries. Yes, I have visited Eurpoe and now Asia without leaving my home. Also, our local high school has learned more about their countries too. Thank you again Fran Gurka
by Doug M. (2010-02-01 09:07:55.0)
I have been given the opportunity to meet a wonderful person by the name of Laura. She has been a blessimg to my family. Like everything there are good things and bad. It depends on who is running the program. The person running our area is Carol Saval and she runs the show very well. She is on top of every issue that may arise. I would recommend this group to everyone. Thanks, Doug Marshall
by Aime K. (2010-01-27 09:03:52.0)
Last year, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and found Aspect here on volunteermatch.org! Hosting an Exchange Student was very interesting to our family. After some research on other organizations I decided to not only host but also place students as a coordinator. I went through a thorough application process including 2 separate interviews & background & reference check processes... finally I was welcomed to the Aspect family! AND we had to apply to host separately. This was around the same time as the terrible incident described in another post. It is amazing how quickly Aspect responded by implementing further checks and balances. This past year has been a wonderful experience for me, my family, my students & host families. I have met families who host through other organizations that are AMAZED by the level of support and program opportunities offered by Aspect to students and host families. I am proud to be part of such a dedicated, responsible and caring non-profit!
by Susan E. (2010-01-21 09:21:40.0)
From a host parent perspective, the Colorado staff of this organization is among the best in the industry. The team here is extremely dedicated and passionate in their mission. They work hard to provide a great experience for all students, host families and schools. We have hosted 9 students over the past 16 years all over the country and our experience here has been great. Welcome a student into your home today! Your family will be glad you did!
by Donna H. from Louisville, KY (2010-01-20 19:03:57.0)
I hosted my first two students through Aspect in the 07-08 school year and quickly fell in love with both students. They fit in perfectly with my own teens and myself. This year I am hosting a boy from Macedonia and he also is a total fit with my family. The rules set out for students as well as host families help to end many issues before they even really begin. This year I have met families that have hosted from other agencies and this year they say they will be hosting thru Aspect instead. When looking for a student, know yourself and your families' limits and expectations and compare those with the profiles on the website and you'll find a great match.
by Kate E. (2010-01-20 18:21:49.0)
Because it will provid the opportunity to learn different cultures and create lasting relationships. I hosted a student from Norway and one from Germany. They will always be extra special to me.
by Donita Z. (2010-01-20 15:40:01.0)
I found Aspect in the year 2000 when my daughter expressed a desire to be an exchange student to France. We looked at and interviewed 8 different agencies and chose the ASPECT program. She had a wonderful year, a terrific host family and good coordinator in France. My family hosted two students through ASPECT the year she was gone and it was a great international experience for our family with two elementary age sons still at home. One of the boys went on to win his school's "geography bee" in junior high because he became so interested in the whole world, not just the United States. We have now hosted 9 students total and are still in contact. I would recommend ASPECT for families who want to send their own child abroad as well as host. And as a final comment, we didn't pay $12,000-$20,000 to do this as one comment said, and none of the students we have hosted did either. Maybe some programs, but not this one. The changes in the industy are a good thing, for all programs.
by Elizabeth A. (2010-01-20 14:15:47.0)
I love Aspect Foundation because after working as an local coordinator for the past five years, I am pleased to say they always put there students first and have great consideration for their host families. My family has hosted several students over the years. We are pleased with the student support and how friendly everyone is!
by Trista E. (2010-01-20 13:47:47.0)
My relationship with Aspect Foundation began in 2003 when I became a host mom to one of their great students. Since then, I have hosted 8 additional students and I'm getting ready to pick student #10, that my family and I will be hosting next school year. The organization was so impressive to me that I left my corporate job in 2006, to work for Aspect Foundation full-time. Aspect Foundation has become a part of my life and my family's life. I can't say enough good things. I believe in Aspect Foundation, their students, and their mission.
by Linh S. (2010-01-20 12:42:04.0)
Aspect Foundation provides students with an opportunity to experience a new and different culture. Everyone at Aspect is nice, friendly and caring - a fun group of people to work with!
by Adrienne C. (2010-01-19 17:16:54.0)
Aspect Foundation has an amazing staff of caring local coordinators and students from over 50 countries! Call about hosting a student today, I love everyone at Aspect Foundation!
by Jhenie S. from Hercules, CA (2010-01-21 15:19:15.0)
to learn another culture
Previously Flagged and Approved
by Katja F. (Administrator for this Organization) (2010-01-20 13:06:31.0)
Aspect Foundation provides affordable study-abroad opportunities to students from nearly 50 countries around the globe. Both students and the families who host them can create lifetime memories and friendships when they participate in this unforgettable exchange.
by Qaiser S. from NWFP Pakistan, PK (2008-11-04 20:36:57.0)
Because it will provid the opportunity to learn different culture.

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