Make a difference in the world and in your community - become a host family!

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Are you interested in exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures? CIEE, the nonprofit leader in international exchange, is looking for families in La Palma and Anaheim to host one of our international high school students who will be attending high school here in the fall!

Meet these four wonderful students who are still available to host - see if one of them might be a great fit for your family!

Xinyu is a 15 year old girl from China. "My colorful life is full of various interests and I cherish every friendship I have, so it’s easy for me to get along well with people. Among my hobbies, dancing is my favorite and the one I have insisted on for nearly 10 years. All my love for dancing comes from the enthusiasm of classical beauty and the desire to perform. I would love if my new city has a dancing room! While I enjoy leaping to the music, I also prefer quiet activity such as reading and writing and I like running and swimming because the wind and sunshine during exercise make me relaxed. When it comes to my personality, I am truly talkative and fascinated by showing my viewpoint in discussions and speeches. I believe we will spend a very happy time together in this year!" (UFE16005AU)

Ruifeng is a 15 year old boy from China. "If you want your family full of happiness, or want to hear some unusual ideas, you will like me, I will bring you laughter and fun, and paint a vivid story in simple language. I have many interests, like chess, football, and reading. I am also good at playing drums, and I enjoy music of different types. Out of the house I may choose to do exercises which are very good to train my will. I am also interested in cooking, I hear the American food is very delicious, so I hope I will learn to cook American food. Chinese Proverb says: at home depend parents, go-off on friends. You will be my first friend in America and we will have great friendship together!" (UFE16006AU)

Tianxin is a 16 year old girl from China. "I want to be the part of your family, not only like a guest. It would be my honor if I could do something helpful for your family. Maybe cook some Chinese food (I am still learning) with you and do some gardening together. Since I began to learn English, I have been curious about America. I want to learn more and more about America, so I am taking part in this exchange program because I want to see America with my own eyes. You know in some America TV plays and movies, even in some music, I can always find something surprising and I love it! I also like doing sports and to be active and I am out-going too and like to spend time with my friends. I wish to share my thoughts and experience with you!" (UFE16003AU)

Tuerxun is a 16 year old boy from China. "It would be great to spend this one special year with your family. To be honest, I can’t say that I’m the unique one or the best one, though I am mature in thinking and dedicated to the things and people that I love. As my teachers say, I have the potential for leadership because I can get along with my classmates very quickly, and, if there is a chance, get them all together for one goal trying to succeed. I am very friendly and like to be with people. I also like time with myself to read books and play music, or go for a walk and to be outside too. I also like to play basketball, that’s almost the only sport I’m doing these days, but I like sport in general. I would love to take the time to be part of your family and tell you about myself." (UFE16004AU)

Host Families:

• Accept a student into their home as a part of their family for one or two semesters
• Provide a bed and room (student can share a room with a host sibling of the same gender)
• Share 3 meals a day (other meals or school lunches are student's responsibility)
• Receive local and regional support 24/7 from well-trained staff and local volunteers

Our Students:

• Are between the ages of 15 and 18 (Grades 10-12)
• Well screened and thoroughly tested
• Speak English
• Have access to their own spending money
• Have health insurance coverage through CIEE

Becoming a CIEE host family is an experience of mutual discovery. When you give an international student the opportunity to explore American culture through your eyes, you'll discover a new culture as well, by experiencing new values, traditions, languages and foods.

If you're interested in learning more about hosting,contact Arnel Sison, the CIEE Local Coordinator in Orange County, to learn more: 310-742-3118 or rnlsison@gmail.com

To find out more about our program or this opportunity, visit www.ciee.org/highschoolor start a host family application at http://ciee.org/hostapply

About CIEE: Founded in 1947, CIEE is a non-profit organization specializing in international work and education. Our mission is "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." With over 65 years of experience in international education, CIEE is the largest and longest running sponsor of exchange programs in the U.S.