[HF/LC] Volunteer to Make a Difference and Help an International Teen!

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The bond a family has with a foreign exchange student is everlasting and truly remarkable. Exchange students teach their host families a new culture, a new language, and a new perspective on life. The opportunity to add a new member to your family is an incredible experience and one that will last a lifetime.

ETC works with the U.S. Department of State to find homes for foreign exchange students coming to the USA on a J-1 visa. We have students arriving from 15 different countries, ages 14-18, who are looking for an American family to share this once in a lifetime experience with. Our host families and local coordinators play a crucial role in helping ETC promote goodwill and international understanding.

Earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award by hosting a foreign exchange student! This is a tremendous honor and you can earn 25 hours per week. This looks great on college applications and job resumes.

Become a Host Family - We look for loving families that have a little room in their heart, but a lot of room in their hearts. A host family needs to provide a room, 3 meals per day, & transportation to and from school. Foreign Exchange students will totally integrate within your family and our students bring their own spending money and health insurance.

See what The Rogers Family (former host family) has to say about their experience:

"Our exchange student has been such a blessing in our lives. We had no idea we were missing anything until she came into our lives. Having a host daughter has made us laugh harder than we ever have before. It’s been so special to see my kids love her, bond with her, and my daughter’s closest confident in a time of her life. She has become not just a daughter to me, but my friend."

Not ready to commit to be a host family? You can still help ETC by Becoming a Local Coordinator - Our coordinators are an essential part of our support system we offer at ETC. They help us recruit these amazing host families as well as support them & the student during their time in America.

Being a Local Coordinator is a part-time job where you can make your own schedule & earn supplemental income. We also offer incentive trips and this year is Italy!

As LC’s develop strong relationships with their students and host families, they find that they, too, learn an extraordinary amount about themselves and the world around them. We would love to hear from you if you would like to explore this wonderful opportunity & help impact an exchange student’s life.

Be the reason someone smiles today!