Mission Statement
Host a foreign exchange student in YOUR HOME!
ICES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a peaceful world by increasing international awareness and understanding through cultural sharing experiences.
As the global community we live in becomes increasingly interdependent and subject to change, today's young people will face numerous challenges on the journey to becoming tomorrow's leaders.
We believe the foreign student exchange experience helps young people of all nationalities embrace those challenges and discover new opportunities that will help them dream and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Description
ICES students have their own spending money, cover their own personal expenses, and have full health insurance. Volunteer host families are asked to provide the student with meals and room and board during his or her stay in America. Although not a large sum of money, the Department of State does appreciate your dedication to international exchange. Host families can claim $50 per month tax deduction for each month they host in the following tax year.
Your ICES Area Representative will provide support for you and your student and prepare you and your family before the student's arrival.
Throughout the year, your Area Representative will be available to you for supervising your student through monthly communication by phone, in-person casual meetings, or student/host family group activities. Your ICES Area Representative will also maintain contact with the local high school your student attends, insuring academic progress.
Additionally, ICES provides a full-time support team trained in the field of international exchange. Bonnie Gunter and her team in our Virginia office have over 20 years of experience in international exchange and are responsible for helping the student, host family, and Area Representatives resolve any adjustment challenges and answers questions.
