Volunteer Host Family

Portland OR

Description

Would you be the perfect host for a foreign exchange student? STS Foundation is looking for eligible volunteer host families to welcome our students into their families! Our foreign exchange students range in ages from 15-17 and come from Europe, Asia and South America. Currently our students are from: Spain, Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Most are already fluent in English, their native language, and often other languages depending on their background STS Foundation is a non-profit, State Department designated exchange student program. You are supported as a host family every step of the way. A local coordinator will be assigned to you to help you find a student that fits your family best. Once your student arrives the local coordinator does monthly check-in's with you and the student to make sure things are going well. They are always available if you need them. We want host families and students to have the best experience possible during their exchange. Students are motivated to learn and ready to acculturate into the American life and household. Paula, from France, is a great example of that. In her application she wrote, "Last year I went on an exchange for one month to San Diego, and I stayed with a host family. I had a lot of fun spending time with my host family, friends, surfing trying so hard not to fall from the surfboard. I already knew I wanted to go on a longer exchange, but after that month in San Diego, I was even more convinced!" -Host must be 25 years or older -Pass a background check -Provide 3 meals a day -Reliable transportation to and from school -A bed for your student -A safe and loving home -Students come with their own spending money & medical insurance Maybe you are interested in sharing you culture, learning about a new culture, practicing a language, or would just like to try something new and a little out of your comfort zone. If you feel this sparks your interest, please reach out to apply as a host family and start meeting some of our incredible students!