Hosting Exchange Students

Provide an Experience of a Lifetime!
Each year, CCI provides over 1000 exchange students the rare opportunity
to study in the U.S. for a five-month semester or a 10-month Academic
High School Year and host families are essential for a successful experience.
Located in every state, volunteer host families provide these young
ambassadors a wide range of landscapes, climates, activities, and lifestyles%u2026
from a farm in rural Iowa to a suburb of Seattle%u2026from the coastline of
Maine to the heart of Texas%u2026 all unique and truly "American" experiences.
CCI host families are also flexible and open-minded, come in all sizes
and represent the diversity of American culture. Our families are of varied
economic, religious and racial backgrounds and include:
Working parents
Empty-nesters
Couples without children
Single parents and singles
Host families are also eligible to receive a modest tax deduction
for hosting.

CCI's Academic Year Program brings
international high school students, ages
15-18 ½, to the U.S. to attend a local
school and to live with host families for a
school semester or school year. The
program provides students medical and
accidental insurance and encourages
participation in school-sponsored activities,
community service, and environmental
programs. CCI also provides regular
communication and support to both host
families and students.

"What I didn't anticipate was how, as the host mother, these boys
would enrich my life! They become my children not only to
cook and clean for but also to solve problems with, laugh and cry
with, and love. We had such a great experience with the first
CCI student that we decided to host another boy during the next
school year!"

Check out this Awesome video and Make a dream come true. Become a Host Family for a High School Exchange Student today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnxiz6Uaf3s

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Provide an enriching experience for your family and impact your community by becoming a host family. The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is looking for families to host international high school exchange students. Each student is fully insured, brings spending money, and wants to be active in family life.

CCI is dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, academic development, environmental consciousness and world peace. Bring the world home today. For more information, visit http://www.cci-exchange.com

Here is an awesome story by a CCI Student. Check it out today!

by greenheartcci
By Serhiy Rokachov, a FLEX student and Greenheart Club member

Serhiy is one of the Greenheart Club's outstanding members; he has earned over 100 service hours. Serhiy is currently an exchange student in New York and comes from Ukraine. Below he shares his experience as a volunteer and the benefits he has received from volunteering.

Serhiy in New York City

When I came to America, I didn't really want to volunteer and deemed it boring. But because it's the requirement of CCI for grant students and because my local coordinator nagged me about it in every single email she sent me, I originally decided to do just 40 hours of community service as CCI required. The first organization I volunteered for was Youth Court of Jefferson County in New York. I was astonished at how interesting it was: I participated in a real court session and had training about the U.S. justice system in America thereby scrutinizing the US criminal laws. Through participation in the Youth Court I've acquired an immense experience which definitely will help me in my future profession. Apart from the valuable professional experience, I've received such important skills as public speaking and analytic thinking that help me so much at school. After Youth Court I understand that community service is actually very interesting. Moreover it gives a lot of advantages to me as a prospective college student because most universities consider volunteerism in making admission decisions. So, I've decided to do as many community service hours as possible to make a difference. I've been working for various organizations in my host community helping them to prepare for different events. One of my most memorable volunteer work experiences I had was wrapping Christmas presents. I could never believe that it takes so much time to wrap gifts (in total before the New Year I worked for about 30 hours just wrapping presents for events in different organizations). So, volunteer work as a Greenheart member became an integral part of my cultural experience in America as I've comprehended important features of the US culture and made a lot of friends.

Here is what our Student from China had to say. Check it out!
By Jiahui "Andy" Sun, CCI exchange student and Greenheart Club member from China

Andy shares the details of a Greenheart project she led for her fellow exchange students in the Milwaukee area in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Martin Luther King Day, three exchange students - Natasha, Todd, and myself - from CCI Milwaukee joined forces with the City Year program. In total, there were 360 volunteers who painted murals in the hallways of Hamilton High School. Our assignment was painting national flags - including China, Vietnam, Poland, and Honduras.

My favorite part was learning the history of Martin Luther King and painting. Todd thought it was fun to have me as the team leader and he liked the Martin Luther King video of his "I have a dream" speech. For Natasha the fun part was painting. It was her first time painting. Everyone had a good time in this project. In the words from Dr. King: "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve."

Watch a video of highlights from the event: http://animoto.com/play/D0QD9H3Vtl27e00g2F5CdA

Here was an interesting story for all. I really enjoyed reading this article and thought I would share it with you. Lets experience the Chinese New Year together.
By Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! blogger | At Home - Fri, Jan 20, 2012 2:06 PM EST

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Tibet, as well is in countries such as Singapore that have large Chinese populations. Christopher Livaccari of the Asia Society explains to Yahoo! Shine that it used to be celebrated widely in Japan, but now most Japanese people consider January 1st to be the main New Year's holiday.
Related: Coming Home for Chinese New Year
Year of the Dragon
This year's Lunar New Year begins on January 23, which is the first day of the first new moon of the year. It ends 15 days later on the full moon. The Chinese calendar is divided into 12 cycles each represented by a special animal. According to Chinese Astrology, this year is the year of the Dragon, the only mythical animal in the zodiac. People born in the year of the Dragon are said to be energetic, charismatic, and natural born leaders. Some famous "Dragons" include Joan of Arc, Vladimir Putin, and John Lennon.
Lunar New Year Traditions
Celebrations of the coming year commence on the eve of the first new moon with a feast and fireworks. Families clean their homes to symbolize a fresh start and buy flowers and plants, which represent rebirth. Often, gifts of new money or money in red and gold envelopes are exchanged to bring good fortune. Livaccari told Shine, "I think some people tend to think of these holidays and celebrations as something very exotic, but most people in contemporary East Asia see this time as an opportunity to take a break from school and work and reconnect with family, much like we would on Thanksgiving or Christmas."
Lucky foods include dumplings and other stuffed delicacies which symbolize little packages of good fortune, oranges which in Chinese sound like the word for "auspicious," and apples which sound like "peace." Fireworks are detonated to ward off evil spirits. Boisterous dragon dances are also performed to scare spirits away.
A tradition that kids will like is that parents aren't supposed to scold their children during the Lunar New Year. Livaccari also points out that, just like in the West, "Your average 14 year-old in Beijing, Shanghai, or Seoul is probably more focused on this as a chance to get some more time to play video games or interact with friends online."

Established in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit international educational exchange organization based in Chicago, IL.

Our Mission: To promote cultural understanding, academic development, environmental consciousness and world peace

CCI organizes high school exchange, short-term group homestay, intern and trainee, work & travel in the U.S. and study, teach, work, volunteer, and language programs in over 30 countries around the world. In 2004, CCI adopted Greenheart as its environmental and social initiative. Greenheart connects people and planet through environmentalism, fair trade, social transformation and cross cultural understanding.

Our staff volunteers in the Chicago community. Read more about how CCI and Greenheart give back on a local, national and global level.

CI offers opportunities to our American and international participants to make a difference in the world through environmental and social service. Greenheart components within CCI include the Greenheart Club, Greenheart Shop, Greenheart Travel and Greenheart Transforms. To find out more information on Greenheart worldwide visit www.greenheart.info.

CCI has been endorsed by the Mayor of Chicago and the City Council for the promotion of international education, environmental awareness and citizen diplomacy.

CCI is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for the Secondary School, Intern and Trainee, and Summer Work/Travel programs. CCI is currently granted full listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). We are also a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSTC), WYSE: Work Abroad Association, and The Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange. Individuals in our organization are also members of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Over the years, we have been fortunate to expand CCI's activities in spite of the uncertainties of international travel, and thereby do even more towards fulfilling our mission. CCI now sends and receives close to 10,000 participants annually - a remarkable increase since our first seven students participated in the Academic Year High School Program in 1985.

CCI-Greenheart has been nominated for the 2012 River North's Best Green Business Award! Please vote for us here http://ow.ly/8G1Ym Voting ends February 7.

The Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year) begins on Jan. 23 and will be welcomed in Asian communities with 15 days of food, firecrackers and fanfare designed to ensure that the Year of the Dragon is full of good fortune.
In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the most auspicious symbol of success and happiness, so this year's celebrations will have a special meaning. "The dragon is very bold, unafraid and strong," said Karen Eng, spokesperson for the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade held in San Francisco. "And in China, the dragon is the symbol of the emperor and the son of heaven."
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Major Chinese New Year celebrations will be held Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and many other cities around the world, including these five U.S. cities.

New York
In New York City, the Chinese New Year kicks off with a bang - literally - on Jan. 23 at the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Roosevelt Park in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood. Chinatown's Lunar New Year Parade and Festival takes place Jan. 29 and will fill Chinatown's streets with floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances, musical performances, acrobats, magicians and more. More details at http://explorechinatown.com/
Seattle
Seattle celebrates the Lunar New Year with a festival on Jan. 28 in the Chinatown-International District in Hing Hay Park. Activities include lion and dragon dances, Taiko drumming, martial arts, a food walk featuring a neighborhood-wide tasting menu and the third annual children's costume parade contest. More details at http://www.cidbia.org/events/lunar-new-year-celebration-2012-year-of-the-dragon.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., the Chinese consolidated Benevolent Society will host its Chinese New Year Parade on Jan. 29 in the city's downtown Chinatown neighborhood with kung fu demonstrations, a dragon dance, a lion dance, costumed dancers and the lighting of a giant firecracker. That same day, Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown Community Cultural Center will host a Chinese New Year Festival with hands-on arts and craft projects, cultural displays and performances. On Feb. 3, the Textile Museum opens "Dragons, Nagas, and Creatures of the Deep," an exhibit filled with textiles depicting dragons and other legendary creatures.

Knight Lights Photography
San Francisco's illuminated nighttime parade is one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside of Asia.
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San Francisco
With 6,000 participants, 22 floats and numerous marching bands, drill teams and school groups, San Francisco's illuminated nighttime parade, held this year on Feb. 11, is one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside of Asia.
In addition to a 250-foot-long dragon ("Gum Lung") that must be held up by a team of 100 men and women, this year's parade will include the Cangzhou Liuji Lion Dance Team, which features acrobatics and martial arts, and the Jingxing Lahua Art Troup from China's Hebei Province. "Their dancing rhythm is created by such motions as wrist turning, arm gnarling and leg whiffing," said parade spokesperson Karen Eng. "And their props include big vases, umbrellas and fans." More details at http://www.chineseparade.com/
On Jan. 29, anyone born in the Year of the Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012) will receive free admission to the Lunar New Year Celebration being held at the San Francisco Zoo, where entertainment will include acrobatic performances, traditional lion and folk dancing, Chinese yo-yo tricks and more.
Las Vegas
Several hotels in Las Vegas are welcoming in the Chinese New Year in a big way as well.
On Jan. 23 at 1 p.m., a dragon dance will begin at The Venetian and make its way through the casino to the waterfall at the atrium gardens in The Palazzo, where the unveiling of a 128-foot, fire-breathing dragon will take place. The dragon will breathe fire daily at 1 and 5 p.m. through Feb. 5.
There are multiple dragons in Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. "Our dragons represent all of the elements: water, fire, wood, earth and metal," said Andres Garcia, executive director of Horticulture at Bellagio. "Each dragon has more then 20,000 hand-painted scales and is able to move its tails and arms, and blow steam."
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Amidst a zigzag bridge, a gazebo and a 21,000-gallon pond stocked with more than 200 koi fish, visitors will find a giant water-themed centerpiece with two 25-foot, blue dragons that regularly blow steam from their nostrils, two 15-foot-long green and gold animated dragons that lunge towards the dragons in the centerpiece and two brown and red animated dragons surrounded by oversized silk red Chinese lanterns and gold-leafed I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese symbol for money.
Bellagio's Chinese New Year garden and daily performances featuring authentic Chinese instruments continue through March 3.

Why Be a Host Family?

To provide your sons/daughters a unique advantage and experience to refer to on applications for employment, college and universities.
To learn about the customs, traditions, languages and cultures of another country.
To teach your family to share its love and kindness with others.
To promote world peace while "educating tomorrow's leaders" here in the U.S., as well as abroad.
To enrich and enlarge your "immediate family" and community.
To provide your family, as well as a family in another country, "the experience of a lifetime".
To make "friends for life" in another country.

Why You Should Host an International Exchange Student

"It's a challenge and adventure but it gives more than it takes. You make a lifelong relationship" Sami
"They get to know a new person and maybe learn more about their family heritage" Sabrina
"It's a good experience to share & teach them the real American" Juan
"Promote fun and rewarding experience for the entire family"
"They want to learn another Country's culture" Dorothy
"To experience the different cultures & learn something they didn't expect" Karin
"Families get to learn about new cultures, food they can experience how they live life" Jeppe
"Give children a new experience & give your love to others" Sofia
"Bring their world to you by sharing traditions, meals and conversations everyday with an exchange student"
"It's nice & generous; it's a fabulous experience for family & student" Victor
"So they can learn from each other. It's great for the community. We share and are part of the community" Jaun
"When you host, not only the student benefits but so do you, you get a real daughter or son" Susi
"Offers a learning experience that can't be copied by school books"
"It's a great experience for them to have someone in their house" Simon
"To share with someone from another country" Sara
"Because they can learn something about our culture" Laura
"To give young people a great opportunity, exchange of culture" Kevin
"They wanted to make an experience for their family" Coco
"They do more things as a family, spend more time together" Benedikte
"To share things with someone new" Khoa
"Host families want to know your culture and teach them the American culture" Joe

Hosting an Exchange Student

Hosting a foreign exchange student:
» Builds lasting relationships
» Enhances family time
» Opens doors to opportunities
» Spreads world peace
» PLUS so much more...

Hosting a Foreign Exchanges Students. Creates a friendship that will last a lifetime

Our Students

Are 15-18 years old
» Bring spending money
» Want to share cultures
» Speak English
» Have full insurance

I've been studying in Italy for a few weeks now, and yesterday, because everyone else was studying, Avery and I woke up early and took the train to Pompeii. Unfortunately my camera wasn't working so I didn't get any pictures. But we will be going back in the spring, so if I can get my camera working, I can take pictures then. As we walked into Pompeii there was a sense of awe from all of the patrons. Pompeii is even more beautiful than I ever imagined it would be.

The shops still have marble countertops smoothed down flat, the houses have intricate patterns in one by one tiles, and you can see the wagon ruts in the stone roads. It's like being transported back in time. We trailed a couple of the tours that were in English but eventually we went off on our own exploring the temples and even getting all the way to their coliseum and theaters. Mr. Guarnaccia told us that Pink Floyd played in the theatre there one time. What I would give to see a show there! It's beautiful. After leaving Pompeii we decided to take a bus up to Mount Vesuvius. The bus is terrifying because it comes so close to the edge of the mountain; I didn't think it was going to make it up those steep hills.

Read more about Courtney's amazing day on her blog%u2026
http://livin-young-and-wild-and-free.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-can-cross-that-off-my-bucket-list.html

Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI). Established in 1985, CCI is a nonprofit international exchange organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development, environmental consciousness, and world peace, and has served thousands of participants. At Greenheart Travel we are passionate about helping teens and adults reach their full potential through unforgettable experiences abroad. Our commitment to international travel is matched by our commitment to the environment. As the leading eco-friendly exchange organization, our concern for the welfare of the planet drives our passion for helping responsible travelers satisfy their thirst for adventure while respecting the environment and unique heritage of the destinations they explore.

I've only been studying abroad in Ireland for a little over a week, but I already have routines that come to me as easily as breathing. It feels like just yesterday that I was exploring my town on google earth and now it feels like I've lived here forever. Sometimes I think that I'm dreaming, but then I remember that rain doesn't feel this cool or refreshing in my mind. Five months can seem like an eternity to study abroad, but then it feels like too short a time to experience everything this place has to offer.

Even though my mind is full of contradictions, I can definitely say that these are the top 10 things I love about Castleisland:

1) My host family and how the refer to me as 'love'

2) The short walk to school that wakes me up in the morning and gives me energy after a long day at school

3) School that starts at 9:00, so I can get 8 hours of sleep even if I go to bed at 11

4) How the grass, in fact all plant life, is a vibrant green

5) The roaring fire in our living room every night

6) The candy shops with old-fashioned wood shelves filled with jars of candy that you can order by weight

7) A 45 minute lunch break with plenty of time to head into town and chat with friends

8) Soaps (the shows, not the cleaning kind) that everyone avidly watches

9) The tea, and the electric kettle that has hot water ready in just a few minutes

10) The rain! Yes, I even love waking up to and walking through a slight mist almost every day

Read more about Emily's time in Ireland on her blog%u2026

Pilar is a 14 year old girl from Spain who loves horseback riding. She rides twice per week but also enjoys cleaning and caring for the horses. Pilar also likes to spend time with her family -her parents, sister and puppy named Suco. One day Pilar hopes to be a doctor and find cures for diseases. She is looking forward to meeting her American host family and learning about America.

Would you like to learn more about hosting Pilar? YES!
Email me:
Lorrie Norrell
cci_lorrie45@yahoo.com

Often people ask me: "How does it all started? How did you get here?" And I answer their question with one of my stories. One time I'll tell this story to my kids, I guess.

"It was all my father's idea. He is always thinking how to bring a new experience to my life. So one day he picked me up from the school and by the way he told me: "Do you know that you are going to the USA?" I was so excited%u2026 I said:"Ohh, thank you dad%u2026you gave me the best holiday ever." But he told me: "It is not holiday. You'll be there for the whole year. You will attend a high school." Well, at this point I was confused and maybe little bit scared. However, I didn't say no- and so far it could be the best decision in my life. As soon as we arrived home, my father noticed my mother about his new idea. The only thing I can remember is mother's terrified face. She asked him: "Is he gonna be there alone?" And my father briefly answered with sarcasm: "You can go with him if you want."

This paragraph above is what I usually answer, if somebody asks me how it all began. In fact I couldn't sleep several nights. But I took it as a challenge so here I am. Next day I told this news to my friends and I figured out that there is no way back. I argued myself that I'll learn English perfectly. As soon as I met representative, filled out tons of forms, wrote the first letter to my host family and my parents paid, I was in. A few months later CCI Organizaton assigned me a family. I contacted them by an e-mail. In fact CCI works incredibly well, because I got all information I needed before I left. And I was "all set" to go.

So I packed my stuff and a snowboard. On 29th July I was at the airport in Prague leaving the Czech Republic. To say goodbay to your family is the worst thing ever. But If you take it as a challenge, it should be without any problems. Remember, you're not leaving to hurt somebody's feelings but to enrich your life experiences.

Matilda Neyland - VIC to France

First of all my apology: I realise I promised everyone regular and hilarious email updates with news and photos from my trip to France, and as I'm over three months through my 5 and a half-month stay I also realise this is well past the point of being 'regular'. I'm sorry for failing to keep my word but I've finally got around to it now - I've just been that busy having too much fun.

In general I live in Vannes, in the Gulf of Morbihan on the south coast of Brittany (a region in far-western France). It's a port town of about 50000 people, and is exceedingly pretty - the town center is composed of ancient old buildings and is partly surrounded by a huge wall with defence towers that the Romans built over 2000 years ago, and spectacular gardens where a moat used to be.

I live with a family who have four daughters, two of whom have moved out (but whom I've met and are lovely), and the other two of whom, Elisabeth (17) and Aziliz (9), have become my adoptive sisters. I couldn't have been luckier with my placement - these people are some of the kindest and most welcoming I've and are so easy to get along with. After three months we've become extremely close. We live in a big house near town, and right next to a lake around which I've developped a habit of running (!). For a decent two months after I arrived it was reasonably warm weather but now it's really starting to get freezing, and daylight hours are from 8.30am to 5pm. At least I'll be able to look forward to Australian summer when I get home. I go to high school which is great - it's such a good way to meet people, I've made some wonderful friends and am still meeting new ones. Having classes in French is also really good for my language skills and it's just getting easier and easier to speak and understand French. I also do English classes with two kids, Hugo (13) and Lila (12) from a couple of doors down the street, one hour per week, it's great fun and they're adorable students. Lucky too because I think I'd forget how to speak English otherwise (I do actually have some trouble remembering English words sometimes!).

Around beautiful Brittany, we've been running around visiting places - sunny Binic in the far north, Brest in the far west, various islands in the Gulf (the kind of wild islands where you just ride around on bikes among fields and through forests and along beaches, not a single car in sight), farms where we've been to get some fresh organic yoghurt and where I milked a cow and forests where we've gone collecting chestnuts and mushrooms. My host dad, Loic, is a a pilot and took us on a scenic helicopter tour of the Gulf to see the incredible view of scattered green islands among sparkling blue water. I've also been sailing a couple of times on the Gulf (Elisabeth is an enthusiast). Otherwise I've been to the theatre several times, a short bike ride from home, and seen some spectacular spectacles, for example Brazilian dance and the most jaw-dropping circus show that had a sixty-or-so-year old DJ who beatboxed.

During the first school holidays I spent a week with the family visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley. Some of these amazing buildings were built as early of the 11th century and are maddeningly huge. There were mazes of underground caves to be explored, magical fairy gardens to be played in, and majestic room after majestic room to be marvelled at. One of the châteaux we saw was the Château de Légende, on which Walt Disney based the setting of Sleeping Beauty. We also visited the houses of famous French writers François Rabelais (16th century) and Honore de Balzac (19th century).
After the Loire there was a weekend-long party in Normandy for the 50th birthday of my host mum's brother. That was great fun; I met all the extended family and we danced to eighties classics til about 3am. The DJ was also the town mayor (it was a really tiny town) but that didn't take anything away from his skills as a DJ.

Next stop was Paris, where I spent 3 magical days with Babeth and her best friend Sarah who lives in the Réunion. It was the first time I'd been except for two hours I spent there between the plane and train on arrival, and instantly was in love with the city. We spent the days strolling down the Champs-Elysées, along the sparkling Seine, through the Latin Quater, visiting Notre Dame, l'Arc de Triomphe, the Museum of Quai Branly (museums Louvre and d'Orsay were closed and way too crowded respectively). We slowly but surely climbed the 670 steps of the Eiffel Tower as the sun was setting and reached the top at dusk, where we stayed and watched the City of Light illuminate beneath us, reflecting of the clouds and the Seine. Being back on the earth below allowed a magnificent view of the tower lit up in gold (can't believe it was originally considered an eyesore).

So those are the best bits so far, but there's so much more to tell. In general I'm having the most fabulous time and feel very lucky. Probably the saddest I've felt was the grand final weekend (watched the game live on the laptop in bed at 6.30am; not a great day). For Christmas we're spending ten days skiing in the Alps near the Italian border! After we get back it will be only about a month til I leave Vannes, then I've got two weeks in Paris before coming home in mid-February.

I hope you are all well and wish everyone a merry Christmas, happy new year and at least some relaxing holidays.
Lots of love
Matilda

by Beth Stewart

It is possible to expose your children to an international education, the cultures of others and still stay at home. How you ask? Consider becoming a host family to an international exchange student. The benefits to your children and your family will be huge.

he horrific event that occurred on September 11th, 2001 changed the world forever. Security changed. Perceptions changed. Unfortunately many people have become fearful of those who look different, speak differently or worship differently. What we have lost is the ability to openly embrace other cultures in the way we had done previously.

What we do know is that exposure to the culture of others is a valuable education for ourselves and our children. Travel is always a great cultural experience but travel can be expensive and sometimes your family budget just doesn't allow it. This is why hosting a foreign exchange student may be a great option for your family.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A HOST FAMILY?
Children especially are known to become more globally aware and interested in other cultures, languages and people.
There are many reputable organizations, such as AYUSA Global Youth Exchange, and schools who place students in North American homes for the duration of their studies. Both the family and potential student are screened for interests and lifestyle suitability and a match is selected. Once the student has been chosen and placed, the family provides a bedroom, meals and treats the student like one of the family. Often a small stipend is provided to cover the cost of food. Some organizations may request volunteers.

The student benefits by learning about American culture, values and customs first-hand in a safe and supportive environment while they study. The entire family benefits by enjoying an international experience without leaving home.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A HOST FAMILY?
"Welcoming a foreign exchange student into one's home has a profound, lasting effect on the entire host family," says Sherry Carpenter, Executive Director of AYUSA Global Youth Exchange. "Children especially are known to become more globally aware and interested in other cultures, languages and people. We have countless stories of young Americans being inspired to study or travel abroad because of foreign exchange students their parents hosted."

HELPING YOUR STUDENT FEEL AT HOME
You'll probably find that your student is missing his home-country meals. Why not suggest that they cook a traditional meal for your family? Make it a party! Plan a menu together and get the kids to make hand-made decorations, flags of both countries and traditional costumes to wear. Take everyone grocery shopping. You may need to search out some Asian, Muslim or other ethnic food stores. On the day of the dinner, have everyone help with food preparation, setting the table and perhaps some cooking depending on age.

This is guaranteed to be a great learning experience for the whole family. It will be a lot of fun, not to mention sampling some great tasting food. Gathering around a family meal is perfect time for learning in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Moments mean much more when they shared with others. It's a win-win for everyone!

You may also want to learn a few words or phrases in your student's native language. Not only will this help them feel at home, but it is a great way for you and your children to learn a new language!

LEARNING ABOUT OTHER CULTURES
Lori DeWolfe and her family have hosted international students from Japan and Mexico for over twelve years. A mother of two and stepmom to three she says, "What the children and I enjoyed most was seeing our environment and our city through our student's eyes. Our Japanese students were amazed to see the stars at night and the number of trees we have. When we were shopping they were shocked at the size of the packaging our food comes in." She says. "Even though the student's English was often poor they were always eager to learn and our kids found it quite easy to communicate with them. Many students didn't want to return home, nor did we want them to!"

MUST YOU HAVE HIGH-SCHOOL AGED KIDS TO HOST?
A common misconception is that you must have a high school aged child but in reality, households with young children or no children at all are also great host families -- and benefit from the experience just as well.
Children need to learn that different is just different. By taking part in a cultural exchange such as this, your child can build lifelong friendships, develop a love for travel and language that will serve them throughout their lives. Why don't you consider this opportunity soon? You won't be sorry!

My husband and I have hosted 3 exchange students thus far.

Last year, we hosted a boy from Germany. Jan was his name. He was a very nice boy, but kind of shy I would say. He had signed up to be in the U.S. for 10 months, but right before he came here, he got real serious with a girl back in Germany. Jan missed his girlfriend and his family so very much, he just couldn't stay the whole time and ended up going back early (the day after Christmas). We had fun with him, though, while he was here. He went on vacation with us to California and my husband took him snowmobiling for a week right before he left in December, which resulted in a small accident. That's what memories are made of though. We sent Jan home with a splint on his hand. :) And Jan played on our local high school football team, which was fun for all of us. He even got his name in the paper. Our local high school football coach is very kind and was nice enough to get him in a few games and Jan actually scored some points in the one game - he was so excited!!

Jan has been gone now for over a year, and we still hear from him. He wants to visit us this summer, and we hope that he can. It will be good to see him again.

______________________________

In August of this year, we started hosting Kadiatu, a girl from Sierra Leone. I cannot begin to tell you the difficulties that came with this student. My husband and I read alot about her country for months before her arrival; we contacted another family in our area that hosted a girl from Sierra Leone last year to find out what they knew about the experience; we downloaded some music from her country on our I-pods and computers so that she would feel more at home. None of this prepared us for Kadiatu fully. It's vey hard to explain the cultural differences that exist; the stories she told us. The things that happen there are unbelievable to me. She came from a small village - her entire extended family lived in a compound type home, I guess is the best way to describe it. Tribes exist in her country and they speak in tribal languages - they have tribal ceremonies. Men are very much in charge; it is common for women to be raped, without question.

When Kadiatu first arrived, it was very emotional for me. My husband arrived at the airport first - I was late. When I got there, she literally ran up to me at the airport and hugged me, hard. I did not expect that at all. She was like that for the first week with me; once she started school, she changed and became very snotty, I guess would be the word. She struggled with school almost immediately, and it just got worse. Sierra Leone, as most of you may know, struggled through a ten-year civil war. Their education system isn't comparable to ours at all. Kadiatu struggled with a freshman level review math class, and her math teacher figured that maybe she was at a sixth grade level. It wasn't anything Kadiatu had done; it was simply a matter of a poor education.

Kadiatu would not try any of our food and, in fact, had African food sent to her by a friend of her sister's that resides here in the U.S. She, at times, would eat with her hands because that is her culture. It was as if she wanted to make us African. It came to the point where she cooked all of her own meals and ate most of the time by herself. It was sad, but it is what she seemed to prefer.

In October, Kadiatu returned home because her mother passed away while she was here. My husband, myself and our current exchange student all wonder if this event truly occurred, and we will never have any way of knowing. We have never heard from Kadiatu again, nor anyone from her family. We have tried several times to contact her sister and Kadiatu (they both have e-mail addresses, but no one has responded). By the time Kadiatu returned home in October, it was clear she was overwhelmed by school - nearly all of her teachers concurred with this opinion. She was a very proud girl and would rarely ask for help. Since she was here on a scholarship and there are very few events that could get her ticket paid for to get home, we wonder if her mother is alive. We hope that she is and that Kadiatu is happy.

________________________________

Mariel - she came to us in September of this year. She was not clicking with her first host family, and we thought maybe Kadiatu and Mariel would both be good for each other. We are glad she is here. She can be frustrating at times, simply because she is a 17 year old girl :) But, for the most part, she is what the experience is supposed to be. She is outgoing, she is funny, she likes to try new things (except for food) - the girl lives on lettuce, chicken and french fries :)

Had it not been for her, though, we probably would never have considered hosting again. Jan was a good kid, but we were disappointed when he returned home early. And Kadiatu was just plain difficult.

_______________________________

So, you may ask what does a person get out of hosting an exchange student? You get to learn about another person's country from their viewpoint. I knew absolutely nothing about Norway (Mariel) before this year. I now know they are the richest and most peaceful nation in the world. And I know why they are the richest.

I knew nothing about Sierra Leone until this year, other than the civil war thing. I now am much more educated about the way they live.

My husband and I have no children of our own, and it has been challenging at times for us. Mostly, it's been fun. I would strongly recommend that anyone with children host an exchange student. Your children will learn so much, and so will you.

_________________________________________________

***** Since I first wrote this story, Mariel (Norway) has now left - she stayed with us the entire 10 months, and I just wanted to take a minute and update.

We had a wonderful time with our "Norwegian Queen" as she became known to us. We continue to keep in contact with her and the third exchange student that was at our local high school this past year, Maria, from Italy. Mariel and Maria was practically inseparable. They became best friends throughout the year, and Maria and some of Mariel's American friends hung out at our house quite a bit. It was a great year, and one I don't think hubby and I will soon forget. :)

We did many things with Mariel throughout the year. In November, she and I and a couple of my friends, went to see the Chippendale dancers - it was awesome. In December, the three of us (she, myself and my husband), went to an indoor waterpark near our hometown for Christmas; she and I got spa treatments :) In February, my husband and I took the girls (Mariel and Maria) on a cruise with us - we had so much fun. In March, the three of us, drove to the Mall of America - YEAH!!! - shopping!! - In March, Mariel also had the opportunity to take a trip by herself for a week with other exchange students from across the United States - she got to go to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and California. In April, we celebrated her 18th birthday with her; in May, my husband and I chaperoned the Senior Prom (that was also the night of my 40th birthday) :); and June - what a bittersweet month - we celebrated her graduation with her, and then bid her goodbye on June 17.

Definitions
Outbound student
A term applied by sending districts to students they support for an exchange
in another country.
Inbound student
A term applied by host districts to students they receive from another country
for an exchange.
Sending district
The Rotary district in the student's home country that facilitates the exchange
to another country.
Host district
The Rotary district that receives a student from another country.
Host families work closely with the host district.
Host club
The Rotary club that supports the student during the course of the exchange.
Host counselor
Member of the host club appointed to serve as the exchange student's main
contact with the club and to act as a liaison between the student, club, host
family, and community. This individual must not be a member of the student's
host family.
Youth Exchange officer
A Rotarian appointed or elected to hold an office on a district or club
Youth Exchange committee. Selected by the district governor, the district
Youth Exchange chair oversees activity related to the program throughout
an entire district.

Introduction
A host family is a vital part of the cultural exchange, immersing the student
in a variety of activities while in the host country. The host family plays a
large role in offering the student a view of another country and gains the
opportunity to learn about a new culture from a young leader. The following
information will help prepare host families willing to explore the challenge
of welcoming a student into their home for a meaningful exchange.
Hosting is a tremendous experience in which you can share in a young
person's hopes and dreams and develop a lifelong connection with a
student and family from another country. It can be challenging to help a
young person transition to a new culture and ease into the surroundings
but the rewards are immeasurable.
Host families in the Youth Exchange program come in all shapes and sizes.
They can be Rotarians or non-Rotarians, and may include young children,
older children, or no children at all

Rotary and the
Youth Exchange program
What is Rotary?
Rotary clubs are service organizations that strive to improve
the quality of life in their communities, promote high ethical
standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace.
There are over 33,000 Rotary clubs in the world. Club members, called
Rotarians, are business, professional, and community leaders who volunteer
their time and talents to serve others. Rotary Youth Exchange is one of their
service activities.
A district is a group of Rotary clubs that are linked for administrative
purposes. Sometimes districts join together to form multidistricts that
coordinate exchanges in a larger geographic area.
Rotary International, as the association of
Rotary clubs throughout the world, encourages
clubs and districts to undertake Youth Exchange
activities and offers support through publications
and administration relevant to every Rotary
district. Districts operate their Youth Exchange
programs independently of RI but within a
policy framework that supports student safety
and well being.
The Youth Exchange program is distinctive
because it is operated completely by volunteers
around the world. Each district arranges its own
exchanges with other districts. Host families are
screened, interviewed, selected, and supported
by their respective club or district. As a host
family, you should be in close contact with
members of your local Rotary club and district

What is Youth Exchange?
Each year, about 8,000 students from over 100 countries and
geographical areas participate in exchanges through the Youth
Exchange program. There are three types of exchanges:
%u2022 Long-term: This exchange is open to students ages 15-19 and usually
lasts 10-12 months. The student lives with more than one family in the
host country and is required to attend school. Long-term exchanges
may be extended to include all or part of the holiday/vacation periods
immediately before or after the academic year.
%u2022 Short-term: This exchange is open to students ages 15-19 and ranges
from several days to several weeks. It often takes place when school
is not in session, and usually does not include an academic program.
Short-term exchanges typically involve a Rotary district-organized
exchange of a son or daughter between two families, but they may also
take the form of international youth camps or tours that bring together
groups of students from many countries.
%u2022 New Generations: This specialized short-term exchange lasts from
three weeks to three months and is open to young people ages 18-25.
This program may include a vocational element

Requirements of the host family
What is expected of a host family?
Hosting a student can be an extremely rewarding experience for everyone
in the family, yet it is a role that requires a lot of responsibility. Host families
are to meet the following expectations:
Before the student arrives
%u2022 Participate in training and orientation sessions offered by the club or
district.
%u2022 Establish communication with the student.
%u2022 Understand the program rules that the student must follow.
%u2022 Know how to contact key Rotarians involved inYouth Exchange and
community services in case of an emergency.
During the exchange
%u2022 Provide a safe and welcoming environment for trust and friendship to
develop between the student and your family.
%u2022 Support and make the student feel like a part of the family, with the
same privileges and obligations.
%u2022 Gently encourage the student to learn and adopt most of the ways of
your household.
%u2022 Provide room and board for the student. All students must have their
own bed. If the student must share a room, it should be with a child of
the same gender and similar age.
%u2022 Provide a place in the home where the student may study in private.
%u2022 Recognize the student's birthday and other special occasions.
%u2022 Ensure the student knows how to contact family members, friends,
and other support networks.7
%u2022 In case of an emergency, know how to access and use the student's
travel insurance policy.
%u2022 Voice any concerns and questions regarding the student to the
Rotarian host counselor, including serious homesickness, difficulty
adapting to family life or school, or illness.
%u2022 Maintain close contact with the host club, and address problems and
concerns quickly.
%u2022 Exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student's
well being.
%u2022 Encourage involvement in community life by introducing the student
to neighbors, friends, and local groups.
%u2022 Teach the student about the local culture, and learn about the student's
culture.
%u2022 Advise the student about matters related to school, family, community
functions, and friendship.

How long will the student be living with my family?
Most long-term exchange students live with two or three host families
during their exchange. This means the student may live with you for
anywhere between three and six months.

Are host families paid?
No. However, in some countries, you may be entitled to a tax deduction.
Please check with your government to see if you are eligible.

Some anxiety is to be expected if you have never hosted an exchange student.
Be sure you are comfortable with the idea before committing to serve as a
host family. If you have serious reservations, feel that you cannot meet your
obligations, or do not have adequate answers to your questions, please contact
a local Rotarian.

Youth Exchange Student

What rules are exchange students expected to follow?
Students are expected to
%u2022 Learn and follow the family's rules
%u2022 Follow the local laws and customs in the exchange country
%u2022 Refrain from driving or operating a motorized vehicle of any kind
%u2022 Abide by Rotary International and district- and club-specific rules
District and club rules will be explained in orientation sessions. Host
families are encouraged to establish rules and expectations early in areas
such as:
%u2022 Normal household routines,
including meal times, bedtimes,
and study hours
%u2022 Curfews
%u2022 House keys
%u2022 Emergency procedures,
including phone numbers
%u2022 Local transportation
%u2022 Snacks and meals
%u2022 Religious practices
%u2022 Inviting friends home
%u2022 Phone and computer use

What are the consequences if a student breaks a rule?
Within your home, you should set consequences for the exchange
student as you would for your own child. Make sure that the rules and
consequences are very clear to the student. If problems arise or a student
breaks a rule, it is the responsibility of the host family to contact the club
or district Youth Exchange officer to share any major issues that arise. In
extreme cases, the host club and district may decide that it is best for the
student to return home early. The final decision regarding a student's early
return is made by the governor of the host district in consultation with the
district Youth Exchange committee.
What is my role with the exchange student's school?
All long-term exchanges require students to attend a full academic program.
As the host family, you are expected to ensure that the student becomes
acclimated to a new school. Understand that the student may be coming
from a vastly different educational system and may need some guidance
about local school procedures. For this reason, the first host family should
consider visiting the school counselor with the student to tour the grounds
and ensure that he or she is comfortable with the class schedule.
Advise the student against taking a rigorous course load while adjusting to
a new culture, language, and school. Make sure the student knows the way
to and from school, transportation options, and the procedure for getting
lunch.

What challenges might the student experience during the
exchange?
%u2022 Homesickness
%u2022 Language difficulty
%u2022 Challenges making new friends
%u2022 Difficulty interpreting culture-specific social cues
%u2022 Host-family conflicts
%u2022 Different rules and expectations from their home
%u2022 Various emotional difficulties
How will I know when the student is facing these difficulties?
%u2022 Does not seem to be learning the language of the host country
%u2022 Does not talk about new friends or positive activities
%u2022 Spends excessive time alone
%u2022 Calls home frequently or spends too much time online
%u2022 Becomes irritable or has angry outbursts
%u2022 Becomes anxious or depressed
%u2022 Does not perform well in school
What should I do?
%u2022 Talk to the student about the signs you are seeing.
%u2022 Ask open-ended questions, allowing the student to talk freely.
%u2022 Help the student find activities to become involved in.
%u2022 Offer or help arrange for additional language assistance.
%u2022 Encourage the student to talk to the Rotarian host counselor.
%u2022 Notify the student's host counselor if the student is encountering any
exceptional problems such as illness, significant difficulty adapting
to the host family or school, anxieties about family matters, or serious
homesickness.

How are students selected?
Students who demonstrate flexibility and an open mind, have an
above-average academic record, and are involved in community and
extracurricular activities are encouraged to apply. All students who meet
these qualifications, including children of Rotarians and candidates with
disabilities, are urged to consider the program.
Though the application process varies from district to district, students
generally apply through their local club and complete a series of written
applications coupled with an interview process.
What is covered during the student's orientation
sessions?
The sending and host districts will provide orientation sessions for
exchange students before and after their arrival in the host country. The goal
of these sessions is to explain the program's expectations for the students
and prepare them for their time abroad.
What obligations do exchange students have to Rotary?
Students are expected to prioritize Rotary functions, such as club or district
meetings, above other extracurricular and host family activities. They
will be asked to give speeches at Rotary events detailing their exchange
experiences. Host families may be invited to Rotary functions; your
attendance may help the student feel more comfortable. Ask local Rotarians
about the events your student is expected to attend, and ensure that the
student prioritizes them.
How can I best prepare to host a student?
Before the exchange, learn as much as you can about the student's culture,
which may help prevent misunderstandings. Also, think about which
aspects of your culture you would like to share with the student, such as
types of food, entertainment, and local places of interest.
In addition, contact the student and his or her parents as soon as Rotarians
provide the student's name and contact information. You may extend a
welcome and tell them about your family. The student may also appreciate
your input on what types of clothing to bring and information about your
community.

How should I welcome the student into my country?
A member of the student's first host family should join Rotarians at the
airport upon the student's arrival.
Many host families arrange an informal welcome party for the exchange
student. Though students enjoy these gatherings as an excellent way to meet
family friends and community members, consider holding this event at least
a week after the student has arrived. Many students find it overwhelming to
have a welcome party immediately after they get off the plane. The student
may be very tired and need a few days to recover from jet lag.
Host families should be prepared to discuss household rules with their
student. This conversation is often best accomplished using the "first-night
questions" offered by many districts. Examples of these include "Should I
wash my own clothes?"and"May I help myself to food and drink at any
time, or should I ask first?" Some families expect everyone to share tasks
such as bed making and house cleaning, while some do not. It is best to
cover these issues soon after the student has arrived

What if the student doesn't speak my language well?
Most students have a basic knowledge of the host country's language, but
book knowledge often does not prepare them for daily language use. Be
open to potential misunderstandings and frustrations that may accompany
communication with the student. Speak slowly, avoid using idioms, and be
patient. 13
Make sure that the student understands important information, such as
household rules, school issues, and transportation options. Do not hesitate
to ask the student to repeat information back to you, and encourage the
student to ask for clarification. As you help conquer the language barrier,
you will be able to take great pride in the student's accomplishments and
will likely create an especially close bond that will last for many years.

How can I help the student adapt to my country?
It is common for students and host families to have misconceptions of each
other's cultures. What you may consider to be rude or unacceptable may
be normal behavior in the student's culture and vice versa. It is important
to communicate clearly with your exchange student about any cultural
misunderstandings. Your district may also offer intercultural orientation to
address such concerns.
Try to treat the student as a member of your family rather than as a guest.
Also, think of how you would like your own child to be treated on an
exchange, and implement these ideas in your home.
Host parents are encouraged to have students address them with an
informal title, such as "mom"or "dad,"so they feel part of the family. Find
a title that both you and the student are comfortable with. Developing a
strong relationship will ensure a positive experience for everyone.

How do I learn about my student's medical history and
needs?
The host district will have the student's recent medical history with the
application materials. You should be informed of any special medical needs,
such as medications, allergies, dietary requirements, and prescription
glasses or contact lenses.
Students are required to have their own medical insurance. Ask for a copy
of this policy and any additional medical documentation to keep on file
while the student is living with you. Host families are not responsible for
exchange student medical expenses.
Students may have special dietary needs related to health, religion, or
personal preference. Encourage them to try new foods, but always respect
their preferences, and do not force foods upon them.

The roles of the host
and sending districts
What is the role of the sending district?
Once the student is accepted into the program, the sending district
works with the host district to ensure a successful exchange experience.
The Rotarians in the sending district will take care of the logistics that
accompany the exchange. This includes but is not limited to
%u2022 Informing the host club or district of the student's travel itinerary
%u2022 Arranging an outbound orientation session for students and their
parents, covering topics such as financial obligations, rules for the
students, parental visits, insurance, what to expect while on the
exchange, and preparing for return
%u2022 Coordinating a debriefing session when the student returns from
overseas

What is the role of the host district?
The host district is responsible for locating, screening, and supporting host
families while aiming to provide students with a positive experience abroad.
Other responsibilities of the host district or club include:
Program administration
%u2022 Facilitating discussion of needs and expectations between the host
family and the student
%u2022 Arranging a monthly allowance for the student (on long-term
exchanges only)
%u2022 Meeting with the host family in the home before and during the
exchange to ensure the student's needs are being met
%u2022 Approving travel outside the district (Be aware that your student may
have special visa restrictions for travel outside your country.)

School
%u2022 Regularly communicating with the
student's guidance counselor and
teachers
%u2022 Arranging enrollment, paying
for tuition, and addressing other
educational matters with the local
secondary school (for long-term
exchanges)
Training
%u2022 Conducting an orientation for
inbound students covering topics
such as logistics, finances, rules, and
parental visits
%u2022 Creating and maintaining policies and procedures to protect students
from sexual abuse and harassment

Activities
%u2022 Encouraging student attendance at weekly club meetings, fundraisers,
and service projects, and student participation in many club events
%u2022 Encouraging the student to participate in school and community
activities (Before the exchange, Rotarians will learn about the student's
interests and should plan to introduce the student to groups involved
in related activities.)
%u2022 Organizing social and cultural functions for the student

Student support
%u2022 Meeting the exchange student on arrival
%u2022 Providing a 24-hour point of contact and a list of local resources
%u2022 Maintaining contact with the student and host families during the
exchange through the Rotarian host counselor
%u2022 Arranging transportation to and from mandatory Rotary club and
district events

Youth protection
What safety precautions are taken?
Both the host and sending districts must be certified by Rotary International
to participate in the Youth Exchange program. The certification program
supports student safety by establishing requirements for youth protection
and best practices in exchange program operations. All districts adopt the
following Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth in addition to
developing an extensive district abuse and harassment prevention or youth
protection policy

Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all
youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotarians,
Rotarians' spouses and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the
children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from
physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

How to apply to be a host family
How do I apply to become a host parent?
Generally, host parents must complete a written application, which includes
program rules and requirements, a signed compliance statement, and
authorization for reference checks. Because the program is decentralized,
however, the application process varies from district to district. Contact local
Rotarians for details.

Looking for some amazing families to host international students for this summer or next year! Please distribute to your networks and help me get the word out. CCI truly changes the world - one student at a time.

Check out Details on how to contact me! --------------->

You can also email me at www.cci_lorrie45@yahoo.com

I look forward to working with you.

What is the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)?

The Future Leaders Exchange Program was born from former Senator Bill Bradley's conviction that true democracy in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union can only be achieved through its young people. Senator Bradley said, "%u2026what better way to teach [democratic] habits than to bring tens of thousands of young people from the NIS to America%u2026 where they will learn about the privileges and opportunities that come with living in a democracy%u2026"In 1993, the Congress entrusted the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational Affairs with administering this program. With strong bipartisan support, Congress has renewed that legislation every year since. There are now over 13, 000 FLEX alumni who have successfully completed an academic year in the U.S. and are active in FLEX alumni associations in their home countries.

Congress remains convinced that FLEX is vital to building strong, prosperous and democratic partners in Eurasia. All of us deeply appreciate the role that host families, schools, civic and political leaders and other American citizens play in making this important initiative a success.

"The FLEX programme was very useful and gave more opportunities to many people to go on in their lives. For example the FLEX students who have been in the USA, 95 % are very modern and successful and self realized people, they are getting more opportunities because of the one year student life in USA gives time to think positively, in any cases to see bright sights of the life." -- Maruf, FLEX 1997-98, Uzbekistan, currently working for the United Nations in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

What are FLEX student's responsibilities?

FLEX students are expected to be ambassadors from their home countries, to teach Americans about their cultures and political and social systems. When they return home, they are expected to tell America's story there. We do our best to enable them to meet these challenges and rely on you, the host family, as our most valuable asset to provide the environment, guidance and encouragement these students need to make the most of their exchange experience.

How are FLEX students different from other exchange students?

The purpose of the Future Leaders Exchange program is to foster democracy building. As a grantee organization for the Department of State, CCI is responsible for ensuring our FLEX students participate in "enhancement activities" scheduled throughout the academic year, such as visits to state and local governments, participation in community service activities, and leadership seminars. These activities are designed to teach students civic responsibility and provide the knowledge and skills they will need -- as future leaders -- to bring about positive changes in their home countries.

What are the J-1 (Student) Visa Regulations?

Over the years, we have found that some FLEX students strongly wish to remain in the U.S. At the conclusion of their program some try to obtain a scholarship from an American university. The U.S. Department of State, which issues student visas, requires that all FLEX participants return to their home country at the end of their academic year. Students and their parents understand this and have agreed to observe this rule as s a condition of their scholarship. Students may apply for subsequent visas to enter the U.S. two years after returning to their home countries.

Religion

During the Soviet era, the practice of religion was discouraged or banned throughout the Newly Independent States. Your FLEX student may come from a religious background very different from your own. For over two generations, people were not allowed to practice religion, so it is natural that they may now be curious and want to develop their spiritual life. State Department guidelines suggest it is not appropriate for students to formally join a church or to become baptized while here. They may explore the tenets of a religion, or receive instruction, but they may not convert while here in the USA. This is something they need to discuss with their family upon return. While it is entirely appropriate to invite your student to attend religious services with your family, it would not be appropriate to pressure the student to do so. Should religion become an issue, we ask that you contact your CCI area representative for advice.

FLEX Program Goals

Gain an understanding of American culture and diversity;
Teach Americans about their home countries and cultures;
Interact with Americans and generate enduring ties;
Explore and acquire an understanding of the key elements of U.S. civil society;
Share and apply experiences and knowledge in their home communities as FLEX alumni