How can I find volunteers to host exchange students in their home?

Two other partners and I started a small, non-profit exchange student program a couple of years ago called Peace4Kids (www.peace4kids.net). We bring high school kids to the US to live with host families and go to public schools. We mostly place students in the greater El Paso, TX area, but also have some placed in Arkansas, California and Ohio. The State Department requires that host families be volunteer (we can't pay them), but it is getting harder and harder to find families to open their home for a school year or semester. Does anyone have any fabulous ideas on how we can find people to host an exchange student? It really is a great experience--I know, I've hosted and I've been an exchange student! The school year is fast approaching and we have some terrific kids from several different countries (all of whom speak English.)How can I find volunteers to host exchange students in their home?I would suggest that you consider partnering with some of the local volunteer centers in all areas. They are the ones that can help you with marketing, as they have the connections to all of the volunteers in the local communities.



Here are some links to help you get started:

http://www.handsonnetwork.org/our-networ

http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/fin



By listing your agency in the local volunteer centers, they can all help you with referrals.How can I find volunteers to host exchange students in their home?I'll host anybody you want as long as she's female, blonde, blue eyes, hot, and speaks a first language other than english, and is at least 18.How can I find volunteers to host exchange students in their home?I saw an ad in craigslist for host families.



Contact college faculties. Lots of them think that it's a great experience for their own kids.How can I find volunteers to host exchange students in their home?I think the main reason it is getting harder is that people hear about the problems with these kids.

I had a foreign exchange student from France. I knew he was 14 year old and that his two brothers were staying with other families so I said heck I'd give it a try. When he got here I found out he spoke no English (he was supposed to know our language) and he was arrogant and needy. I could not leave my home to go to work because he would be wrestling with the neighbor boys (beating them up). I thought I would get sued. I have to stay home and keep an eye on him every second. I found he only wanted a relationship with me because I was the mother figure and I spent time teaching him English. Not even my two sons enjoyed his company and he ended up taking my time from them. The worst part was when he ran around yelling %26quot;America No Good%26quot; or %26quot;France is the BEST%26quot;. He did not make any friends. I tried to ask for help but never got any. Just wait it out. Glad he was here only 4 weeks or I would be in jail.



Then I hired an aupair from France (girl, 21). She got her own unit to live (apt in my basement, nice) and she never cleaned my home, cared for my kids, or cooked a meal. She ran around dating and bringing men into my home. Then when she left (2 mos later) she told her parents I never paid her (a lie) and left me with a phone bill of $1,500 calling France every night.



I always wanted the real experience of foreign exchange students but I have found with my experiences and those of my friends that it rarely works out. No one is screening these students and if I was stuck with one like this a whole school year I would run away. Word gets out and others don't want to have a bad experience. Is it worth it?

You bring them in so you can learn about their culture and make a friend for life and many times you get stand-off personalities, arrogance, and rudeness.

So what is in it for the families that offer their homes????

It is obvious what is in it for the student.