Help Foster Greater Understanding by Hosting an International Student

Being A Host Family May Be The Most Important Connection You Make

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Aug 13, 2014, 10:00 ET

PORT CHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PAX - Program of Academic Exchange invites local families to consider hosting a high school exchange student from one of 70 European, South American, Asian, or African countries during the upcoming school year. What better way to build bridges and expand a young person's worldview than by hosting an exchange student?

A host family can lead to new friendships. Go to PAX.org to learn more. (PRNewsFoto/PAX)

PAX logo (PRNewsFoto/PAX)

According to the Torgeruds of Minnesota, who hosted a PAX student from Ukraine, "Hosting a student is one of the most valuable things we have ever done. We have hosted eight students from many countries and found it to be very rewarding. Even after our children graduated from high school, we had other students. Our family is now all over the world."

Anyone interested in becoming a host family should fill out a PAX inquiry form or call 800-555-6211.

PAX students are 15-18 years old, have studied English for at least three years, and are motivated to learn more about the U.S. by attending high school and living with a host family. PAX students are eager to experience American activities such as backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations and holidays, and to share their country and culture with their host families. They are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and have their own spending money.

Visit real PAX students and families on Facebook and YouTube.

"Hosting a foreign exchange student not only is an opportunity to share what you love most about the United States, it helps you see the U.S. through fresh eyes," says PAX president Bradley Smith.

Volunteer host families provide PAX students with a warm and supportive home environment, a seat at the family dinner table, a bed, a quiet place to study, and encouragement to engage in everyday American life. All types of families—single parents, young couples, retirees, and parents with teenagers—are welcome to host.

About PAX

Founded in 1990, PAX is a non-profit educational organization and one of a select few U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Programs chosen to participate in the prestigious U.S. government sponsored Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs. Each year, more than 1,100 teenagers visit the U.S. as PAX exchange students.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140812/135602

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140709/125772

SOURCE PAX - Program of Academic Exchange