Thousand Palms, California – August 2024 – International students are increasingly heading abroad to study. However, many of these students face a significant challenge — finding a supportive and welcoming home away from home. The amount of host families has decreased in 2024.
To help with this shortage, organizations are posting information on their websites and creating frequently asked question (FAQ) sheets to educate and recruit potential host families.
Cody McCabe, Director of International Education, said about 100 students are starting school this fall. He said host families’ support plays an instrumental role in helping international students thrive.
“They’re a critical part of our programming and it’s a great way for students from other countries to learn about our culture, “McCabe said.
Jessica Cruz, Regional Advisor at ISE, said throughout the year the program works diligently to find local volunteers to be host families for high school students.
Read more of Jessica’s recent interview with the local television station in Thousand Palms, California, “Local organizations respond to the growing need for international family hosts”.
We invite you to read more about hosting a foreign exchange student. If you have specific questions about hosting, check out our host family FAQ page. You can also read testimonials from our past and current host families. When you feel ready, complete our host family interest form and our area representative will get in touch with you.
You can also get involved by joining our team of Area Representatives! Help match host families and exchange students and bring the world closer together, while making a supplemental income.
