What Is EF Foundation for Foreign Study
EF Foundation for Foreign Study
We are seeking host families to host a student from one of 25 countries and will be arriving in August to spend a high school year in America. We have students who are eager to live with families that enjoy animals, train animals and have animals in their homes. Some of the students want to learn to be vets, some kids like training animals (horses, dogsand even parrots) or love riding horses. I thought of 4H as a perfect group of folks who would be willing to open their homes and lives to a student wishing to spend his/her high school year in ourarea.
I began volunteering for the EF Foundation For Foreign Study back in 1998. I wasn't sure if I would be "ready" to host,but knew after reading a couple of student applications, I was ready and eager to host a student. I have hosted every year since then and have always had great kids. I've placed over 150+ kids in homes from San Francisco, down to King City and over to Yosemite.
You can visit our website and see video applications of kids who have arrived or completed their school year. (New student applications cannot be released without a potential host family first being screened.)
Each student is different, but every teenager is the same! They love to be with their friends, learn new things and talk about their country. Having an exchange student is the same as having another plate at the table. Having exchange students is a great experience and so easy to do! These kids are eager to be part of an American family and willing to be part of the daily going-ons of family life. They share in the chores of your kids, teach you and your family about their lives in their home country and participate in school life.
For more information please contact:
Joan Dresser
Home: 831-663-3070
Work: 831-648-5878
Home:
Work:
What is EF Foundation for Foreign Study?
EF Foundation is a non-profit high school exchange organization that works with 35 different countries to bring international students to the United States for a semester or a full year of high school. Our students speak English, come with their own spending money, and are fully insured. The students live with non-paid host families while they attend local American high schools. EF Foundation is part of EF Education First, a global education organization (learn more at
What are the requirements to become a host family?
Host families must provide room and board and a caring home environment for the student. One or both host parents must be at least 25 years of age or older. Our students don't have to have their own bedroom, but if they do share a room, it must be with a child of the same gender who is at least 12 years old. EF Foundation places students in all types of families and communities -- single parent, empty-nesters, big cities and rural areas. We ask that the student is treated as a member of the family, and not just a guest in your home. Families who can provide room, board, and a loving home for a student will qualify to host!
How old are the students? What nationalities are they? How are they chosen for the program?
Our students are between the ages of 15 and 18. They attend your local high school and fully participate in regular classes and extra-curricular activities as an American student would. Our students come from all over the world -- from South America to Scandinavia, and as far away as Asia and Australia.
Our students are thoroughly screened by EF’s international offices prior to acceptance in the program. The students must pass an interview in English and complete a lengthy application including recommendations, a timed essay, academic transcript, and short-answer questions related to their own family life. Our international offices also judge students based on academic motivation, maturity and program expectations.
Can families choose which student to host?
Definitely! Once you decide to move forward with hosting, you will work with a local coordinator called an IEC (International Exchange Coordinator) who will help match a student to your requests. You can request a student by gender, nationality, age, even interests! Your IEC will work with EF Foundation’s Boston office to find students that match your criteria. You will then have the opportunity to read through several applications to find the student who best fits in your family.
Are host families paid?
No. The U.S. State Department who regulates all international exchange programs in this country mandates that host families cannot be paid. This ensures that families host for the right reasons because they are passionate about student exchange and they want to welcome a new culture into their home and community. However, host families are eligible for a $50.00 per month tax deduction per student.
Are families supported throughout the year?
Yes! Your local coordinator is there to support you and your exchange student throughout the year. Your local coordinator, as well as a Regional Coordinator and staff in the Boston office are experienced in counseling host families and exchange students, and know how to handle problem situations. The Boston office is your final support option if your local support network is unavailable. During regular working hours, you are always able to reach our Boston staff at 1-800-44-SHARE (74273). If there is an emergency situation that occurs after working hours and you need immediate assistance, there is a Boston staff member on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In other words, we are here for you!