International exchange program seeks host families

STAFF REPORT ~ 6/29/2011

A local non-profit exchange program is inviting local families to host international high school students for the 2011-2012 school year. These students will integrate themselves into a local family with the goal of experiencing American culture as an American high school student does. In turn they will provide insight into their own culture.
STS Foundation has been facilitating relationships for more than 25 years. The teenagers come from more than 30 countries. The students will have their own spending money and insurance. Host families are responsible for meals, a separate place to sleep and a nurturing environment. STS Foundation will have a local coordinator that will supervise the student and support the family throughout the year.
The students seeking families include:
- Louise from Denmark. She lives in a small town about 30 miles from Copenhagen with her parents. She has two older sisters no longer living at home. Louise enjoys swimming at a very high level. She also enjoys horse riding, scuba diving and she teaches swimming to children. Her parents describe her as being a very positive girl with many interests. Her teacher says that, “any school and host family would be luck to get to know her”.
- Elin is from a small village in Sweden where she lives with her parents and younger sister. Elin enjoys cooking and baking. She says that the family who chooses her will learn a lot about Swedish food and culture. She also plays the violin and sings in a choir. Her teachers describe her as being thoughtful and kind. Her mother says, “you will share a lot of happy moments and memories with her”.
For questions about these and other students, call or email Mary Leonhardt at 480-970-6337 go to stsfoundation.org or email info@stsfoundation.org.
STS Foundation is a non-profit Student Exchange Program that is dedicated to opening hearts and homes to exchange students around the world.