What's it like hosting a foreign exchange student?

Many schools across the country have long held the tradition of hosting foreign exchange students, allowing them to experience the culture, education and traditions of America, and local schools are among those on the list to be potential hosts. Jennifer Baldridge is a volunteer and Findlay-area representative for the Pan Atlantic Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that works with schools and families to host foreign exchange students. She serves as the support mechanism and "glue" between the school, host family and student, Baldridge said. As an area representative, she covers outreach in Northwest Ohio and stays within about a 60 minute or 60 mile radius from her house in Findlay, she said. She reaches out to families and schools through Facebook and distributes brochures and business cards to coffee shops or other businesses in the area to spread the word. The process Students from around the world who are interested start by filling out an application. Applicants are evaluated on academics, grades, teacher references and English ability. They are also required to take the ELTiS, an English Language Test for International Students, and receive a recommendation from their English teacher. Finally, the student's biological parents are interviewed to ensure that the student is ready and equipped for the experience. Students coming to the U.S. also must have a J-1 visa. Students with these visas want to experience American culture in addition to their academics, Baldridge said. "They want to learn what it's like to live like a teenager here in America," she said. An application also is the first step for interested host families. Both single parents and married couples are eligible to apply, but single parents must have a child of their own in the household. As part of the application process, both parties write letters to each other and share what life is like, how the home works, what they do on a day-to-day basis and any rules for the home. Once the students and families are chosen, Baldridge reviews the applications to create the best match for the student and host family based on shared interests. Once paired, she meets face-to-face with the students monthly to continue building a relationship and check in. Students will stay for a whole academic year, which is 10 months, and families can host up to two students at a time. While in the U.S., students must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and complete a minimum of 16 hours of community service. The PAF is still looking for families to host for this upcoming school year, and Baldridge advocates for families to consider hosting this fall. "They should look at it like they're expanding their family. They're not entertaining a guest, but they're integrating the student to become a member of the family," she said. "They're going to share their celebrations and family events, and they're just going to support them in all of their school activities." For questions about the program, email jennifer@baldridge.biz. To apply to be a host, visit iwanttohost.org