International High School Exchange Students Seeking Host Families in Manchester

Niklas Uhlmannsiek, a German exchange student, attended Manchester High School for the 2011-2012 school year. Photo courtesy of Sadonna K. Cody.

Visiting students, ages 15-18, from around the world (including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand) are seeking host families in and around Manchester for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic school year. Host families are needed for the fall semester and the full school year.

Host families (traditional families, singles, empty nesters, etc.) serve as mentors and a home base for their students. Visiting students participate as active members of the family and integrate into their host’s daily routines and traditions just like any other family member. Hosting an international student is a great way to explore a new culture and promote a sense of lifelong learning and adventure.

“Every year Michigan plays host to many talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America,” reports Joe Bissell, iE-USA’s Area Director. Joe adds, “Michigan’s spirit of hospitality and focus on academic enrichment makes it an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level.”

The sponsoring program, iE-USA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.

Exchange student participants undergo an extensive application and orientation process in their home countries prior to being accepted into iE-USA’s program. Each student is responsible for his/her own spending money and full health insurance coverage.

To learn more about how to make the dream come true for an international high school exchange student, contact iE’s Manchester representative, Liane Golightly at lg876@cairn.edu, 734-272-1018. Host families may review prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families interested in hosting this year are encouraged to apply by August 15, 2015.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.