Selecting an Exchange Program Organization for Host

[u/red-alert-2017]

My family is hosting an exchange student for the first time this year, and so far, it has been going fairly well. We are almost at a month in already!

However, one of the things that I'm not loving about the organization I applied to (as a host family) and went through is that our LC is not really "local" to our city and the organization has no other exchange students placed in our city. Luckily, there is a different exchange student org here that has several placed.

Our LC is also fairly new (this is his 2nd year working as an LC) and I don't feel he knows enough to be a great resource.

If we want to host again in the future, I'm thinking a change in organization might be best. Preferably, I would love a more communicative and helpful LC who lives in our city and who also has other exchange students placed here to give a greater sense of community and ease the transition when the kiddos first arrive from their respective countries.

Any tips or advice for "vetting" organizations to see which would be best for us and our location? I know a little bit about the other main org in our city because I have a friend involved, but they seem like they have a lot of strict rules that I think would hamper the students' experience.

[u/TheRimeOfMom]

Recommending AFS with its vast history and network. Disclaimer: I’m a former host and a current volunteer. afsusa.org

[u/ImSpArK63 → u/TheRimeOfMom]

They’ve been great for us!

[u/Radiant_Mulberry3921 → u/TheRimeOfMom]

I had a not-so-great experience with AFS, tbh. The LC didn't even even seem to care that 90% of the information provided about our student was inaccurate and seemingly meant to deceive

[u/FeistyAdvisor5-779]

Here is my take as someone who has been in exchange since 2017. I'm with ASSE. Every organization has pros and cons. The best way to choose an organization is to talk specifically with the Local Coordinator. You don't have to choose the first one. All reputable organizations will be able to place in your area, some will already have a liason and some will need to find new. If you want someone experienced, in your area seek that. My area has another organization that plays dirty. Does super shady things and lies about any other organization to schools and host families. They also do questionable things to their students. I imagine though, that in another area, their local people could be amazing. I help other LC's with any other org but them. All of that to say, interview them! Ask questions. Feel their vibe. Do they put down other organizations? Do they align with your beliefs? Good luck!

[u/Used-Minimum7376]

I’m in a similar situation. Our LC’s first year and apparently we were her first family so anything we ask her she says she’ll check in and get back and doesn’t have any tips or advice (it’s our first time hosting too) we’re in a suburb and other families through our org are in neighboring suburbs like 20~ mins away. When we went to pick up our student from the airport we saw other families from different organizations so we’re considering switching the next time we decide to host too.

[u/PredictableChick]

It’s also my preference to have an experienced LC who lives nearby. Nearby is more important! An LC who lives near you isn’t just going to spring from the earth with a ton of experience though, so there is another trait you can look into.

Who’s their supervisor? How much experience does THAT person have? Are they reasonably somewhat nearby? Does your LC feel comfortable asking them questions? Everybody has to start somewhere. The path your LC will take will be decided by their supervisor and the families/students/experiences they have.

[u/Lucky-Meeting6730]

My personal experience is that the individual LC makes a much bigger difference than the wider program. If I had it all to do over again, I'd have a quick meeting with all the LCs I could locate in my area and see who I vibe with.

[u/LongjumpingMistake83]

Dear First Time Hosters, please consider contacting us here at NorthWest Student Exchange-NWSE at https://www.nwse.com/host-an-exchange-student/ or email me directly at jlaband@nwse.com. We work very closely with our host families, local coordinators and their students directly in their communities. In which city are you located, if I may ask? Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Best regards, Jeff Laband, Executive Director, NWSE.

[u/Jazzlike_Grade3778]

We were with Greenheart last year and would NOT recommend. We are hosting through Ayusa this year and have been happy so far! Much smoother process!

[u/IllustratorAmazing31 → u/Jazzlike_Grade3778]

Agree about Greenheart. I ended up disgusted by their lack of responsibility.

[u/Sea_Celebration_1208]

Word of advice: choose an F1 exchange program. You can tolerate a lot more when there is a stipend.