Host A Teen And Join The Global Family

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An international exchange program for teens is looking for good Central Oahu homes to host English-speaking foreign exchange students for six months to a year.

Some of the students will be attending Mililani High School.

“We have students from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Germany and Korea,” said Carolyn Simmons, national director for Forte International Exchange Association.

Programs start in August and end in either December or next May, offering a cultural exchange experience for 15- to 18-year-old boys and girls who “want to see what it’s like to go to an American high school, live with an American family and learn English.”

The group is seeking about 20 people or families islandwide to open their doors and provide room and board. The students bring their own spending money and have health insurance, Simmons said, adding,“We try to keep the cost very minimal for the host family.”

“In return these kids bring their culture to their (host) homes - they usually bring (host) families gifts, and the students’ families will usually send gifts throughout the year from their country. It’s a lifelong friendship.”

For more information, visit www.forteexchange.org. To offer your home (needed by Aug. 31), call the Honolulu area director at 258-1719 or reach the group toll free at 888-866-6869.