The World Heritage Exchange program brings students from around the world, aged 15 to 18, to live with American families, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual growth. Photo submitted.
Asheville – The Eastern United States is a vibrant and diverse region, offering exchange students a dynamic and enriching experience. As we approach the fall season, I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your family to consider hosting a World Heritage Exchange Student. This program brings students from around the world, aged 15 to 18, to live with American families, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual growth.
Hosting a World Heritage Exchange Student can be a profoundly rewarding experience. These students arrive in the United States with their own insurance and spending money, ready to immerse themselves in American culture. They are eager to learn about our country through the eyes of their host families and the local community. This eagerness translates into an enriching cultural exchange that benefits both the student and the host family.
Whether you are a young family, retired, a single parent, or empty nesters, hosting an exchange student is an extraordinary opportunity to experience new cultures and values firsthand. Students come from a wide range of countries, including France, Italy, Ukraine, Japan, Germany, Denmark, and many others. Each student brings their unique background, traditions, and perspectives, offering a global experience within your own home.
For young families, hosting an exchange student can be a fantastic educational opportunity for your children. They can learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions in a way that goes beyond textbooks and classroom lessons. This firsthand exposure to diversity fosters open-mindedness and curiosity, helping children develop a broader worldview from a young age.
Retired individuals and empty nesters can also find immense joy and fulfillment in hosting an exchange student. With more time on your hands, you can fully engage in the cultural exchange, sharing your experiences and wisdom while learning from a young person’s perspective. Many retired hosts find the experience rejuvenating, as it brings a sense of adventure and purpose into their lives.
Single parents can benefit greatly from the companionship and cultural enrichment that comes with hosting an exchange student. The experience can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories as you navigate this journey together. Moreover, the exchange student often becomes like a sibling to your child, fostering a unique and supportive relationship.
By hosting a World Heritage Exchange Student, you are not only opening your home but also opening your heart and mind to new experiences. You will have the chance to share your knowledge about the United States, its traditions, and its values while learning about another culture. This reciprocal exchange promotes global understanding and tolerance, which are essential in today’s interconnected world.
The process of becoming a host family is straightforward and supported by the World Heritage organization. We ensure that all students are well-prepared for their stay and provide ongoing support to host families throughout the exchange period. This includes regular check-ins, resources, and a network of other host families who can offer advice and support.
Hosting an exchange student also brings practical benefits. Many families find that the experience enhances their own communication and adaptability skills. You may even pick up some phrases in a new language or learn to cook traditional dishes from your student’s home country. These small but meaningful exchanges enrich daily life and create a sense of global community.
If you are interested in this unique and enriching opportunity, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Call us directly at 1-919-924-4679 or 1-800-888-9040 for more information. You can also reach out to Debra Garbon at [email protected] or visit our website at www.world-heritage.org.
Hosting a World Heritage Exchange Student offers a chance to broaden your horizons, create lifelong memories, and make a positive impact on a young person’s life. It is an invitation to bring the world into your home and become part of a global family. We hope you will consider this incredible opportunity and join us in fostering cultural understanding and global friendship.
