Cherie Timmes, Spanish teacher at Italy High School, took her very first exchange student into her home this fall. Her student, Anette, from Norway, settled into the Texas life with enthusiasm.

“I have known a lot of exchange students and they always contribute so much to the classroom dynamic,” said Ms. Timmes. “I really wanted the experience of having a young person from another country in my home as well.”

You and your family can practice the values of compassion and service each and every day when you host an international exchange student in your home. Ms. Timmes is a coordinator for EF Foundation for Foreign Study, and can talk to you about the experience – it promotes global understanding and cross cultural awareness here in Texas, all while invigorating our communities and local schools.

EF Foundation for Foreign Study is a non-profit organization that coordinates the hosting of international high school exchange students in the United States.

Students are between 15 and 18 years old and come with their own spending money and insurance. Host families provide room, board, and a caring environment. Families work with a local coordinator to select a student whose interests match their own.

Since 1979, EF Foundation’s team of dedicated volunteers, local coordinators, and staff has helped over 100,000 students from nearly 40 countries live and learn in America. EF Foundation’s unique combination of local support and global reach has made it the largest facilitator of high school exchange for students coming to the United States.

To learn more about hosting an exchange student, please contact Cherie Timmes locally at (972) 483-7411, or [email protected], or visit http://www.effoundation.org.