Having been an exchange student myself, I personally know how meaningful and memorable studying abroad can be. Imagine being motivated enough as a 16 year-old teenager to apply for a program to study in a foreign country? You must fill out questionnaires, get letters of recommendation, have good grades and have the ability to go to school and learn in another language! Daunting…
Students from around the world would love the opportunity to come to an American High School, make new friends and eat a slice of pizza. They need a welcoming environment to come home to do they can do their homework, hang out with their American family and watch tv. They are excited to learn about our lifestyle, perfect their English and share their culture.
Founded in 1990, PAX is a non-profit organization that provides global education and exchange opportunities for students, host families, school and communities to open doors, embrace cultures, and become family. It consists of a network of more than 300 community coordinators throughout the U.S. along with 72 sending organizations around the world that support PAX in the fulfillment of this mission.
As a host family, you must provide a bed, three meals a day and access to transportation to school. The students have their own spending money, health insurance and a cell phone. During the application process, you get to choose the student. You can make your choice based on the country, gender, hobbies or any qualities that would be a good fit for your family.
Every high school can only accept a few students. Austin ISD happens to still have openings for foreign students. Please go to the website for more information.
-Written by Audrey Handelsman
