Host Families Needed

Foreign high school students are scheduled to arrive for the academic semester and year program homestays soon, and the sponsoring organization needs more host families.

According to Pacific Intercultural Exchange (PIE) Executive Director John Doty, the students are all between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, carry insurance, and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families.

PIE representatives match students with host families by finding common interests and lifestyles through an informal in-home meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applications and select the perfect match. PIE is a non-profit educational organization that has sponsored more than 18,000 students from 40 countries since its founding in 1975.

Newtown area families interested in learning more about student exchange or arranging for a meeting with a community representative may call PIE at 800-631-1818. The agency also has travel/study program opportunities available for American high school students as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students, and schools.