Students are currently waiting to be matched with an American host family and are looking forward for the opportunity to come to the community.

EF High School Exchange Year, a non profit, is the sponsoring agent working in conjunction with the U.S. State Department allowing students to come on a J-1 visa to study in the United States. EF (Education First) is a nearly 50-year-old organization whose core value is a belief in cultural exchange through education. Volunteer host families are matched with a student who they select though student profiles, finding common interests. High School Exchange Year has a wide range of countries available from Western Europe and South East Asia – there are 15 countries to choose from.

A student will live with a host family as a family member, and attend the local high school. The host family provides room and board, including three meals a day. The student must have their own bed but may share a room with a host sibling of the same gender and age.

There are two programs: EF High School Exchange Year where students come for one school year or one school semester. They attend a local high school. All students speak English.  www.efexchangeyear.org

EF Homestay Program is when students come for one month during the summer (this year is from July 2-28); countries are France, Spain and Russia. www.efhometay.org

For more information and a chance to speak with current host families and their student, contact Beverly de Lucia at (818) 429-2528 or email bdelucia@me.com.