CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease across the globe, international students are starting to make their way to the United States once again.
Foreign exchange programs are seeking more host families.
What You Need To Know
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest for international students decreased
- Now that travel restrictions are lifting, students are looking to come to the U.S. again
- Host families take in students for a year to give them a place to stay
- Families get to experience another culture, while teaching the students about America
For those like the Gaura family in Monroe, the opportunity to host two students, Marcel Garcia and Nelson Janke, has changed their lives. It exposed them to different cultures in a unique way.
“You’re missing out if you don’t choose to host someone from another country,” Jeff Gaura said. “And they’re missing out by not getting a chance to meet you.”
Garcia and Janke are staying with the Gauras for the entire school year. They are both students at Piedmont High School in Monroe, along with three other foreign exchange students, this year.
They were connected through International Experience, which helps place students with families all over the country.
Click here to get involved with hosting an international student.