Matanzas High seeks host family for exchange student

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Among the 18 students hosted by Susan James in the past 15 years, one loved marshmallows so much he brought home a suitcase full of them. One stood outside on the first night in the United States and looked at the stars — he never got to see them in the bright lights of Madrid.

James is a community coordinator for the Program of Academic Exchange, or PAX. She lives in St. Augustine and is currently seeking a family in Palm Coast to host an exchange student for the upcoming school year at Matanzas High School.

“Host families provide a bed, meals and a warm supportive environment for the school year,” James wrote via email.

The host family, once approved by the federally regulated program, will be able to choose for a long list of available exchange students, including gender and ethnicity. The student can share a room with another child, but the two must be the same gender.

“They are here to practice English and learn about American culture,” James said. “They come with their own medical insurance and spending money.

“When you choose to host an exchange student, prepare to embark upon a unique and exciting journey. Day-to-day activities, family dinners or traditions become brand new experiences with a fresh perspective and insight.”

PAX is hoping to find a host family by the middle of July. The process has been slow this year, James said, perhaps because of the economy. But the sacrifice is worth it, she said.

“The kid gets to be like one of your own, and I think that’s a surprise to people,” she said in phone interview. “They never dreamed they’d get so attached.”

Interested families should contact Susan James at 904-806-1392 or at [email protected]. The website is www.pax.org.

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