Families across the Valley have a unique opportunity to experience a new culture right in their own homes as ASSE International Student Exchange Programs, a non-profit public benefit organization, is currently seeking host families for the upcoming school year.

“Hosting an exchange student is a life-changing experience for families that fosters cultural understanding and builds lifelong friendships while enriching local communities,” according to a press release from ASSE.

Students, aged 15-18 years, come from over 60 countries around the world, including France, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Spain and many more. The students are selected based on their academic performance, English proficiency and personal character, the release continued, and they are eager to become part of an American family, attend a local high school and share their own traditions.

During their stay, ASSE exchange students immerse themselves in American culture by living with and becoming part of a volunteer host family while attending a local high school. This experience allows them to improve their English skills, form lifelong friendships and gain a deeper understanding of American life and values. In return, host families and communities benefit from the unique perspectives and cultural exchange that these students bring.

Host families, according to the release, provide a safe and supportive home, meals and encouragement, while students come with their own spending money and health insurance.

“Anyone with a warm and welcoming home can host an exchange student,” the release stated. “Host families come in many forms, including married couples (with or without children), single parents, young professionals, empty-nesters, same-sex couples and retirees.”

ASSE also offers qualified American students the opportunity to learn another language and culture by spending a school year, semester or a summer with a host family in another country.

Families interested in hosting an exchange student or exploring study abroad opportunities are invited to learn more and apply by visiting host.asse.com or contacting Fran Mosca at 800-733-2773 or west@asse.com.