What are the steps to becoming a host family?
Host families must complete an application form which will provide detailed summary and profile of the family. A local community counselor will then schedule an in-home interview with all family members present. Personal references must be provided from members of the community or school attesting to their good-character and suitability for hosting an exchange student. The local community counselor will verify all references and the local high school will be asked to complete a form stating their acceptance of the student for the school year.
Are Host Families Paid?
Yes . Students are on F-1 visas which place them within Venture International Academy and local Community Colleges. .
Students participating at a private school and local colleges pays fees to assist with some of the host families monthly costs.
How are host families selected?
All host families are personally interviewed in their home and screened by our local community consoler according to Venture's policies and procedures. We consider a host families housing conditions and financial ability to host, however host families are not expected to be "wealthy". We are more concerned that host families have the open mind and heart as well as the willingness to accept a student as a member of their family, and have the ability to provide a nurturing and loving family home.
Can a single person host an exchange student?
A single person is welcome to apply to Venture Intentional Academy as a host family. On occasion, some students students will prefer living with a single person and enjoy the extra attention afforded them with a single person without the duties and responsibilities of caring for other family members. Prior permission from the student's natural parents will be required for these types of placements and applicants must be at least 25 years old and financially capable of providing room and board for another person.
Can we select our own student?
With the guidance of the community counselor, approved families will be allowed to select the student whom they feel best matches their family from the available applications. A number of factors should be considered when selecting a student-similar values, activities and interest, and religious preferences to name a few. In addition, many host families prefer a certain sex or nationality of the student. Hosting does require a period of adjustment for all family members and for the student beginning.Common interests and values make this adjustment easier.
Can young children benefit from hosting?
Many of our exchange students request being placed in homes with small children. As long as the student is not asked to share a room with any child under 12 years of age, these types of placements work well when the student has some privacy and a quiet place to study. Children of all ages will gain broader perspective on the world. Young children usually love having a big brother or sister from another country!
How will a host family be prepared for this exchange experience?
Once your family is approved as a host family, a family handbook will be sent. This host family handbook will be valuable information on the hosting experience. In addition to the host family handbook the family will attend a Host Family Orientation, conducted by your community counselor, prior to your new son/daughter's arrival. The orientation is where last minute questions can be asked, meet other hosting families,and learn how to support your new family member through the normal adjustment such as culture shock and speaking a new language. There will be a second orientation after the arrival of your student.Find a friend in your local community counselor, he/she will prove to be your most important resource.
What will happen if we have problems with our student?
Hosting is an experience that involves human beings that have different goals and expectations of the hosting experience. It would be unrealistic to expect the experience to be "problem free." Host families have local support from their community counselor, who are prepared to assist in resolving any difficult situation that may arise. Misunderstandings can be worked our through communication with a neutral third party. In the event of a more serious problem or serious personality conflict, the Venture International Academy office may become involved. If a problem is deemed too great to overcome, students may be removed from the host family and/or returned home to their country.
