Time sensitive cultural exchange opportunity for KHS

[Merlis Joan]

Hi Kathy and Karen,

I am a parent of a student at Bedford Middle School, and Iast summer, my family hosted a French student through a language/culture exchange program for three weeks. It was a wonderful experience for everyone, and I just agreed to help the program find host families for students coming this summer. The first group arrives June 30, so the clock is ticking! I am trying to reach out to our schools to help get the word out.

Hosting a student through this program was ideal for my family because the commitment was short, yet we learned about another culture, made a connection with a new friend, and this summer, my own daughter is planning a trip to visit his family in France. 

I am hoping you can include the information about the program that I have pasted below in any year end email that you have going out. Any help you can offer in spreading the word about this opportunity would be most appreciated. If you know anyone who might enjoy the opportunity to host, I welcome you to share my contact information.

Thank you for your help.

Joan Merlis

Host Families Needed for Students from Hong Kong, Italy, Germany and Spain

Westport families interested in a summer cultural exchange opportunity can be a host family for high school aged students coming for a 3-4 week visit to our town. The students are on a language/culture program and will participate in English classes each day held in downtown Westport. Students are busy with activities all day, and spend time with their hosts during the evening and on weekends. Families are asked to provide a bed, 3 meals per day, and a warm, nurturing environment. The students have their own medical insurance, and a $100 per week stipend per student is available to cover the cost of hosting. The program is run by EF Educational Homestays. For further information on becoming a host family, please contact Elliott Smith at 203-216-7829 or Joan Merlis 203-470-0073. The clock is ticking! Student groups arrive on June 30, July 20 and August 2. All are welcome to an informational meeting on Tuesday, June 21^st at 6PM at Christ and Holy Trinity Church, 55 Myrtle Avenue, Westport.