Kennedy asked us to "strengthen Americans' understanding about the world and its peoples." For me, this took on a unique opportunity to not only strengthen my home community and America's understanding of other cultures and people, but to continue helping to develop youth from around the world. My husband and I recently signed up to become Area Representatives for a non-profit organization called Pacific Intercultural Exchange. The very same organization that my husband studied abroad though when he was an exchange student in Florida in 2003-2004.
As a non-profit organization focused entirely on secondary student exchange, Pacific Intercultural Exchange (PIE) offers both American and international high school students the opportunity to spend a semester or year abroad. "PIE is a not-for-profit corporation that prides itself on facilitating the exchange of cultures between young people, their host families, and host schools through semester, year long, and summer programs (outbound only). Like Peace Corps, PIE believes that only through knowledge can the fear of the unknown be eliminated and true cooperative unity be achieved." 1
PIE is open to any American or international high school students interested in foreign exchange. In addition, it is constantly searching for host families and volunteers to help expand the program by acting as the local area representatives in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the United States.
"As RPCVs we have the advantage of knowing both the stress and benefits that come as a result of living and learning in a foreign country, opening our minds to new cultures, lifestyles, and flavors as well as what it is like to become a member of someone else’s family in the process." 1
For those of you who have never considered the impact of hosting an exchange student, it is never too late to participate! PIE has some of the highest standards for its' students, and for families we expect you to treat students as a member of your own family, provide them with a room (students may share with another of the same gender provided the family member is aged 10-17), and provide three meals a day. Although host families are not paid, students bring their own spending money, and the impact of hosting an exchange student far outweighs any financial compensation.
If you are not interested in being a host family at this time, there are other ways that you can help. Like myself, you can volunteer to be an Area Representative for students in your area. Even if you don't have a lot of time to commit, you can volunteer to be the representative for even just one student. Area Representatives assist host families with the placement process, and act as the primary contact for students placed in your area for the duration of their host stay. "PIE is seeking to break the model of the assumed American lifestyle portrayed to international students by the media, and show participants that there is no “typical” American or family." 1
PIE is open to any American or international high school students interested in foreign exchange. In addition, it is constantly searching for host families and volunteers to help expand the program by acting as the local area representatives in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the United States.
"As RPCVs we have the advantage of knowing both the stress and benefits that come as a result of living and learning in a foreign country, opening our minds to new cultures, lifestyles, and flavors as well as what it is like to become a member of someone else’s family in the process." 1
For those of you who have never considered the impact of hosting an exchange student, it is never too late to participate! PIE has some of the highest standards for its' students, and for families we expect you to treat students as a member of your own family, provide them with a room (students may share with another of the same gender provided the family member is aged 10-17), and provide three meals a day. Although host families are not paid, students bring their own spending money, and the impact of hosting an exchange student far outweighs any financial compensation.
If you are not interested in being a host family at this time, there are other ways that you can help. Like myself, you can volunteer to be an Area Representative for students in your area. Even if you don't have a lot of time to commit, you can volunteer to be the representative for even just one student. Area Representatives assist host families with the placement process, and act as the primary contact for students placed in your area for the duration of their host stay. "PIE is seeking to break the model of the assumed American lifestyle portrayed to international students by the media, and show participants that there is no “typical” American or family." 1
I never expected that after returning from my time in the Peace Corps, that I would now be the one helping to find host families that treat international students as well as my own host family treated me. I only hope that those you who are considering the impact you can have on a student, are willing to reach out and contact PIE for more information. My host family will always be a part of my life, and I will always remember how they made my time and experiences in Peace Corps so much better than I ever imagined. I only hope that we can do the same for these students.
If you are looking for more information or want to get involved, call 1-888-743-8721 or visit the PIE website at: http://www.pieusa.org
If you are looking for more information or want to get involved, call 1-888-743-8721 or visit the PIE website at: http://www.pieusa.org
