Opportunity to Host Foreign Students

Every winter and summer my sister and brother-in-law have students from either China, Taiwan, or other countries come to Utah for an exchange program where they come to learn about American culture and practice their English. This year students from China are coming at the end of January. There are still about 8 students that need to be placed with host families that can drop off and pick up their student(s) at Mt. View for one week and since we live so close to Mt. View I told my sister I would see if I could find a family or two that would be willing to host a couple students. I don't know many people in the ward well enough to know if they would be interested and so I was wondering if there is a way that I can let all the sisters in the ward know about it or if you know any families in particular that I could contact. I feel like there is at least one family in our ward that would be interested but I just don't know how to find them. My sister is hoping to find families within the next couple of days so if you could let me know that would be great. And if you don't know of anybody then don't worry about it I just thought I would ask. Here is some additional information that my sister sent me about the program just in case you need it. I have a lot more specific information about it that I can give to people that are serious about hosting some students. Anyway thank you for even reading this e-mail. "Hosting really is a great experience- especially for families who are looking for opportunities to share the gospel with someone who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to learn about the gospel. We sincerely believe the reason Heavenly Father is helping us bring more students to Utah is because right now it's the only way they can be exposed to the gospel and at least see for themselves that Christians and Mormons are good people. " "The families would host from January 26 - February 2 (only 7 days). The family needs to be willing to drop off and pick up their student(s) at either OHS or Mt. View each week day. The students are gone during the day and with the family in the evenings and on weekends. Each family receives $60 compensation for food expenses per student hosted and $60 compensation for gas per household. The compensation isn't payment for hosting: it's just intended to ensure that host families don't incur any expenses out of their own pocket for hosting. Only two students can be with each family. We especially need families who are willing to drop-off and pick-up at Mt. View. " - Drop off at either Orem High or Mt. View (we especially need families who are willing to drop off at Mt. View) at 9:00 a.m. on some days and before school (7:25 a.m.) some days. Pick-up at the same location at 4:00 or 5:00. Exact schedule will be given out to confirmed families. If they live within walking distance the students can just walk. - Students are from China. They speak pretty good English and are well-educated, good kids. They are coming to improve their English and to experience American culture. - Students will eat breakfast and dinner with their host families. - Families are encouraged to hold family activities while the students are with them such as FHE, board/card games, movie party, or activities out of the home to get to know the area better. - Ideally, each family would host 2 students.