Families can still sign up for foreign exchange students

The Daily Inter Lake

There is still time for families to sign up to host a student from a foreign country this school year.

The Center for Cultural Interchange, based in Chicago, is looking for Flathead Valley families to host students during the 2009-10 school year. Students from 65 countries participate in the exchange program.

Hosting an exchange student can broaden both the student's and the host family's horizons, according to Lori Tibbett, director of placement services for the center.

"We want people to understand that they are needed to help many young foreign-exchange students to realize their dream of visiting America," she said. "It's an opportunity to open a window to the world and learn about other cultures, traditions and languages - not just through a textbook, but through real-world encounters."

Interested host families must contact the center no later than Aug. 28.

For further information, call 800-634-4771, e-mail ayp@cci-exchange.com or visit www.cci-exchange.com/host.htm.