Question by !eannaaa GO COYOTES: How to become a host for a Russian exchange student?
I’m really interested in Russian culture, and would really like to be a host for a Russian exchange student. How is that possible and how do I pursue it?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Daisy
A perfect opportunity to become a host for a Russian exchange student and improve your Russian is through FLEX program – the Future Leaders Exchange Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
The FLEX program provides scholarships for secondary school students from countries of the former Soviet Union to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. The students will live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.
FLEX is currently looking for a host family for Valentin, an athletic teen from Russia, needs a host home. You can see his profile at
If you are interested, contact the local coordinator, Leahnor Soliven at 425-876-0773 or by email at [email protected]. You can also contact Anatoliy Kochnev at PAX National Office at 1-800-555-6211.
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Feisty says
If you are interested in hosting a student (from any culture) at the high school level, the first thing you need to do is make sure there are openings at your school and that the deadlines have not yet passed. Some schools require you to sign up in the spring.
Then you need to find an organization. The three best are AFS, YFU and Rotary. The reason they are the best is that they are the ONLY organizations that are volunteer based. People ("coordinators") are NOT paid to place a student in your home and therefore do it because they believe in the programs rather than as a job. Check to see if one of these three is already in your school — the counselor will know. If they are, get the name of a local representative. If they are not, you can apply on line (see below).
After the representative contacts you, you will go through an interview process and background check. (Note: a red flag is if an organization offers you a specific student BEFORE this is done). Once you have passed through the process, you will be given a list of students that you can choose from — including Russians.
I'd also like to clear up something the other poster said. The FLEX program is out of the U.S. State Department and several organizations participate in it.
More here: http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/future-…
However, not all Russians come through this program — they come through all programs.
http://www.afsusa.org
If you are interested in hosting a college student, most of those do not come through programs. Contact the International Student center at a local college or university.
Good luck and happy hosting!