ASSE is having a difficult time finding homes for exchange students this year
TRAVERSE CITY -- If you've ever thought about hosting an exchange student for a semester or a school year, now is the time.
The International Student Exchange Program (ASSE) is having a difficult time finding homes for exchange students this year.
"All of these kids are waiting for a letter to come to the U.S.A," said ASSE Traverse City Representative Marilyn Elston. "They'll be really disappointed of course that they've signed up for the organization and didn't get a home."
In August last year, there were only 20 to 30 students nationwide waiting for families. This year, there are still about 400. In Northern Michigan alone, there are 30 kids waiting to come to America for the new school year. Elston says the economy may be to blame.
"Some people are losing their jobs and money isn't as available to feed an extra mouth... Especially families with kids," said Elston.
Elston has hosted eight students herself and says it's not as expensive as you may think. The teenagers have their own health insurance and spending money.
You can host a student for one semester or for the entire school year if you choose. The students go through a 10-month screening and interview process.
Jodi Simpson has hosted four exchange students so far through the program. She's hosting a Japanese boy right now. She says it's always a rewarding experience.
"Because we aren't able to travel the world right now it's just a really great opportunity -- not just for our family, for our neighborhood, for my daughter's school... For our high school, for the whole community. It's such a rich experience," said Simpson.
Marilyn Elston says if you want to host an exchange student, apply as soon as possible. It takes the student a month to get a visa. The school year is approaching, but some students can start up to two weeks into the semester.
