My name is Ashley Morgan, And I am a local coordinator for the Greenheart Exchange program. I wanted to introduce myself and give you a little information about my experience not only as a local coordinator, but as a host mom myself.
Back In March, 2024 I was introduced to the idea of hosting our own foreign exchange student. Gambling with the idea of having another child in our house honestly gave me anxiety. This would mean adding another family member to our home, taking the time to learn and introduce new habits, new rules and rearranging our whole family dynamic. However, I thought back to when my parents hosted their first exchange student from Germany, and, to this very day, is still my brother and we are still in contact so I started to get a little excited. When the mention of having a student was brought up again, I thought about it and talked to my husband and kids. At first, my husband wasn’t on board with this crazy idea but we decided what the heck! Let’s try something new. We were given the opportunity to read about so many students, but couldn’t pick just one. It was a process. We were let down a couple times due to no faults of our own but we knew those students that denied us just weren’t meant to be with our family. Finally, we came upon a sweet faced German girl! Her name was Anna. The moment we read her profile that was sent to us from our coordinator we knew she was meant to be a part of our family. After we chose her to join our family for a year, we began face timing and phone calls with her. We just couldn’t wait for her to be here. After choosing our student, I was asked if I wanted to become a local coordinator, because there was only one other in our area. I decided that I too wanted to make a difference in these students’ lives and other families as well.
After I became a coordinator, I met so many new people. From my host families to the most amazing and fun kids. Throughout this program, I have gotten to watch these kids grow and listen to their English become better. North Webster High school has the majority of the exchange students at our school. I have watched these exchange students form close bonds with students and teachers and make so many friends. I have watched each student of mine and others play sports and learn many new things and grow in so many ways. It has been a humbling experience so far.
I would love the opportunity to tell you about our wonderful program, in hopes that you will want the opportunity to host a student or two of your own. Greenheart offers so many amazing experiences.
What is it like to host an international exchange student?
Families in the Greenheart program who host international exchange students often share their personal stories about their experiences with another culture, all while sharing their American homes. A cultural exchange experience can be a life-changing experience for the high schooler and the host family. Those who host, form a forever bond with their foreign exchange student who becomes their new family member. Opening your hearts and homes to an international exchange student, you may find yourself halfway around the world celebrating the new friendships with your students and their families in years to come.
Who can host?
Host families come in all different roles. You can be an empty nester, a new young family, or have a high schooler yourself. If you are 26 years of age, then you are eligible to host. Greenheart does not discriminate against any race, religion, or sexual background. You can choose to host for a full school year or half a semester. You have the choice to choose the country your student comes from and choose a student that shares similar interests to you and your family.
Some people have asked why they choose Greenheart to host with?
Greenheart is experienced and has placed over 25,000 international exchange students in the USA since 1985. Greenheart also offers a wide range of diversity and backgrounds with more than 60 countries to choose from. Greenheart encourages opportunities to volunteer and give back to their host communities.
What are the expectations for families that host?
Our host families must provide communication skills, motivation and encouragement to their students. A bed of their own which may be in a shared room with a host sibling within 5 years of age and the gender of the student as well as a quiet place for them to study. You must provide three meals a day, transportation as our students are not allowed to drive or operate any motorized vehicles and treat the student as a family member.
How long do the students stay?
We have a range of student opportunities. Some may choose to stay for the entire school year, which is 10 months. They arrive in late August and stay until the end of May or June. Some may only come for half semesters, which is either fall or winter and only 5 months. We also have a few students who come for short terms, for 2 weeks to 8 weeks but that is primarily in the Summer.
Do we have to pay for the students to be here?
The answer is No.
Greenheart students come with their own spending money. They are responsible for any extra expenses that may arise. They must pay for their own school events (prom, homecoming, sporting events, extracurricular activities, or sports.)
What about insurance?
Our students have their own accident and health coverage. You do not add them to your health plans. If a student is playing a sport, they may be required to pay out of pocket for any physical as they are not covered under their insurances.
Do you get paid to host a foreign exchange student?
No, you are not paid to host a student, however you may claim a student as a charitable contribution deduction on your taxes for $50 a month on your itemized tax return.
Are you ready to host?
To find out, just complete our inquiry online at www.hostwithgreenheart.org you will then be sent an email with log-in information to our online portal to begin our application. Your local coordinator will then reach out to you from your area to answer any questions you may have and share further information. Your coordinator will also be able to start sharing student profiles with you to ensure you find the perfect matched student with your family. You will also be permitted to pass a criminal background check. If you are unable to host, you may refer a family to Greenheart, but they must be new to Greenheart and never hosted with or worked for Greenheart to be eligible. After the referral goes through, and the family you referred is accepted and they host, you will be issued a $300 virtual visa reward card. This referral payment will only be applicable if the family moves forward with the placement. After the student arrives, you will receive your referral payment.
Can I become a local coordinator?
Absolutely! Greenheart is always looking for a new coordinator to help expand our areas. If you would like to help place students in your community, you must be able to work part time from home, be at least 26 years of age, attend training workshops and grow your skills and knowledge for foreign exchange students. You can also earn the opportunity to attend conferences abroad! Complete the inquiry form on the site for coordinators to get started!
To host please contact your local coordinator.
Ashley Morgan
318-505-8149
[email protected]
or simply visit our website, www.hostwithgreenheart.org and put Ashley
Morgan as your contact.
To refer a family visit www.referwithgreenheart.org
We look forward to meeting our new families and students and can’t wait to share this new year with you and the amazing experiences this will bring you and your family.
Ashley Morgan,
Local Greenheart Coordinator