While the COVID pandemic has changed a lot of what this school year is going to look like, one thing it hasn’t changed is the ability for exchange students to study in America.
Right now, because of the misconception that cultural exchange probably won’t happen this year, there is a great need for host families.
Andrea Crew, Illinois Field Manager for International Cultural Exchange Services who is based in Putnam County, said her agency does have a decreased amount of students coming to the U.S. this year, but the program is still going forward.
“Cultural exchange bridges the divide. If you turn on any news station at all, anyone can easily see that our world needs a global impact and foreign exchange students and their experiences help foreign relations now and in the future.”
Crew is currently seeking host families in Putnam County. There are also openings in Streator, Earlville, Leland, LaMoille, Serena and Spring Valley.
Crew said while it’s hard to put on a number on just how many families are needed this fall through ICES, she said it’s rare that a family would not have a student if they applied to host a student.
“New students submit applications daily, and students are matched to their new American families daily, as well,” she said.
Some may question what will happen to these students if schools revert back to remote learning full time due to an outbreak of COVID. But even if schools revert back to remote learning, Crew said ICES will allow exchange students to stay and continue learning remotely.
“We are committed to allowing the students their best experience regardless of the situation,” she said. “The Federal Department of State has made it very clear that they are not suspending the J-1 high school student visa program this year. They have been very flexible during the pandemic and continue to do so.”
Crew said there’s still a strong interest from students to spend a year in the U.S.
“Rather than focus on what students may not be able to experience, there are so many things they still can do,” she said. “They can improve their English, experience culture, become a family member, study in America, even if it’s remotely, they can still mature and grow, become more independent and give back.”
Students who are approved for the program will undergo a health exam prior to leaving their home countries, which will include a screening for COVID-19, according to Crew. They will also follow all health and safety rules and regulations.
Crew has worked with ICES for the past five years. She said the program is near and dear to her because all the experiences that have been had from getting to know the host families; building lasting relationships; and seeing students from around the world become part of their host families and part of their communities.
“During these times in the world, it is an even sweeter deal to see cultures come together,” she said.
If interested in becoming a host family this year, email Crew at acrew@icesusa.org. To learn more about ICES, visit www.icesusa.org.
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Student exchange is still happening this school year - Putnam County Record
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