[EHP] – High school exchange students ages 13 to 18 from Spain, France, Russia, Germany and Hong Kong will be traveling to the Santa Clarita Valley and Northridge starting July 5 for an international cultural exchange experience with EF Educational Homestay Programs. During their 26-day visit, they will be staying with local volunteer host families who help the students to experience the American culture and the Santa Clarita way of life.

There is currently an urgent need to find host homes for 25 remaining students. Host family responsibilities include providing a place to sleep (students can share rooms), meals and drop off and pick up transportation to local EF bus stops located throughout Santa Clarita and Northridge.  Host families are able to earn 60 hours of community service by hosting.

Students attend weekday English/Culture classes at Santa Clarita Christian School in Canyon Country and experience a variety of organized educational activities and field trips in the afternoons. Families are then free in the evenings and weekends to get to know their students and their cultures and languages, while at the same time sharing ours.

During their stay, students will have the opportunity to experience Southern California through excursions to the beach, amusement parks, museums and even a Dodger game. All activities are under the supervision of EF Program staff. Host families can enhance their cultural experience by joining the students and staff on the afternoon activities.

Two highlights of the program for the families are a traditional welcome and farewell party. This year’s Welcome Pancake Breakfast will be a Wild West theme, complete with traditional line dancing, rope games, and community guests. This year, EF is partnering with the Boys Scouts and Rotary Club to help make the welcome party a success. The Farewell Party is an International Fair that is student led and organized as a way to thank their host families by showcasing their countries through a cultural presentation.

If interested in more information and to receive a calendar of activities, contact Nikki Beck, Site Director for the Santa Clarita/Northridge EHP Program at 661-755-6152 or nikkibeckscv-ef@yahoo.com.

About Educational Homestay Programs

Educational Homestay Programs (EHP) is a division of Education First, a non-profit based in Cambridge, Mass.  EHP represents 45 different countries and has offices throughout the world with the mission to promote cross-cultural connections by bridging the cultural gap.