Foundation dedicated to cultural exchange

Each year, thousands of high school-aged students from countries as diverse as Indonesia, Chile, Hong Kong, Spain and Norway apply to become exchange students in the United States. Their goals are universal: to better their English, prepare for leadership in a global economy and expand their understanding of themselves and others. Their experiences, however, are as unique as their individual hopes and dreams and the families that volunteer to host them.

EF Foundation for Foreign Study is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultural and educational exchange in America. The foundation relies on families and individuals who understand the life-changing value of international friendships to welcome and support incoming exchange students. In return, the students bring a global perspective, new experiences and a world of love to each person who helps them along the way.

EF Foundation has opportunities for hosts who wish to pass on a passion for international understanding to the next generation of youth from America and 39 other countries. Volunteer host families are needed to provide a caring environment, a bed to sleep in and a place at the dinner table.

To become ambassadors for their home countries, students participate in an extensive application and interview process and are selected based on their academic achievement, maturity and adaptability. Students accepted to the EF Foundation program are fully insured, speak English and bring their own spending money.

For more information, call Robert Marshall and Marion HallMarshall at (805) 4984407, e-mail MarionH2M@ao.com or visit www.effoundation.org.