How is the Host Family selected?
IntoEdVentures Host Families are volunteers who are usually found through presentations to local church and civic groups. Prior Host Families also refer new families to us. After a family expresses interest, an IntoEdVentures Representative meets the family, checks the references and helps the family select the student. If the school allows foreign students to attend, an IntoEdVentures representative will secure school permission and help enroll the student.
Why do families host?
There are many reasons. Some families want to give their children a chance to meet other young people from different countries. For some families, it is the opportunity to share their American culture while learning about a foreign culture. For others, it is a way of promoting world peace and understanding. Whatever the reason, all IntoEdVentures families will tell you that hosting is fun and educational for everyone.
Will I graduate from High School?
IntoEdVentures never promises a diploma. Some schools do allow students to graduate. The decision is always up to the school and often determined by school policies.
Can I return home for a visit during the program?
No. If a student leaves the US, he or she is terminated from the program.
When does the program end?
Five days after the semester or school year ends.
Can I get a driver's license?
Driving, other than while attending approved Driver's Education training, is against the program guidelines. The decision of whether or not to allow a student to enroll in an approved Driver's Education program is often at schools' discretion. Only some schools provide a Driver's Education program and IntoEdVentures does not guarantee any student participation in these programs.
Am I guaranteed to play on a sport team?
No. He or she must try out just like an American student.
If I have a problem, whom do I contact?
IntoEdVentures has a network of Area Representatives who are there to help the students with any questions or concerns.
How often will I be contacted by IntoEdVentures during my stay in the US?
IntoEdVentures requires its Representative to have contact with its students at least once a month.
What happens if I get sick?
All students have health insurance. In case of illness or other areas of concern, host families treat the student as if he/she were their own.
When will I find out who my host family is?
After a family is found, IntoEdVentures notifies the sending International Representative. Then the information is passed along to the student.
Who will meet me at the airport?
Either the Host Family or the Area Representative will meet the student at the final destination airport.
Can the natural parents of the student come to visit him/her in the US during his/her stay?
We do not encourage this. If a family wishes to come, we recommend coming at the end of the program. The student should never assume that the host family will be able to accommodate extra guests. The natural family should plan on staying at a local hotel.
May I travel independently?
No. While on the IntoEdVentures program, a student may only travel with the host family, the IntoEdVentures rep or on a school or church sanctioned trip. Students may not leave their host community area to visit friends or relatives in other cities. From time to time IntoEdVentures approves trips provided by a certain tour operator who is experienced in dealing with foreign students. Information about these trips will be provided to students during their stay in the US. The Area Rep can provide complete and specific details about the IntoEdVentures policy for approved travel.
What happens if I do not have sufficient English skills to handle the work in school?
Although IntoEdVentures carefully screens students for their ability to be successful in our program, from time to time a student experiences difficulty with English. Should a lack of English language skills prevent a student from succeeding on the program, IntoEdVentures may require that a student secure a tutor at the student's expense.