Education First Educational Homestay Programs is actively looking for caring volunteer host families who are interested in welcoming students into their home for a few weeks this July.

This nonprofit program provides a unique opportunity for families to make lifelong friendships with international students while learning about their culture – all without leaving home.

From July 16 through Aug. 4, host families in the Kirkland community will welcome 18 students from China, ages 10-14. The program is still looking for homes for 18 of these students.

Children of host families can earn up to 60 hours of community service credit and families earn travel rewards and discounts through this program.  Children will be busy Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. enrolled in a daily language and cultural exchange program. During the evenings and weekends, they share their culture with you.

Chinese students come with their own spending money, medical insurance and round-trip airline tickets.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes: families with or without children, empty nesters or retirees, single professionals and anything in between; all are welcome.

Families or individuals able to provide a room (shared is fine), an extra plate at the table, some light transportation, and – most importantly – a stable caring environment, have what it takes to share their life with an eager student from abroad this summer. Contact Peter Sanderson at (802) 376-9315, pbsanderson@suffolk.edu for details.

For more information about Education First, visit www.efhomestay.org.