Locals seek host families for incoming foreign exchange students 2018-19

One of the organizers, Angela Valenzuela, is seeking to place exchange students in Lemoore and Hanford. The students have worked diligently to prepare, earning scholarships through the U.S. State Department. Their awards provide medical insurance and expenses, school expenses and a monthly allowance, so the student has his or her own money for activities and personal needs.

Valenzuela is asking parent hosts volunteers to provide meals and a bed (the student can share a room with a host sibling, (but needs his or her own bed). Hosts may be married or single, with or without kids in the home.

Students become part of the family and help around the home just as your children do. These kids are very respectful and appreciative to be here.  “They want to learn all about American culture and share their own,” stated Valenzuela.  “Lemoore and Hanford have always been great environments for these students to experience agriculture as well.”  

Ideally, the program prefers to find a host for the school year, but because of deadlines even families willing to host for the first eight weeks to get the students to the U.S. and started are needed!

Here are just a few of the students still in need of a host home:

Milana from Kyrgyzstan is 17 studies music, loves dance, attends leadership classes and debate club.  She enjoys books, going swimming, photography and in the future would like to become a journalist.  

Munavvara from Tajikistan is a good organizer, motivator and wants to improve her knowledge and understanding of American Culture; family, school and bring that back to the development of her community and country.  Munavvara has dreamed of living with her American family, playing games, visiting exciting places and celebrating American holidays.

Anel from Kazakhstan is 16 and very athletic, enjoys chemistry, biology in school.  She loves to listen to music.  She is very helpful at home as she helps with her younger autistic brother. Her teacher describes her as having a great deal of initiative, a good sense of humor and can get along well with others.  

Maksym from Ukraine is 16. He describes himself as a very disciplined, responsible, social person with leadership skills. He is always interested in attempting something new. Maksym joins school community projects, participates in dramatic reading and acting. He takes extra math and language lessons. He enjoys sports and plays table tennis, ultimate Frisbee, but his favorite is playing volleyball, and he dreams of joining the National volleyball team.

For additional information contact Angela Valenzuela at 559-410-3431 or email her at angela.valenzuela@comcast.net.