Ah, the joys of spring are in the air. The warmth from the sun, the fresh flowers displaying their colors and scents for us to enjoy, and the placement season for international exchange students. Perhaps that last one is not something you automatically think about when spring arrives, but as NC State Coordinator for Terra Lingua USA, a non-profit organization that deals with international exchange, it's foremost on my mind.

You see, I want to make absolutely certain that I help as many students as possible realize their dream of coming to America! I believe the United States of America is a beautiful and awe inspiring place that everyone should get to visit at least once. I believe that amidst our current economic struggles there is hope for a better tomorrow. I believe that we, as a superpower, have an obligation to help lead the world to a brighter future. We can help do that through international exchange opportunities. Through bringing students from various countries and cultures into our homes and schools we grant a dream and provide an opportunity for growth. Isn't that what we want the rest of the world to think about when they think about America. We are the dream granters, the givers of opportunity. Not only do the students that come here grow, but their host families, their natural families, other students in the school they attend, and neighbors all grow. This growth occurs naturally as we realize, through our relationships with each other, that the world is not as small as it was before.

We have students coming from all over the world to spend a semester or school year in a WCPSS high school. These students need to have host families to support them during their stay here. Each student comes with his or her own insurance, spending money and they speak English. Each family is required to provide two meals a day and a place to sleep and study, and to treat the student like a member of the family. If you believe you could be a host family and help make a child's dream come true, contact me ASAP.

Crystal Allis 919-788-0852 or callis@terralinguausa.com.

Related Links

1. http://terralinguausa.com