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Build Bridges & Make Friends By Hosting World Affairs Council Youth

Can you host an international student this summer?
Can you host an international student this summer?

The World Affairs Council seeks globally-minded families and individuals living in the Seattle area to offer a homestay for high school youth leaders from Mexico and Iraq.  Volunteer to host these visiting students during:

  • Mexico Youth Leadership Program July 18th – 30th
  • Iraq Young Leaders Exchange Program August 13th – 27th

Participating in youth exchange programs matter, more than ever, as they provide an authentic meeting of people from around the world to build bridges, make new friends, and learn about foreign cultures.  Citizen diplomacy in action!

These youth speak English, and are juniors and seniors in high school.  They have been competitively selected for this program based on their leadership abilities, community involvement and academic performance.  The youth will participate in programs organized by the World Affairs Council during business days, leaving evenings and weekends open to explore Seattle and spend time bonding with their host families.  The youth take public transportation to the daily World Affairs Council meetings, using bus passes they are provided with, along with cell phones and lunch on programming days.

Volunteer host families are asked to provide a private room with an individual bed, and most meals.  Hosts can give housing to two youths, but they must be provided with separate beds.  The World Affairs Council will provide group airport transportation to and from a Downtown Seattle location, and 24-hour support staff.  Host families will need to provide some safe transportation, and complete all application requirements of the World Affairs Council.

Visit the World Affairs Council website to find out more about this opportunity to make new friends and build international bridges.  Specific questions and concerns can be directed by e-mail to wacivp@world-affairs.org