More host families needed for exchange students

Wanted: 15 more host families for French and Spanish teenagers.
Interested? Sherree Bowman hopes so.
Deadline is Saturday.
The local program leader for Education First’s Homestay Programs, an exchange student nonprofit, is bringing in 50 youths, ages 13-19, from France and Spain to the Bradenton/Sarasota area between July 6- 31.
But she’s only got 35 host families lined up to date.
“I’m stressing out trying to find more,” Bowman said, half-kiddingly. “We especially need families who can host boys. We also have two adult chaperones who travel with the students. So maybe there are families who would enjoy hosting an adult. Everyone is welcome to apply — families, single parents, retirees.”
Host families are not paid, but if they have a high school teenager, they will earn 60 community service hours.
EF exchange students are fully insured and bring their own spending money. Host families have 24/7 support from EF staff.
Call 941-545-7300.

Read more Friday on Bradenton.com.