Bishop McNamara will be hosting several international students beginning in the fall of 2013. These students will be joining us from the People’s Republic of China. While here, they will need a place to stay with a host family. And so our search begins for qualified host families. Any family in the Kankakee area could qualify. The family does not necessarily need to have a child currently enrolled in Bishop McNamara, but that would be a plus.

Participating families will be offered a stipend of $700 per month. The students will have their own insurance and spending money. The host family should speak English at home and ensure that the student eats 3 nutritious meals per day. The family must also provide a room for exclusive use by the student. Being able to involve the student in family events and activities is a big plus.

The host family will be provided with training and 24/7 emergency support throughout the school year, as well as regular group activities for you and the students to share with other participating families.

Bishop McNamara is working with Green Planet, an educational service company that specializes in bringing on-the-ground support to international student programs at U.S. high schools to qualify host families. If you would like to know more about the program visit: http://www.gphomestay.com

If you would like to take advantage of this unique opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life with an enriching intercultural experience for your family, please respond fill out the Green Planet Host Family Inquiry form found here – http://www.gphomestay.com/host_inquiry.php

If you are unable to host an international student, do you know of a loving family that has a spare room available in their home? Would they consider inviting an international student to stay with them during their high school experience in the U.S.? If so, you could receive a $150 referral fee if the family is approved as a host.