Host Family Recruiting Saturday, June 16, 12 to 4
I'm still looking for host families for the 34 high school students from Ho Chi Minh City. On the one hand I'm very excited. I'm putting together a great program of activities and a really fun project for the students to work on and show off the language skills. It gives me great joy when I discover new ways to teach children. In this case, the children are between 14 and 17, so not the 4th and 5th graders I'm accustomed to teaching. I've been hesitant to post another search because of the last post that landed me in hot water.
If you recall, I put out a notice that I'd be out and about in town during the Farmer's Market and going "door to door," as I phrased it. Well, imagine my surprise when I became embroiled in a conversation with a woman in Oceanside who identified herself as a member of the committee for the safety of foreign exchange students. She was unhappy with my recruiting tactics and would be reporting me to the FBI. Luckily, a representative of the EF International Language School, the organization behind this trip, was on hand to allay this woman's worries. I will not have to fool with her again. So, I'm back to my post.
Long-story-short, I still need folks who will be generous enough to open their homes to this group of ESL students. They tour the east coast for one week before they arrive here in Ojai July 3. The next four weeks are jam-packed with activities. Their Ojai experience will be very eclectic. And there's plenty of the standard tourist fare on the agenda, as well. If anyone is interested and would like further details, please come to the conference room at EARTHPLAY, 501 E. Ojai Avenue, right at Fox St. I will be there from noon to 4pm, along with my area manager Shelly Nestved. For those of you who have already volunteered, profiles of the students will be available for us to match up with the perfect family. And if you can't make it or know of a family who would be interested in hosting, please give me a call at 798-0929.
thanks everyone!
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Comments (3)
Isn't it dangerous to be placing young teenagers in homesof strangers given th pedophiles out there?
Comment #1 Posted by: James | June 21, 2007 06:51 PM
What are the dates you are wanting to people to host the students?
Comment #2 Posted by: Kate | June 21, 2007 07:49 PM
Just because someone from EF International Language school said it was safe for you to put children with anyone who will take them doesn't make it right or safe. They make a huge profit per child they bring over to the U.S. I'm giving you the benefit of a doubt and believe you'll do it right and have all potential host families undergo criminal background checks. For potential host families, please read the facts on foreign student exchange at www.csfes.org Remember, these are children and should be given the best protection we have to offer.
Comment #3 Posted by: Elizabeth | June 25, 2007 02:18 PM