Macaroni Kid South Bend - Elkhart is proud to announce we will be highlighting local non-profits over the next few months. You may not be aware of many of these non-profits and we would love to share more about what they do for our community. Our first community spotlight is on ICES, a non-profit organization with a focus on foreign exchange students. Alana Boothe is the local ICES coordinator for the South Bend - Elkhart area.
My name is Alana Boothe. I am a mother to a 4 year old boy, a 6 year old girl and host mom to an 18 year old Italian girl. I enjoy living in Northwest Indiana and have lived here my entire life. I like watching funny animal videos on YouTube with my kids and our Friday Family Film Nights. I think it's neat learning with my kids while we homeschool. Last year, our family loved hosting our first foreign exchange student and we look forward to hosting students from all around the world. I'm excited to work with student exchange students because I think it's interesting to learn about other cultures and I love showing my children that the world is big but it's not THAT big.
I feel that having exchange students in our local schools and communities increase mutual understanding and improves relationships between countries.
What are the benefits of hosting an exchange student for a family with young children?
Hosting an International exchange student powerfully shapes the worldview of children of all ages, giving them a lasting relationship with people from all around the world.
- It opens your children's eyes to the wider world.
- Young children are generally very open and easily bond with their new big brother or sister.
- They'll form a lasting relationship with someone from across the world.
- Experience what it's like to have another sibling.
- They'll be exposed to another culture and country.
- Learn a new language (Think Pop The Pig, but in Italian!)
- For parents with younger children they'll appreciate the "extra set of hands" and maybe even enjoy a few date nights while the children bond with their new sibling.
How does hosting an International foreign exchange student benefit the community?
For many, it could be their first time they experience another culture firsthand. This is a great opportunity to learn and understand the real meaning of global acceptance. Exchange students are a one of a kind teaching resource.
Alana is currently looking for families that would like to host for the school year of 2019/20. Exchange students live as a member of the host family—not a guest or boarder. They participate in family activities, follow host family rules, and help with chores. Students have their own medical insurance and spending money to cover all personal expenses; Host families provide room & board and loving parental guidance to the student. As the Local Coordinator, Alana is available to answer questions, give advice, and provide general support to students and host families throughout the experience. For more information about hosting or working with ICES, please contact Alana Boothe alanaboothe@gmail.com
Contact Information
Alana Boothe
International Cultural Exchange Services
Local Coordinator
219-561-1083
Website: www.icesusa.org
Available Students
View our available students at http://icesusa.org/meet-our-students/
If you are interested in having your Non-Profit Spotlighted with Macaroni Kid South Bend - Elkhart, please email Elizabeth Adams at elizabethadams@macaronikid.com
