Forte International Exchange Association (FIEA)Area Director Exchange Students
Nov. 2014 - Feb. 2023As an Area Director for Foreign Exchange Students, my experience has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students, host families, and communities while promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. My main responsibility as an Area Director has been to recruit, interview, and select host families to provide a welcoming and safe environment for foreign exchange students. This involves a thorough screening process to ensure that host families are able to provide a comfortable living space and are committed to supporting their student throughout their exchange experience. In addition to recruiting host families, I have also matched incoming students with suitable host families based on student and family preferences and characteristics. This has involved careful consideration of factors such as language ability, academic interests, and cultural background to ensure a positive and enriching experience for both the student and host family. Throughout the exchange experience, I have provided orientation and ongoing support to host families and students, including academic, social, and emotional support. This has involved regular check-ins with both parties to ensure that they are adjusting well and to address any issues or conflicts that may arise. I have also developed and maintained positive relationships with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote the program and recruit new participants. This has involved attending community events, making presentations to schools and other organizations, and networking with other professionals in the field of international education. I have maintained accurate records of program participants and activities, and submitted regular reports to the regional and national offices. This has involved keeping detailed records of student and host family information, program activities, and any issues or incidents that arise.