By DIANE YOWS
For The Reporter
Editor’s note: In October 2022, The Reporter published a story about a group of exchange students who were spending their semester at Sheridan High School. The local coordinator for one of the programs, CETUSA, reached out to The Reporter to share information about her program.
There are so many things that I would love to share with you about Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA).
It is an amazing opportunity for families who wish to expand their worldview, broaden their horizons and take a step into a life-changing experience. We are a J1 visa, not-for-profit organization coordinating the high school exchange students and their connection with local families all over the country.
Photo provided by Diane Yows
High school students between the ages of 14 and 18 come over to the USA and live with a family, either for one semester or the entire school year, and attend a local high school. Students come with their own spending money and insurance. This is a volunteer program and opportunity that we hope all families of different shapes and sizes, have.
My responsibility is to ensure the smooth connection with the families, exchange students and the local high schools. As a local coordinator, I work very closely with the families in their decision to host an exchange student. I meet monthly with the families and students as well.
Currently I have four exchange students attending Sheridan High School, one attending Lapel High School, one at Fishers High School, one at Center Grove High School, one at Columbus North High School, one at Owen Valley High School, one at Arsenal Tech High School, and one at Edgewood High School.
Words cannot express how much I love seeing this process unfold and come together. While this is my job, this has been an amazing and indescribable opportunity not only for me but for my children as well. Learn more at CETUSA.org.
Everyone and anyone wanting more information on becoming a host family is welcome to contact me directly at (317) 523-8399.
Photo provided by Diane Yows