Seeking Host Families For Next School Year

Hey Everyone:

I'm reaching out this morning because we're still looking for Southwest High School (SWHS) host families for 2 of the 4 Chinese students who have been accepted to attend SWHS next school year through a program called iNECS with which we partner.  We have worked with this school for several years and currently and in the past had wonderful students.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with iNECS, here's some info...

Next school year SWHS will continue its partnership with iNECS, a Chinese international student program. The iNECS mission is to build relationships between American and Chinese public high schools and their students and families, to provide the opportunity for Chinese students to participate in an American educational experience, and to offer American students opportunities to enjoy study and travel in China.

As opposed to participating in a foreign exchange program, iNECS students choose to come to the U.S. as international students and as 12th graders. The students are then eligible to graduate from SWHS and their ultimate hopes are to attend a U.S. college. 

One big difference between hosting one of these Chinese international students vs. hosting a student through a typical foreign exchange program is that with this program, the host family is paid an $8,000 stipend to offset the costs of supporting a teenager for a year. Because this stipend is considered support for the student, and not income for the family, the stipend is not taxable. 

The students arrive in the U.S. shortly before the school year begins in the fall and leave a few days after graduation.

As the counselor for all foreign exchange students at SWHS, I will work with these students throughout the school year as a support. There is also a local iNECS Area Coordinator who works with and supports host families throughout the year.

Please contact me if you're interested!

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Jenny Moore, MA, LSC
Licensed School Counselor

SWHS, grades 10-12, student last names A-D

MMSCA Board, President Elect

Southwest High School

3414 W. 47th St., Minneapolis, MN, 55410

phone: (612) 668-3053
fax: (612) 668-3128