Perfect opportunity for community to bring world home

Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Lacey, Wash. - Parents who cannot afford to take their children abroad this summer can take advantage of a unique opportunity to bring a small piece of Japan or China to their home.

The Saint Martin's College Institute of Pacific Rim Studies is looking for qualified families to invite a pair of international students to their home for short stays in the coming months.

Host families to take students with the Chinese Middle School and High School Cultural Exchange Programs are needed for the weekends of July 20-22 and August 10-12. The group consists of middle school students, ages 11-13, and high school students, ages 14-17.

Students with the Academy of International Education Summer High School Program need host families for a two-week period, Aug. 6-20. Monetary compensation will be provided to host families for this 14-day stay. Boys and girls, ages 14-17, with this program are from Kobe, Japan.

For the weekends of August 3-5 and 17-19, host families are needed for students from the Mukogawa Women's University and Okazaki Women's Junior College. The students in this program are women, ages 18-21, from Kobe, Japan.

Individuals or families who can pass a Washington State criminal background check and provide a safe, loving environment for two international students in their homes should call Greg Westoby at 360-438-4598 or email him at gwestoby@stmaritn.edu.

For more information:
Christina Ramírez-Milhoan, communications specialist
Saint Martin's College Office of Communication
360-438-4541 or cramirez@stmartin.edu