Exchange program looking for host families for two weeks this summer

A two-week summer language and culture camp for foreign exchange students from China is looking for host families in the communities around East Dundee from July 27 to Aug. 10.

Tammy Zilinski, area coordinator of high school programs with Greenheart Exchange, said the short time frame provides a great opportunity for families who have considered hosting an exchange student but were wavering about the yearlong commitment.

She’s hosted exchange students since 2017.

“We keep doing it because now we have kids all over the world that call us mom and dad, check in on us, and we check in on them. And we have learned so much about other cultures,” Zilinski said. “These kids bring so much joy to our hearts.”

The two-week language and culture “boot camp” for 14 high schoolers from China aims to give the students a head start for their yearlong exchange, which begins in mid-August. Zilinski said it offers them insight into American culture, families and school and helps them with American English and idioms.

The students will be placed with host families and attend language classes and activities on weekdays while enjoying their families on weeknights and weekends.

Host families provide students with three meals a day, a place to sleep and help with transportation as needed. Zilinski said students come with insurance, spending money to cover personal expenses and “an open mind.”

While the language classes are in East Dundee, Zilinski said host families could be from any town, so long as the host is willing to drive the student to classes daily.

Greenheart Exchange is a nonprofit international exchange program that places J-1 visa high school students. Zilinski said the program allows people to share cultures, leading to mutual appreciation and a deeper understanding of the world.

“The whole idea is to help us realize we’re one big world,” Zilinski said. “There are so many things we can share about each other, and it’s helped us to see how small the globe really is.”

Families interested in hosting during the two-week program can start by visiting the Greenheart website at hostwithgreenheart.org.

Zilinski said she can be reached with any questions at tammyzilinski@me.com.