Foreign high school students are scheduled to arrive soon for academic homestay programs, and the sponsoring organization needs a few more local host families, said a press release.

According to Pacific Intercultural Exchange Executive Director John Doty, the students are all between the ages of 15 and 18 years, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families. P.I.E. has programs to match almost every family’s needs, ranging in length from a semester to a full academic year.

P.I.E. area representatives match students with host families by finding common interests and lifestyles through an informal in-home meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applications and select the perfect match. As there are no “typical” host families, P.I.E. can fit a student into just about any situation, whether it is a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family.

Families who host for P.I.E. also are also eligible to claim a $50 per month charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a sponsored student, according to a press release.

The agency also has travel/study program opportunities available for American high school students, as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students and schools.

For more information about student exchange or to arrange a meeting with a community representative, Coos County area families can call toll-free, at (866) 546-1402.