Looking For A Family In The Houston Metro Area

[hanna-d]

Hello! I am a part of a non-profit organization called International Cultural Exchange Services. We work with local families here in the Houston Metro area (anywhere from Willis-Galveston) who want to host an international exchange student in there home.

 

I currently have a 17 year oldf boy from Sweden and he has Celiac disease. It is important for me to find a family for him that is aware of what the celiac disease is about and can provide support for him while he is here. 

 

I have included Benjamin's letter to this post, he seems like a really fun kid! If there is any interest being part of our program, please contact me at hdoyle@icesusa.org and I can tell you more. Thank you!

 

Dear Host Family

I’m 16 years old, and turn 17 in May. I attend Swedish high school and I am studying natural sience, which means I am studying a lot of maths physics, biology and such. Ever since I was very young I have aspired to become a doctor. And about three years ago I started to focus a lot on school and achieving my goal. I study an average of about 3 hours a day on top of my fulltime school attendance. This makes the freetime I have mean a lot to me. I spend my time off from school working out or seeing friends, sometimes both at the same time! I have been weight training for a long time with the goal of staying healthy and fit. Working out is my passion and I would be overjoyed if that would be an interest that you share with me! Aside from gymming, I also run and swim regularly.

 

When I am not working out I love to spend time with my friends. I have a rich social life and I love going out meeting them and such in the evenings. I am very open as a person and I share almost everything with my friends and family. I am very outgoing and I love talking to new people. I envision myself making a lot of new friends in America!

 

I am already excited to meet you!

Benjamin

 

[kareng]

Maybe check the local Celiac or Gluten Intolerance group?  Maybe check with the Children's hospital Celiac support group?

[Brit1612]

I have always wondered how these students are financed.  I always thought it would be great to host, but we couldn't afford to feed / entertain a teenager.  Do they receive money from their families or do you have to pay for all their needs?  Thanks.

[hanna-d]

I have always wondered how these students are financed.  I always thought it would be great to host, but we couldn't afford to feed / entertain a teenager.  Do they receive money from their families or do you have to pay for all their needs?  Thanks.

Hi Brit,

 

The students will have their own health insurance and spending money. Most students have bugeted about $200 per month for spending money (movies, eating out, school lunches etc.) The family is asked to provide a room and meals (except for school lunches and snacks), This is the reason why I am trying hard to find a family that already has a family member with celiac so they are already educated about what the student can/cannot eat.

 

I hope this helps!!

[cyclinglady]

I can not help you since I do not live in Texas, but we have hosted students from Europe and Japan many times. It is such a rewarding experience, plus we have made life-long friends!

[LauraTX]

If I weren't in a sickly phase right now this would be a really neat thing to do.  Especially as a childless couple.  There are a couple of support groups down there:

 

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

[across]

Sent you a pm.

[kareng]

Sent you a pm.

 

 

I'm not sure if people with only 2 posts can get pms.  You might want to just email her.  She gave the address in the post. 

[across]

I'm not sure if people with only 2 posts can get pms.  You might want to just email her.  She gave the address in the post. 

 

Thanks, Karen. Will do.

[hanna-d]

Hello again!! I am now looking for TWO families in the state of TX who know about the celiac disease. We have two students from Europe and we have to find a host family for each student, the host family has to know what a celiac disease is about and be willing to host a student and give them support and guidance for 10 months. Thank you guys!! For more info, you can email me at hdoyle@icesusa.org

[kareng]

1 hour ago, hanna_d said:

Hello again!! I am now looking for TWO families in the state of TX who know about the celiac disease. We have two students from Europe and we have to find a host family for each student, the host family has to know what a celiac disease is about and be willing to host a student and give them support and guidance for 10 months. Thank you guys!! For more info, you can email me at hdoyle@icesusa.org

Maybe check if they have any local gluten free/ Celiac Facebook groups?  Someone just posted on ours for this same thing and got some responses.