Ten exceptional teenagers from around the world are hoping to spend the academic year in Vermont schools, but they’re running out of time. Each student has earned a coveted scholarship that has a less than a 2% acceptance rate, yet they may miss their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because no local families have stepped forward to host them.
“These kids have the potential to do so much, and they can start doing that here,” said Kimberly Eckhardt, who has spent 15 years coordinating exchange programs through PAX – Program of Academic Exchange. “It’s heartbreaking and frustrating, because the need is still there. We still need to understand people better.”
Among the students waiting for host families is Mouadh, 16, from Tunisia, who champions women’s rights while excelling in computer programming and soccer. Arina from Moldova debates and plays piano, using her voice both literally — in choir — and figuratively through student council leadership. Ajdin from Bosnia combines creativity with service, balancing drama and photography with student government responsibilities.
These aren’t typical study-abroad students whose families can afford international tuition. They’re scholarship recipients chosen for both academic excellence and their potential to create positive change in their communities back home. “They’re fully vetted,” Eckhardt explained. “Their English is great. They’re chosen for their future potential as well as being a positive influence in their communities.”
The students come through two U.S. State Department programs originally designed to build bridges across cultural divides. The FLEX program, launched after the Cold War for Eastern European students, and the YES program, created after September 11th to foster understanding with countries with significant Muslim populations.
Eckhardt hopes to dispel myths about who can host exchange students. “People think the best place for a kid is with a family with a high school kid, so they don’t qualify,” she said. “If that were the case, we would have no kids here every year, because those are the busiest families.”
In reality, only 20% of local host families have high school-age children at home. The other 80% — empty nesters, younger couples without children, or families with elementary-aged kids — often provide better environments for nervous students practicing English.
The requirements are straightforward: provide a bed (students can share rooms), a place to study, and three meals a day. The program covers health insurance, spending money, quarterly group trips, and ongoing support for both student and host families.
The timing makes this year’s placements particularly poignant. With the YES program ending after this academic year, and FLEX funding uncertain, these may be among the last students to participate in programs that Eckhardt sees as vital for world peace.
Families interested in hosting can email Kimberly Eckhardt at keckhardt08@gmail.com or visit pax.org to see available students and learn more about the program. An 800 number is also available on the PAX website for questions.
For more on this, please see our August 21 edition of the Vermont Standard.
