BIDDEFORD — Visiting students, ages 15-18, from around the world including Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand are seeking host families in and around Biddeford for the upcoming 2014-15 academic school year. Host families are needed for the fall semester and full school year.

Host families serve as mentors and a home base for their student. Visiting students participate as active members of the family and integrate into their host’s daily routines and traditions just like any other family member.

“Every year, Maine plays host to many talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America,” said Emily Rolin, iE-USA’s area director. “Maine’s spirit of hospitality and focus on academic enrichment makes it an ideal environment to develop cultural exchange and promote international diplomacy on a local level.”

iE-USA, the sponsoring program, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.

Exchange student participants undergo an extensive application and orientation process in their home country prior to being accepted into iE-USA’s program. Each student is responsible for his/her own spending money and full health insurance coverage.

Host families may review prospective student profiles online at iE-USA.org. Families interested in hosting this year must apply by Aug. 15.

To learn more about hosting an international high school exchange student, contact Maine representative Joe Bissell at [email protected] or 517-388-8948.