German Student Seeks Home
Two years ago, Cheryl Williams, who works with Inter-Ed to place foreign students in California homes, contacted us to see if we could help find a host family for a 16-year-old German student who was passionate about sailing. That initial call led to three additional foreign students/sailing nuts being placed in sail-friendly homes. "The host families changed the lives of these students," says Cheryl, who is once again looking for a family who enjoys sailing to host a student for a five-month program starting in August.
Unfortunately, recent rule changes by the State Department prohibit the sharing of pretty much any information about the current student. We can tell you that this student is from Germany, and s/he shares "similar interests" to the other students we’ve featured. Cheryl says that once a potential host has sent in their application, the student’s full profile will be made available to them. If everyone’s agreeable, the family will go through a pretty common-sense screening process — criminal background check, Megan’s Law check, reference check and an in-home interview. Cheryl says that potential hosts could also talk with past host families to find out what it’s like to be a host family.
"And it doesn’t have to be a family with kids," Cheryl says. "Retirees and couples are welcome to apply as well. They could also apply to be a ‘welcome family’ as opposed to a ‘host family’." As Cheryl describes it, a ‘welcome family’ would greet the student at the airport and get them started in school. If, after a few weeks, everything is going well (as it usually does), the student can stay. If it’s not working out, Cheryl will find an alternate host family. "Don’t worry, they wouldn’t be sent back," laughs Cheryl. "Worst case scenario, they’d come stay with me in Fresno."
Nothing against Fresno, and most definitely nothing against the generous and caring Cheryl, but for a kid who loves to sail, that really could be the worst case (unless they really like fresh produce or raisins)! If you’re interested in helping this student have a memorable time here, email Cheryl or call her at (559) 940-4713.