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Contact us today! Our experienced team is here to assist you with any inquiries you may have about our programs. Whether you need help choosing the right program, have questions about eligibility requirements, or just want to learn more about our organization, we're here to help. Contact Us ADDRESS 2701 N Pershing Drive, Fl 2 Arlington, VA 22201 INFORMATION For information or questions: E-MAIL US info@facetheworld.org CALL OUR MAINLINE Office: 1-707-559-5800 Toll Free: 1-800-216-3223 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

At the forefront of global education and cultural exchange, we take pride in being the leaders of student exchange. With our unwavering commitment to creating transformative experiences for students around the world, we have set the standard for excellence in international education. About Us Face the World (FTW) has promoted global learning and exchange by offering opportunities for international high school students to experience life in the United States. The goal of our cultural exchange program is to provide students, Host Families, schools, and communities with a quality experience that will not only enhance personal growth, but establish lasting friendships. Who We Are Founded in 1993. Headquartered in Arlington, VA Fully listed by CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) and a member of the Alliance. Designated by the Department of State as a J-1 Program Sponsor. Works with a diverse group of International Partner Agencies. Leaders in Cultural Exchange At the forefront of global education and cultural exchange, we take pride in being the leaders of student exchange. With our unwavering commitment to creating transformative experiences for students around the world, we have set the standard for excellence in international education. Join us and discover how we can help you unlock a world of opportunities and shape your future like no other. Staff Directory Nicholas Naderi President, CEO Alex Chinzorig, Executive Assistant to President/CEO achinzorig@facetheworld.org Office: 707-559-5805 Amber Bocanegra Vice President amber@facetheworld.org Office: 1-707-559-5800 Toll Free: 1-800-216-3223 Mike Kohl VP of Finance, Administration, and Technology mike@facetheworld.org Office: 1-707-559-5800 Toll Free: 1-800-216-3223 Vanessa Gallagher International Admissions and Marketing Director vanessa@facetheworld.org Cell: 1-707-835-3810 Office: 1-707-559-5800 Toll Free: 800-216-3223

Face the World (FTW) promotes global learning and exchange by offering opportunities for international high school students to experience life in the United States. The goal of our cultural exchange program is to provide students, Host Families and Schools, with a quality experience. Open Your Heart, Open Your Mind, Smile Big & Face The World! Our Mission Face The World is designed to provide excellent educational opportunities and an intensive cross-cultural experience in the United States. Face the World selects international students that will expand their normal scope of world understanding. Connecting International Youth with Local Communities. THOUSANDS of S tudents and Host Families Connected 30+ Years Dependable leader in cultural student exchange for over 30 years. CSIET Endorsed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. J-1 Visa Designed by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor students on a J-1 visa. Alliance The Alliance adheres to, promotes, and expects the highest ethical standards of professional practice among its members. What Makes Us Different? Our worldwide contacts, national field staff, and dedication to global education make us a leader in the field of student exchange. Both here and abroad, we are all contributing to the development. 1/1

Meet Our Students Hosting an exchange student means welcoming a new member into your family and creating lifelong connections. Discover more about our students and their unique backgrounds to find the perfect match for your family. Start your journey today! Click Here to View Students

2023 Eagle Award Winners 🏆 Derk - Student of the Year: Congratulations to Derk, whose dedication and exceptional achievements in Michigan have earned him the coveted title of Student of the Year! Derk's relentless pursuit of excellence has gone above and beyond expectations. From his stellar academic performance to his charismatic personality, he has left an indelible mark on his school community. And let's not forget, he even won the Homecoming King crown, showcasing his remarkable spirit and leadership skills! 🏆 Leo- Student of the Semester: Let's give a big round of applause to Leo, our Student of the Semester! From day one, Leo has been an incredible asset to his host family, extending a helping hand whenever needed. Whether it was lending a hand with household chores, helping cut down a tree, or actively participating in community events, Leo's selflessness and genuine kindness have touched the lives of everyone around him. His ability to foster strong relationships and create a sense of togetherness is truly remarkable. 🏆 Emma - Soaring Eagle Award: A special shout-out to Emma, recipient of the Soaring Eagle Award! Emma's journey in the USA has been nothing short of remarkable. Since her arrival, she has blossomed academically, and her dedication to her studies has been recognized at the highest level, receiving accolades from Congress for her outstanding academic excellence. Emma's unwavering determination, resilience, and passion for knowledge have made her an inspiration to her peers and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. 🏆 Victoria - Global Ambassador: Let us also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Victoria, who has been honored with the title of Global Ambassador! From the very beginning of her program, Victoria seamlessly settled into her new life and embraced the opportunities that came her way. She quickly formed strong friendships, cherished her host family, including her host brothers, and became an integral part of her school's Tennis Team. Victoria's dedication, enthusiasm, and wholehearted commitment to the program have showcased her as a true ambassador of global understanding and cultural exchange. 🏆 Helena - Community Service Award: A special recognition goes to Erika and Helena, recipients of the Community Service Award! Throughout their program, Erika and Helena have dedicated their time and efforts to serve their community by volunteering at a health clinic. Every month, they selflessly offer their assistance to those who cannot afford healthcare or lack access to it. Their compassionate hearts and unwavering commitment to helping others have made a significant difference in the lives of many, truly exemplifying the spirit of community service. 🏆 Erika - Community Service Award: A special recognition goes to Erika and Helena, recipients of the Community Service Award! Throughout their program, Erika and Helena have dedicated their time and efforts to serve their community by volunteering at a health clinic. Every month, they selflessly offer their assistance to those who cannot afford healthcare or lack access to it. Their compassionate hearts and unwavering commitment to helping others have made a significant difference in the lives of many, truly exemplifying the spirit of community service.

Emergencies Who to Contact: Face the World can be reached through a 24HR emergency answering service. The toll free number is 1-800-216-FACE (3223). In case of an emergency, contact your community representative immediately. In cases of medical emergency or other serious situations please call the FTW home office immediately. Chain of Communication: Ensure you have the contact information of your local host family or program coordinators readily available. These individuals can offer guidance and support during challenging situations and can help coordinate any necessary actions or communications. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please dial 9-1-1. 1) Community Representative 2) Regional Director 3) Student Services: 1 (707) 790-3536 4) Emergency Line: 1 (800) 216-3223 5) FTW Home Office 1 (707) 559-5800

Curious about what it's really like to participate in a student exchange program? Check out our stories and testimonials page! Hear from real students, host families, and community representatives about their experiences with our programs. Testimonials These experiences remind us of the incredible power of cultural exchange the beauty of human connections, and the love they have brought to our community. Start Hosting Hughes Family & Lore Bissot Venne Family & Florentin Exchange Student Outing Hughes Family & Lore Bissot 1/12 Kouvaris Family & Bianka Meet the Kouvaris family from Arkansas and Bianka from Poland. What started on a whim because my friends post was tugging at my heart has turned into the adventure of a lifetime. We love her and it’s hard to imagine life without her now. It’s been three weeks since going from dog mom to host mom, and it’s flown by! Every day is a new adventure. I’ve relearned school schedules and adjusted to modern school life. Senior activities are in full swing, and before we know it, she’ll be graduated and moving on. We have a routine, but there’s still some uncertainty. I like knowing all the details, but I’m realizing that’s not always possible, especially with a language barrier. These conversations, filled with laughter, have become my favorite part of the day. Our struggles bond us and make us both better. She is the missing piece, the temp daughter, and forever friend I never knew I needed. Maria from Spain Meet Maria and read about her host families testimonial. Hosting an exchange student from Spain was one of the best decisions our family ever made. We were initially nervous about the idea of welcoming a stranger into our home, but as soon as we met our exchange student, Maria, all of our worries disappeared. From day one, Maria quickly became a part of our family. She shared her culture with us, taught us about her home country, and even taught us how to cook traditional Spanish dishes. We had so much fun together, exploring our city, trying new foods, and making memories that we will cherish forever. Matteo from Italy Meet Matteo and read about his host families testimonial. Matteo quickly became a part of our family. He was kind, curious, and always eager to learn about our culture. He also shared his culture with us, teaching us about Italy's rich history, art, and cuisine. We had so much fun together, exploring our city, trying new foods, and making memories that we will cherish forever. One of the most significant things that we learned from hosting Matteo was how much we have in common with people from other cultures. We realized that despite our different backgrounds, we all share a common humanity that connects us. We also learned to appreciate the beauty of cultural differences and the importance of embracing diversity.

Our FAQs page has got you covered! Find answers to common questions about the student exchange process, eligibility requirements, program options, and more. Get the information you need to make an informed decision and embark on a life-changing experience. Frequently Asked Questions Find answers to common questions about the student exchange process, eligibility requirements for host families, program options, and more. Get the information you need to make an informed decision and embark on a life-changing experience. DO I GET PAID TO HOST A J-1 STUDENT? For the J-1 student, you will not get payment in terms of money, but rather in values and knowledge. Hosting a student will allow your family to visit a foreign country without leaving your home! A $50 per month charitable tax deduction can be claimed for your participation in the program WHAT DOES FACE THE WORLD LOOK FOR IN A HOST FAMILY? Our host families come in all shapes and sizes: they can be single, retired, empty-nesters, or childless. A family must have the emotional and financial stability to sustain a student for a year. They should have a desire to learn about other cultures and the willingness to share their life with a person from another culture. Host families are expected to include their student in all host family activities, including chores. I DON'T HAVE ANY CHILDREN AT HOME. CAN I STILL HOST? There is no typical host family. Students are interested in a wide range of hosting situations. Some students who come from large families would like to experience being the only child in a family. CAN YOUNG CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM HOSTING? Many of the students accepted into the program indicate an interest in being placed in families with small children. As for your own children, their facility for learning a language is never greater than when they are young. Similarly, their interest, curiosity and acceptance of people different from themselves is strongest at a young age. They will look up to the exchange student and in turn the exchange student feels special. I THINK MY HOUSE MAY BE TOO SMALL. DOES A STUDENT NEED THEIR OWN ROOM? Program participants are prepared to share a bedroom with a child of the same gender. The only requirements are that the exchange student must be provided with his or her own bed, and that the host sibling sharing the room be within 5 years of the student’s age. We have found that a student who shares a room with a host sibling often makes the transition from exchange student to family member more quickly. MY SPOUSE AND I BOTH WORK, WE WON'T BE HOME TO ENTERTAIN THE STUDENT. IS THIS A PROBLEM? In most of our two-parent families, both parents work. We are not looking for families to entertain our students. We are looking for families who will share an exchange of ideas, lifestyles, and love with a child from another culture. With his/her participation in the local high school, the student will quickly develop a circle of friends and should not be dependent on the family for entertainment. DO STUDENTS HAVE INSURANCE? All students are covered by a comprehensive health and liability policy while on the Face The World program. WHAT DOES THE STUDENT EXPECT? The student expects to be welcomed into a warm and loving home. Flexibility, a sense of humor and the ability to help a young person adapt to a new family and lifestyle are also important qualities that students hope their family will have. HOW WELL WILL MY STUDENT SPEAK ENGLISH? The English level of your student will depend upon a number of factors including the length of time the language has been studied, the environment in which the student received the instruction, the student’s native language, and many other factors. Our academic programs require the students to demonstrate a level of fluency that will allow them to function in an American high school shortly after arrival. Occasionally, a student may seem to have poor English skills upon arrival, but there is usually a noted improvement after a few days of adapting to the new environment WHO MAKES ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE J-1 PROGRAM? Your community representative will contact the local high school to obtain their approval of the student’s enrollment. The family should help the student register for classes once he or she has arrived. CAN WE HOST MORE THAN ONE STUDENT? Yes, as long as the two students are from different countries and speak different native languages. This is an ideal situation for empty-nesters, as each student has the other. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FAMILY AND THE STUDENT DON'T GET ALONG? Each family and student is assigned a community representative who will work with them during the program. This person is prepared to assist you with any problems that might arise. In the event of a serious problem or conflict of personalities, Face the World will remove the student for evaluation to determine whether the student should be replaced or returned to his or her home country. CAN I CHOOSE THE STUDENT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE STAY WITH US ON THE J-1 PROGRAM? Yes! Based on a review of the information you provide to us, and a review of the student files available for the upcoming year, your local representative will present to you several files for your consideration. You will ultimately select the student you would like to host.

Discover the benefits of hosting, learn about the screening and matching process, and get tips for creating a welcoming and supportive home environment. Click Here to Inquire! Host Families At Face the World, we believe that host families play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our international students. Our host families provide a home away from home for our students, offering them the opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Culture Friendship Growth Responsibilities of a Host Family Hosting an exchange student is a unique and rewarding experience, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. Here are some of the requirements and expectations from host families: A safe and welcoming home environment: The host family should provide a clean, comfortable, and safe living space for the exchange student. This includes a private bedroom with a bed, desk, and closet space. Meals: The host family is responsible for providing meals for the exchange student, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cultural exchange: The host family should actively engage with the exchange student and provide opportunities for cultural exchange. This includes sharing meals, introducing the student to local customs and traditions, and encouraging them to participate in local activities. Support and guidance: The host family should provide emotional support and guidance to the exchange student. This includes helping them adjust to their new surroundings, providing advice on academic and social issues, and being available to listen and offer support. Background checks: Host families are required to undergo background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the exchange student. Training: Many exchange organizations provide training and resources for host families to help them prepare for hosting an exchange student. Host families should be willing to participate in any required training sessions. Overall, being a host family requires a willingness to open up your home and provide support and guidance to an international student. It can be a truly life-changing experience for both the host family and the exchange student. 1. Contact Us 2. Complete application 3. Choose a student Become a Host Family First Name Last Name Email Phone State I Currently Live In I want to become a Host Family Apply Here Thank you! We’ll be in touch. Clubs & Activities FTW carefully selects and trains our host families to ensure that they are prepared to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students. We believe that by partnering with dedicated and caring host families, we can offer our students an unforgettable cultural immersion experience that will enrich their lives in countless ways. Choosing Host Families What our Host Families Do The role of our host families extends beyond just providing accommodation and meals for our students. They act as mentors, guides, and friends, offering support and encouragement throughout the exchange program. Host families are a vital part of our organization, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for our international students.

Looking for a trusted partner in student exchange? Our partners page highlights the organizations and institutions we work with to provide exceptional programs and services. Partners Partnering with Face the World can bring many benefits to your organization. We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for both students and hosting families, and we work closely with our partners to ensure that every aspect of the program is handled with care and attention to detail. Partnering with Face the World is an excellent way to enhance your organization's international reach and provide a life-changing experience for both your students and your organization. Click Here to Inquire Partner Testimonial "We work together by sending students from Poland to the US program for high school students. I want to thank you very much for finding wonderful families for our mentees and for the wonderful organization of the program! We are so happy to partner with you." High-Quality Programs and Services: Face the World offers high-quality exchange programs and services that have been carefully designed to provide students with a comprehensive cultural immersion experience. We work with our overseas partners to ensure that the program meets their specific needs and requirements, and we strive to exceed expectations in everything we do. Vast Network of Host Families and Representatives: We have a vast network of host families throughout the United States who are eager to welcome international students into their homes and provide them with a safe and supportive environment. Our host families are carefully screened and selected to ensure that they are the best fit for each student, and we provide ongoing support and guidance to both students and families throughout the exchange experience. Dedicated and Experienced Team: Our team of dedicated and experienced professionals is committed to providing the highest level of support and service to our overseas partners. We have extensive experience working with international students and are well-equipped to handle any challenges or issues that may arise during the exchange experience. We are passionate about what we do and are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students and partners. Partner Login EXLINK LOGIN

Check out our resources page! Find valuable information and tips on everything from travel logistics and cultural differences to language learning and host family relations. Our resources are designed to help you make the most of your exchange program. Resources Student Travel Form Students wishing to travel for a period longer than two nights must complete and submit this form prior to date of travel before permission will be granted. Chaperone must also be over 25 years of age and complete a Criminal Background check before travel Download Here Department of State Regulations Get to know the regulations. Click button below to download the Department of State High School Program Regulations. Download Here Department of State Host Family Letter On behalf of the U.S. Department of State, a thank you for your decision to host an international exchange student. Download Here Department of State School Appreciaton Letter As a school that supports an exchange student, you are part of a larger mission and vision that has been a part of U.S. public diplomacy efforts since 1949. Download Here CSIET Certificate: Face the World Foundation The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) has found Face the World Foundation to have fulfilled all the requirements for CSIET Certification and grants your organization a Full J-1 Inbound Certification. Download Here Dangerous Activities Form Used when students would like to participate in dangerous activities such as: Zip Lining, Rock Climbing, Scuba Diving, Etc. Host families and Natural Parents sign and return to FTW home office and their student's Community Representative. Download Here

Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our top priority. That's why we offer comprehensive student medical insurance for all our participants. Insurance Information Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our top priority. That's why we offer comprehensive student medical insurance for all our participants. Our insurance plans provide coverage for a range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, and emergency care. With our student medical insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're protected in case of illness or injury during your exchange program. Find a Doctor/Hospital For minor or non-emergency medical care, your plan includes free access to the Teladoc Virtual Telemedicine platform, allowing you to seek medical care online. You can learn more about how to use Teladoc on our website. If you need to seek in-person medical care, your plan uses the "UnitedHealthcare Network" inside the USA. You can search for providers online , or call the number on the back of your ID card. ONLY use the Emergency Room (ER) in true emergency situations. As part of your insurance plan, you have access to a discount prescription drug program ; that will greatly lower the cost of many medications. Search Providers Near You Submit Your Claim Did you know you can submit claims with your phone? All you need to do is gather your itemized bills and receipts, complete a claim form and then take a picture with your phone and email those images to CustomerCare@IMGlobal.com Email: CustomerCare@IMGlobal.com Fax: +1 317 655 4505 International Medical Group, Inc. Claims Department P.O. Box 9162 Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9162 Submit Your Claim Plan Deductibles Your plan includes a $100 per injury/illness deductible, which should be paid at the time of treatment. An additional ER deductible of $350 will apply for treatment of an illness with no admission. Review your policy documents carefully as there may also be Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinic copays or deductibles to pay. After Your Visit When you have obtained medical care, please also remember: ALWAYS complete a claim form. A copy can be found in your Student Zone Collect any bills, medical notes and receipts (including any Rx labels and receipts). Submit this to the claims team for processing: customercare@imglobal.com Student Zone Further information and advice can be found in your Student Zone: https://egi.zone/ftw-img/ Click Here Insurance Helpline If you need assistance with your insurance plan, please contact IMG-UHC directly: USA Toll Free (800) 628-4664 USA Direct +1 (317) 655-4500 customercare@imglobal.com