The nonprofit Educational Resource Development Trust (ERDT) and the Department of State are searching for families in California, including the Santa Clarita Valley, to host international high school students.

ERDT is offering a cultural experience for high school students from around the world to study in the United States, and are in need of host homes to help make a direct impact in the teens’ lives.

“(The nonprofit) matches between 500-600 teens annually from 30 different countries with volunteer American host families throughout the United States and enrolls the students in the local public high schools for a semester or academic year,” the ERDT website said.

Many programs such as group homestay and individual immersion homestay have been offered through ERDT since the 1980s. 

Students and host families are set to have an opportunity to share traditions for a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, according to officials. 

Families in California, including Santa Clarita, are expected to be able to meet students like 16-year-old Ada from Spain who enjoys cooking and baking, or 17-year-old Simone from Italy who is interested in sports and math. 

“We are looking for families that are willing to open their hearts and home and become a host family to one of our amazing students for the 2021-2022 school year,” said Janelle Pelayo-Denno, the program development manager.

Interested residents wanting more information on hosting one of these ERDT students for the 2021-2022 school year can do so by clicking here.

Ed. Note: Dani Palma is the author of this article.

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