World Link is a non-profit organization that places high school exchange students sponsored by the US Department of State. They are currently seeking potential host families in Southeast Iowa for the 2023-24 school year.

Host families will provide the student with meals and a bed, while medical insurance, school fees, and a monthly allowance are covered by the program. World Link accepts married couples with children, married couples with no children, and even single-parent households. Local Coordinator for World Link, Holly Beinhart, tells KCII what the program is ultimately looking for in a host family. “Really the ideal family is a family that is going to welcome a student into their home and truly treat them like they would their own child in a loving way.”

Beinhart supported 10 international students this past school year. While exchange students are required to do at least 30 hours of volunteer work during their time in the United States, her 10 students have completed nearly 1,000 hours combined.

World Link is looking for host families in such districts as Washington, Mid-Prairie, Hillcrest, Sigourney, Pekin, WACO, and Keota. Those interested must first fill out a host family application and undergo a background check. With questions, contact Holly Beinhart at 641-295-5003 or email hollybeinhart@gmail.com. For more information on the World Link exchange program, click here.