A California based company needs help finding host homes for 58 students from other countries.

The Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange is looking for community representatives and host families in Grayson County.

The non-profit organization will pay community representatives a one-time stipend of $200, and also $50 a month supervision fee for every student they assist.

"Community representatives go out to the home and help the family fill out an application," explained Berger. "They also help with house screening and matching families with the right students."

Host families do not get paid for their services, but are able to take $50 off on their income taxes under charitable contributions.

Families are screened to make sure they are serious about hosting. Information is filled out and then a background and reference check is done. All the paperwork is sent to the main office in California.

The community representative then gets a hold of the family and lets them know if they have been accepted. The family looks over student applications and picks a boy or girl from a particular age group.

"It is a pretty quick turnaround," explained Berger. "The whole process takes ten days depending on if it is a holiday or not."

Students must have their own medical insurance and spending money. Berger added, "Host families must provide room and board, and a loving environment."

Media Coordinator Carol Berger said there is a big push to get students matched up with host families before the coming school year.

Berger added the student’s stay anywhere from 5 months to the entire calendar year with host families in the United States. It just depends on what country the student is originally from, because some countries will let students stay longer than others.

Berger said there were about 80 students who came to the United States last year.

"It give the kids an opportunity to learn about the United States," explained Berger. "The families also get a chance to learn about the student's culture. One family loved a student so much they are going to see the student's family in Germany during their summer vacation."

For more information on hosting a student from another country or becoming a community representative visit www.afice.org or call 1-866-462-3423.