Garretson, SOUTH DAKOTA – Experience first-hand the incredible feeling of hope for a better tomorrow when we witness cultural barriers coming down and intercultural awareness and understanding growing. Nacel Open Door (NOD) is a nonprofit organization seeking local families to host international high school students (ages 15-17) arriving from nearly 30 countries around the world this fall.
For more than 50 years, NOD has placed thousands of international students in successful homestays with local host families. Applications are now being accepted for families in the Garretson area interested in hosting a student for the 2021-22 school year through our Academic Year Program (AYP).
Nearly one-third of all of the international high school students who come to the U.S. with NOD participate in our Academic Year Program. These students are here on a J-1 visa, allowing them come to the U.S. for either a semester (5 months) or full academic school year (10 months) for a cultural exchange. During their stay, students will attend high school in your family’s community. All NOD exchange students speak English and come with their own travel insurance and spending money. Host families not only provide room and board, but also welcome students into their family, sharing their everyday American life with their student.
If your family is interested in hosting an exchange student, contact NOD at 1-800-622-3553 or find more information about hosting with Nacel Open Door’s AYP program at www.nacelopendoor.org/get-involved.
Since 1957, Nacel Open Door (NOD) has been one of the world’s leading student exchange programs, promoting a life- changing experience for its students and host families alike. NOD is a sponsor under the designation of the U.S. Department of State, following federal regulations. NOD also has a full listing by the Council on Standards for International Education Travel (CSIET), complying with an annual audit of standards set forth to maintain student and host family safety
