Regarding screening of host families for high school exchange students

(February 6, 2012)

Ambassador Barry B. White

For the last two years I have been taking every opportunity to promote increased educational exchange between the U.S. and Norway. I was therefore greatly concerned when I read Aftenposten’s report on the very unfortunate high school exchange experienced by three young Norwegians on January 14th. I sincerely regret that their experience was not positive and instructive as it is meant to be, and has been for thousands of Norwegian, and we hope that they will give the U.S. another try some day.

There were a number of unfortunate cases that started to come to light around 2009. The problems reached official attention, the Department of State investigated, and many changes were instituted. For example, much tougher screening of potential host families is required, including criminal background checks for all members of the household over age 18. We require that the sponsoring organization conduct in-person interviews with all family members living in the home, and have a second person visit the host family, for a face-to face discussion of expectations and requirements. We require letters of reference from individuals within the community who are not relatives of the potential host family or representatives of the sponsor. And we even ask for photos of the house and the room the exchange student will live in.

The purpose is to ensure that the host family can meet the basic needs of the students, including three quality meals each day and transportation to and from school and other activities.  Families who receive needs-based government subsidies for food and housing are not allowed to host students.

Of course, procedures can only go so far, and as a parent I understand how difficult it can be to send your child off to a foreign country for a year. We greatly appreciate the positive and the negative feedback we get from the students, and we take their concerns seriously. But again and again, I meet Norwegians who tell me what a great time they had during a semester or year in the United States. Many say they have stayed in contact with their host families, and have exchanged visits with them years later. Life-long friendships have been born. This is our goal, and the embassy will continue to work to ensure that more Norwegians get such an experience in high school or at college/university level.

Norway and the United States have very close relations, and these exchange programs play an important role in strengthening and extending our strong relationship into the future.

Ambassador Barry B. White