Manning High ISE students seek new host family to finish school year

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Matija, an 11th-grader from Montenegro, and Kende, a 12th-grader from Slovakia, are in search of a new host family to complete their year at Manning High School. The students, part of the International Student Exchange (ISE) program, have been attending the school since the beginning of the academic year. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, their current host family can no longer accommodate them.

ISE, a nonprofit organization founded in 1982, is a proud sponsor of J-1 secondary school exchange programs, fostering cultural enrichment and public diplomacy. These programs provide international students the opportunity to experience American high school life while sharing their own cultures with local communities. The organization also facilitates outbound cultural exchange programs for American students.

Sandra Dervin, the ISE Area Representative overseeing Matija and Kende’s placements, emphasizes the importance of the program’s cultural exchange component. “Hosting these students is not just about providing a place to stay,” Dervin explained. “It’s a chance to learn about their cultures, their traditions, and even their favorite recipes while offering them a glimpse into American life.”

Dervin shared that both students must stay in the Manning High School district, as South Carolina schools cannot accept new international students mid-year. If a local family cannot be found soon, the boys may face disruptions in their education, including potentially missing classes while a new placement is arranged.

Matija enjoys singing, music, bike riding, hiking, traveling, and playing games with friends. Kende is a sports enthusiast who loves basketball, boxing, and outdoor activities. Both are described as respectful, responsible, and eager to integrate into a welcoming home environment.

Host families are required to provide a room with a bed, a space for studying, and inclusion in family meals (students cover their own toiletries and personal expenses). The application process involves a background check and a home visit, which Dervin assures is “quick and straightforward.” Families who refer a host family that completes the placement process are eligible for a $300 referral incentive.

Dervin highlighted the rewards of hosting, saying, “It’s an opportunity to foster lifelong connections, build mutual understanding, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.”

Anyone interested in hosting Matija or Kende, or referring a family, can contact Sandra Dervin at 803-305-9392 or via email at sandradervin81@gmail.com.

For more information about the International Student Exchange program, visit their website at iseusa.org.