Join our global network and support exchange students from more than 50 countries as a Local Coordinator, a vital role in cultural exchange programs.

Each year, the US Department of State sponsors international high school students who have earned scholarships to attend high school while living with an American host family for an academic year. With your help, American Councils brings these exceptional students to communities throughout the United States to experience everyday life in every US state.

Local Coordinators help to place exchange students with volunteer host families, then serve as a link between the host family, local community, and American Councils throughout the academic year. Represent your community, and ensure that every student’s American experience is unforgettable. 

Overview of responsibilities

What's expected of American Councils Local Coordinators?

• Identify and recruit volunteer host families for high school exchange students,

• Represent American Councils to local schools and secure school enrollment,

• Provide support to exchange students and host families throughout academic-year programs,

• Maintain, at minimum, monthly contact with students and families,

• Lead orientations and enrichment activities throughout the year,

• Become familiar with US Department of State program regulations.

What makes a great Local Coordinator?

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills,

• Flexibility and openness to different cultures and ideas,

• Ability to identify volunteer host families (ideally 3 or more) within 120 miles of place of residence,

• Ability to coordinate events that highlight US/local community’s culture,

• Ability to represent American Councils and U.S. Department of State programs to local community,

• Ability to respond proactively to communication from students, host families, and American Councils team,

• Ability to address issues related to student wellbeing, cultural difference, or other challenges, with support of American Councils team.

• Other preferred qualifications: experience working with teens; international experience and/or interest in other cultures; social media marketing or recruitment experience; strong ties to local community; 25 years or older.

Why should YOU become a Local Coordinator?

• Enjoy a flexible, part-time position with incentive-based honorariums

• Bolster your resume in various fields: event planning, cultural competency, communications, marketing, and more.

• Have opportunities to travel to annual training workshops and professional development events around the U.S.

• Be part of essential U.S. diplomacy efforts in fostering understanding across cultures

• Get connected to a global community of individuals interested in international education and cultural exchange

Contact us to learn more or check out our brochure for more information.

Does this position sound like a good fit for you? Submit an LC Application or contact us to learn more! We love talking to others who share our passion for secondary school scholarship exchange!