Foreign Exchange Program Set for 2017-2018 School Year

May 5, 2017, (Independence, IA) – The Independence Community School District (ICSD) along with the local community is  invited to take part in the PAX (Program of Academic Exchange) Foreign Exchange Program for the 2017-2018 school year.

PAX is a non-profit organization that works with the Department of State. Out of the 30,000 high school students that come to America, PAX has been privileged to have over 17,500 to place in family homes all over the United States.

Principal Howard states, “The learning, not only for the exchange students but for our students as well, will be invaluable. Hopefully, we will have Independence families take advantage of the opportunity to host through the PAX program.”

PAX Students come from Argentina, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippians, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Spain Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela and many other countries from around the world.

PAX students are involved in the program for many reasons. They come to the United States to improve their English, make new friends, think outside their culture and share their culture with us. They are willing to engage in our way of life and get involved in school activities and volunteer in the community they are placed in.

Counselor Shalon Frye states, “We are very excited to have been approached by a reputable program to provide our school and community with this opportunity. It will be fun to see where our foreign exchange students come from!”

If this is something that interests you and your family, PAX will be hosting an informational meeting on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The school year for 2017-18 will be here before you know it, there are students who are waiting for their dream to come true.

For more information on the PAX or to get involved, please contact Counselor, Shalon Frye at sfrye@independence.k12.ia.us or call 319-334-7400.

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