Exchange program in need of hosts; Young visitors from Spain to arrive here.

PositionLOCAL NEWS

Byline: Brian Lee

CHARLTON - Residents of this town, as well as Southbridge, Dudley and Spencer, will open their homes to 34 youngsters from Spain from June 27 to July 24.

But Diane L. Sullivan of Charlton is getting concerned that only 19 families have committed to hosting a child for the nonprofit Education First Home Stay program, which trains students in English-speaking skills at St. Joseph's Church in Charlton.

Mrs. Sullivan, the program's coordinator, said hosts are asked to show the visiting students "The American Family Way" during evenings and weekends.

From 9 a.m. to noon during weekdays, the visitors embark on studies at the church, break for bag lunches that are be provided by their hosts, and from 1 to 5 p.m., partake in excursions such as visiting local police, fire and town halls.

Other scheduled field trips include Clark University in Worcester, Old Sturbridge Village, Six Flags New England in Agawam, two visits to Boston, and a monster truck show in Worcester. The students will spend their last three days on a trip to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, Mrs. Sullivan said.

The students come fully insured and have spending money and calling cards to phone home, she said.

Hosts must also provide transportation to and from the church.

A host family who has a daughter may allow a female exchange student to sleep in the same room, but in a separate bed, Mrs. Sullivan said.

A misbehaving child can be sent home at their parents' expense. Mrs. Sullivan, who has hosted children for a number of years, said she has known of this...

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