The Program of Academic Exchange is reaching out to area residents to ask for volunteer families to host and share their U.S. culture with exchange students.

PAX students, from 70 European, South American, Asian, or African countries, are eager to experience American activities — backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations, and holidays — and share their country and culture with host families. They arrive to the U.S. for the upcoming school year in August. They are 15-18 years old, have studied English for three years, and are motivated to learn more about the U.S. by attending high school and living with a host family. They are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and have their own spending money.

Volunteer host families provide PAX students with a warm and supportive home environment, a seat at the family dinner table, a bed, a quiet place to study, and encouragement to engage in everyday American life. All types of families — single parents, young couples, retirees, and parents with teenagers — are welcome to host.

Founded in 1990, PAX is a nonprofit educational organization and one of a select few U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor Program’s chosen to participate in its prestigious U.S. government-sponsored FLEX, YES, and A-SMYLE programs. Each year, more than 1,100 teenagers visit the U.S. as PAX exchange students. For more information, call Tracy Smith at 507-438-0605 or visit www.pax.org.