FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Resource Development Trust (ERDT) has over thirty years of experience promoting cross-cultural exchange. We are well respected in the exchange community (overseas agents, host families and coordinators) specifically for our personal approach to student exchange. We are a medium-sized organization—large enough to provide stability and variety but small enough to maintain a personal touch. Being as selective as we are, we can maintain a family-like atmosphere that extends to our field staff, host families, and exchange students.
No. ERDT is the legal sponsor for the student. As the legal sponsor, ERDT issues the supporting documents necessary for the participant to apply for exchange visitor visa to enter the United States. ERDT remains legally responsible for the student for the duration of the program. The Host Family does, however, have permission to obtain medical treatment from a licensed physician for the student when necessary. A medical release signed by the biological parents is included in the participant’s application.
Yes. They will be covered with medical/accident insurance and will receive an insurance card.
Yes. Many enVision families do not have enough bedrooms in their home to accommodate an exchange student with a private bedroom. We require only that your student share a room with a child of the same gender and approximate age, be given their own bed and space for their belongings.
Host families will provide three meals per day, whether they’re at home, or out of the house. Students are expected to purchase their own snacks, souvenirs, entry tickets (should your family go on an outing) etc.
Yes. They’re expected to behave as a member of your family and follow all the rules and expectations of your household. The enVision Host Family Communication Workbook contains information about communicating rules and schedules to your exchange student. You should be honest and open about your household rules. Remember, your participant is not merely a guest, but a new member of your family!
Students in the enVision Program expect to be treated with kindness and acceptance, and as a member of your family.
Yes. Your Exchange Program Coordinator (EPC) will visit you in your home to explain the hosting experience and to answer any questions that you may have. They will also provide you with a pre-arrival orientation. A few weeks before student arrival, you will receive a student application so you can learn more about the student you will host.
Your enVision Exchange Program Coordinator (EPC) has been trained to be sensitive to both the needs of the Host Family and the needs of your participant. Your Exchange Program Coordinator (EPC) will provide orientations and will monitor your experience to ensure that everything goes smoothly and is available to answer questions and offer support.
enVision’s participants may live with a host family anywhere from 2 days up to 12 weeks. The majority of enVision programs are 2 or 3 weeks in duration.
The most important qualities for any potential Host Family are a generosity of heart and spirit, that ability to make an outsider feel like a member of your own family. The desire to learn from others while sharing everyday life in your family and local community is what it’s all about. The diversity that is our country’s heritage is something we hope to reflect in all our programs. enVision finds homes that generate warmth and friendliness while possessing a reasonable degree of stability.
