Student Exchange Host Family Recruiter

International Student Exchange Programs is seeking a compassionate Area Representative and Student Exchange Host Family Recruiter to support the Mobile, Alabama area. In this freelance role, you will help recruit and prepare volunteer host families, match them with incoming international high school students, and provide ongoing local support through monthly check-ins across the school year.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and screen prospective volunteer host families.
• Conduct in-person home visits before students arrive.
• Match August-arriving international exchange students with suitable host families.
• Build relationships with high schools, businesses, community organizations, and local families.
• Promote ISE’s inbound high school exchange and Study Abroad programs.
• Serve as ISE’s local point of contact for host-family placement and student-supervision matters.
• Meet in person each month with the host family and exchange student.
• Report concerns or placement challenges to the ISE Regional Manager.
• Participate in community events, school meetings, outreach activities, and informational sessions.
• Follow State Department compliance regulations related to placement and supervision of high school exchange students.

Required Qualifications

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine interest in cultural exchange and international education.
• Comfort speaking with families, high school staff, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, and manage priorities.
• Local community connections or interest in increasing community involvement.
• Availability for in-person home visits and monthly placement check-ins.
• Commitment to safe and supportive experiences for students and host families.
• Interest in a flexible, meaningful side role with local community engagement.

Preferred Experience

• Classroom teaching: 3 years (preferred).
• Hosting an exchange student or Study Abroad: 1 year (preferred).
• Facebook groups: 4 years (preferred).
• Social media marketing: 4 years (preferred).
• Parenting: 10 years (preferred).

Compensation and Schedule

Compensation: USD 1,000 - 20,000 per yearly.

Job type: Freelance.

Work location: Remote, with local in-person visits required in the Mobile area.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule.
• Professional development assistance.

Role Fit

• A teacher, educator, counselor, coach, or school staff member.
• A parent seeking a meaningful, flexible work-from-home side job and community engagement.
• A retiree or community-minded individual.
• A community leader or well-connected local resident.

Additional

Role Overview

• Complete independence: A 1099 freelance arrangement with ownership of your calendar and schedule, where earnings reflect your effort.
• Community-based outreach: Connect with local families, including engagement through friendly local Facebook groups and in-person community involvement.
• Professional networking: Opportunity to cultivate meaningful business relationships with local leaders and neighbors.

Application Process

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a brief 20-minute phone interview.

Application Questions

• During the academic homestay year, contractors are expected to meet in person with the exchange student and host family each month according to US Dept. of State exchange program requirements. Can you provide this service?
• What professional, volunteer, or personal experience have you had with student exchange programs or international education?
• Do you understand that this is a freelance opportunity with ISE, not a traditional salaried employee position, with compensation provided as a flat fee for each student placement plus exceptional opportunities for international travel?
• What makes you a good fit for this student exchange role?