Benefits for Local Coordinators

Real Stories

"Being an IEC is a fun job. If you want to meet lots of people, travel some, and get to know your own communities better, then it’s a geat opportunity."

Lea
Alabama

IECs work closely with exchange students throughout the year. To qualify, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 25 years of age.
• Undergo a thorough application process, including an in-home interview, background check, and submission of personal and professional references. This is standard procedure for anyone participating in youth-oriented programs.

Depending on the time of year, an IEC is a marketer, organizer, mentor, friend—or everything at once! Fun and rewarding, the additional responsibilities of an IEC include:

• Helping Families. You’ll start by finding and screening potential host families in your community. You can then focus on matching families and students based on shared interests. After holding orientation meetings, you’ll be expected to support and maintain regular contact with your host families throughout the year.
• Mentoring Students. Along with keeping in touch with host families, you’ll maintain regular contact with exchange students by checking in with them at least once every four weeks. As a caring adult, you’ll mentor students and offer objective advice. You’ll also be required to make your home available for students in case of emergency.
• Working with Schools. As the face of EF Foundation in your community, you’ll be the one to develop and maintain positive relationships with schools. Most importantly, you’ll be responsible for arranging for the enrollment of exchange students at local high schools.
• Inspiring the Community. EF Foundation relies on you to promote the program in your area and educate your neighbors about the benefits of international exchange. One of the best ways to do this is by organizing activities for people to get to know exchange students. This will also help to make them feel right at home!
• Representing EF Foundation. You’ll be expected to attend the trainings we offer, as well as follow all U.S. State Department and CSIET rules. Of course, you’ll be supported by your Regional Coordinator and the Boston office should you ever have questions. We’re excited to have you as a member of the EF Foundation family. We want you to be excited about your involvement too!

Beyond the stated responsibilities, you’re encouraged to bring your own style and creativity to the IEC position. Each EF Foundation IEC makes his or her unique mark—and that’s what makes our exchange program so special!