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International student program brings cultural and economic benefits to Phoenix communities
October 30 Phoenix, AZ – This past week, Valley Lutheran, Mesa, and Hamilton High Schools welcomed an unexpected group of visitors: international education agents from Vietnam, Italy, China, Brazil, Thailand, Germany and Taiwan. Instead of exploring Arizona’s iconic landscapes, these global agents were here with Educatius, an organization with 21 years of experience placing qualified international students in American high schools and host families.
The agents work closely with international students before they leave their home country to study high school abroad, and this visit offered them a chance to meet students, teachers, and host families in the Phoenix area, learning more about the unique academic and cultural experiences available in Phoenix.
Each year, hundreds of U.S. high schools open their doors to international students through Educatius’ high school programs. These talented teens enter the USA on an F-1 student visa and live with local American families, adding cultural perspectives to the community while forming meaningful, lasting connections. Families host for many reasons—some to expose their children to diverse cultures, others to fill an empty nest with a new family bond. According to the Survey Center on American Life, 49% of American families place a high value on cultural exposure, making hosting an international student an impactful and enriching experience. Further, American host families receive a monthly stipend.
The lasting impact on students and schools
The benefits of hosting international students extend beyond cultural enrichment. Educatius' F-1 students contribute financially to their high schools, as each student’s tuition directly supports high school programs, resources, and extracurricular activities, often helping boost public school budgets. These contributions support educational resources that benefit all students, fostering a learning environment built on diversity and inclusion.
For international students, the experience is transformative. Beyond enhancing their language skills, they gain academic achievements, a deep understanding of American culture and build lifelong connections with their host families. Many alumni describe their hosts as a “second family,” keeping in touch long after the program ends and sometimes visiting each other’s home countries years later.
Educatius’ role in global connections
The recent tour of Arizona high schools reflects how Educatius facilitates global connections across cultures, creating support networks that benefit communities and students alike. During the visit, agents experienced American high school life firsthand. A Halloween celebration in Phoenix, hosted by a local host mom, brought global agents, international students, and host families together, offering a firsthand experience of this American tradition with costumes and festivities.
With global demand for American high school programs growing, Educatius is uniquely positioned to guide exchange students from 60 countries on this path, matching them with the right schools to reach their academic goals and caring host families, while providing ongoing support throughout their exchange experience.
For Phoenix families interested in hosting, the rewards go beyond a cultural experience. By welcoming an international student, they enrich their community, foster global understanding, and create connections that span continents.
For more information on hosting an international student, please visit Host an International Student in the USA | Educatius
