How are the Host families chosen and how are they compensated?
Each Host family is interviewed by Pangaea staff during the site visit before the start of each Project. Families are chosen who are interested in a cultural exchange experience with Americans and who can provide adequate living space for 2 students. All Host families receive detailed information on the lifestyle of typical American teenagers, and on customary eating and bathing habits. Each week, participants attend the local market with villagers. Pangaea staff gives students money with which to buy food that they then give to Host families to prepare during the week. In this way, students practice their language skills, interact with local populations in the market setting, and compensate their Host families without exchanging money. In places where this arrangement is impossible, families will receive a small weekly stipend to feed their host students. Back to top What kind of gifts should participants bring to the Host family and village members? Depending in the specific cultural
