LAGUNA HILLS : Host Families Sought for 2 Thai Visitors

Emergency cancellations have forced a student exchange program to scramble to find temporary homes in South County for two visiting students from Thailand.

The students are among 17 youths visiting the Southland for three weeks. International Education Forum organizers had homes lined up for all of the students until two host families were forced to cancel their participation.

“Recruiting host families for the 17 participants has been difficult,” said Lila Brumback, the forum’s Orange County representative. “That fact, plus a couple of emergency cancellations, has me still looking this late for two more host families for two girls” in the group.

During their stay, the group will, among other things, tour major entertainment attractions and examine high-tech education programs at Aliso Viejo Middle School.

“As part of the Thai program, we have scheduled a visit to this new and beautifully equipped school,” Brumback said. She added that language instructors at the school will lead groups of Aliso Viejo children on a tour of Europe next year, where they will stay with residents.

“Even though I came (to the United States) as an exchange student myself many years ago,” Brumback said, “it is still overwhelming at times to see how interested youngsters from all over the world are to come here and learn firsthand about our ways and make American friends.”

For information about the exchange program, call (714) 362-0810.