Become a Local Coordinator

Local Coordinators place foreign exchange students with volunteer American host families and assist them throughout the year.
  • Overview

    Are you extroverted? Passionate? A self-starter? These are just some of the qualities that Greenheart’s best Local Coordinators possess. These curious and motivated individuals have the rewarding job of finding families in their community who are interested in hosting a foreign exchange student. Local Coordinators also provide support and guidance to host families and exchange students, and help these young people from all over the world adjust to their new life in America.

    Local Coordinators:
    • Network in their communities to find host families
    • Play matchmaker…putting exchange students into host homes where there are shared interests
    • Help hosts share American traditions and perspectives
    • Serve as mentor, problem-solver, and friend
    • Work with local high schools in support of cultural exchange
    Local Coordinator Basics:
    • This is an independent contractor role (eligible to earn a payment)
    • Part-time, work from home
    • Must be at least 26 years old
    • Must maintain regular contact with exchange students during their stay
    • Must have the ability to attend professional development and training workshops
    • LCs have the opportunity for domestic and international travel to annual conferences

    All applicants must live and be authorized to work in the United States and:

    • Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
    • Have an internet connection
    • Pass a Criminal Background Check
    • Become Department of State Certified
    • Have reliable transportation

    Greenheart hires year-round!  Apply Today!

     

  • Our Students

    Meet some of the students we have available to host! Let us help match you with a foreign exchange student who shares your family's lifestyle and common interests:

    178 students available

    Abdallah

    Jordan Age 15 Academic Year 2023-2024

    Abdallah is a 15-year-old boy from Jordan who enjoys swimming, watching movies, or hanging out at a beach in his free time. He enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball and video games. Abdallah is a social individual who likes to make friends and enjoys pets. He plans to become a surgeon while at the same time owning a restaurant. He hopes to learn more about American culture and get a chance to make more friends and have new experiences with the exchange program. Abdallah follows a halal diet and does not eat pork. *Must have Grants-Certified Coordinator located within 120 miles of family #156676

    INTERESTS

    AbdelKader

    Lebanon Age 16 Academic Year 2023-2024

    AbdelKader ("Abed") loves science fairs. He says, "Teamwork is the way to ultimate success as it strengthens one's ability to communicate, relate, share ideas and opinions with peers. [Science fairs have] helped me develop new skills and abilities like leadership skills, perseverance, patience, positivity, handcraft skills, and boosted my confidence big time." Abed aspires to become a surgeon. He won a medal in 2022 on a NASA space apps team. He enjoys watching movies and playing video games and board games with his dad. He enjoys cooking and sharing recipes with his mom. *Must be placed within 120 miles of Grants-Certified Local Coordinator #159439

    INTERESTS

    Abdelrahman

    Palestine Age 16 Academic Year 2023-2024

    Meet Abdelrahman, a 16-year-old boy from Gaza Strip! He loves to challenge himself in many ways, but one way in particular, is through the game of chess. "My absolute favorite is Chess. I've always known how to play but was slightly enthusiastic about it. I started playing the game more seriously in early 2021. I started adoring the game the more I play and experiment in it. The outcomes, the hundred different possibilities and the intricacies of the positions of the games are mind-blowing. The reason behind why I am so obsessed with chess is how chess could be so identical to real life. Apart from the extreme enjoyment, head spinning complications and fun in the game, is it's ability to give real life lessons such as that every place in the game matters and plays a substantial role in order to win, just like people." He describes himself as an "omnivert" - sometimes introverted and sometimes extroverted! He also enjoys sports and video games. For religious reasons, Abdelrahman does not eat pork or anything with gelatin in it. *Must be placed within 120 miles of a Grants-certified Local Coordinator. #160225

    INTERESTS

    Abderrahmen

    Tunisia Age 16 Academic Year 2023-2024

    Abdou is a 16-year-old boy from Tunisia. He is the oldest of 4 siblings and enjoys baking cookies and watching movies with his younger siblings. During his time in the USA, he would like to join either the wrestling team or an American Football team. He is hoping his time on exchange will help him decide if he wants to be a pilot or a surgeon. He enjoys simple things like drives in the car and seeing new places. *Must be placed within 120 miles of Grants-Certified Local Coordinator #158944

    INTERESTS

    Abdulaziz

    Kuwait Age 16 Academic Year 2023-2024

    Abdulaziz is a 16-year-old high school student from Kuwait. He's passionate about diving, chess and cycling. He loves to read and learn new skills. He is a middle child and comes from a multigenerational, pet-friendly home. He is used to chores at home and has a close bond with his family. He aspires to study cardiology in the future. His goal for the program is to learn about American culture and share his culture with his future Host Family. Must be placed within 120 miles of a Grants-certified Local Coordinator #158983

    INTERESTS

    Adela

    Czech Republic Age 17 Academic Year 2023-2024

    I'm Adela age 17 from Czech Republic, I have a younger brother. When it comes to creativity, I'm down for anything. I mostly paint on canvas, draw, make collages or handcraft. When I have time, I go climbing. I really like sports overall, I like dancing, badminton, and tennis and I would love to get more into yoga. In the wintertime I love skiing and cross-country, in the summertime, I love swimming and running outside. I love spending time with my friends and when I do, I try to make the most of it. We discover new cafés, visit museums, go to thrift stores or go on walks. Study is very important to me as well. I am a Christian, but we don't go to church very often. *allergies dust, dairy, fungi, mites, pollen and Diet restrictions: I am lactose intolerant (cannot drink dairy milk, but can eat yoghurt, cheese, ice cream etc.), pescetarian (I prefer not to eat meat, I do however love to eat fish). #160001

    INTERESTS

  • Responsibilities

    Local Coordinator Responsibilities
    • Actively network and seek volunteer host families in their communities
    • Play matchmaker…place exchange students into host homes where there are shared interests
    • Provide guidance and support to foreign exchange students
    • Help host families and schools share American traditions and perspectives
    • Serve as mentor, problem-solver, and friend for students and host families
    • Build relationships with local high schools in support of cultural exchange
    • Represent Greenheart Exchange and other Greenheart programs in a professional manner
    • Provide information to American students wishing to study and travel abroad through Greenheart Travel
  • Group Coordinating

    Group Programs are TBD.  We are hopeful that Group Programs can resume fully in 2023/24.

  • FAQ

    What is a Local Coordinator? What do they do?

    A Local Coordinator (LC) helps to connect volunteer host families with international students who will be attending public high school in the U.S. for a school semester or full school year. 

    Greenheart has a database of students from all over the world that we match with volunteer host families in local communities.  

    Duties also include:  

    • Facilitating host family (pre-arrival) and student (post-arrival) orientations  
    • Monthly contacts with host families and students (in-person, by email, or by phone) 
    • In-person meetings with host families and students (twice per year for full-year students) 
    What are the requirements to become an LC?

    Must pass a criminal background check 

    Must have reliable transportation 

    Must have access to internet/computer  

    Must be 26 years of age or older  

    Must pass the Department of State required exam  

    What do I have to do to become an LC?

    Complete LC application process.  (Our Recruiting Team will assist you with this.) 

    Pass criminal background check. 

    Take the required Department of State exam.  

    How much training is involved?

    Once you become fully approved as an LC, you will receive training from your Regional Manager or Regional Director.  

    Training typically takes a few weeks to get up to speed, but individuals learn at their own pace.  

    Training is available online. 

    How do I find volunteer host families?

    There are many ways to find host families. Some of the most successful LCs find families by:  

    • Advertising on social media (NextDoor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) 
    • Reaching out to friends and family networks 
    • Joining networking groups (BNI, for example) 
    • Asking friends and family at places of worship 
    • Advertising in local or community newspapers 
    How can I advance at Greenheart?

    LCs have many opportunities for advancement! Greenheart encourages everyone to set goals and attain them.  

    • Area Coordinators oversee LCs in their areas. 
    • Regional Managers oversee Area Coordinators and LCs in their regions. 
    • Regional Directors oversee Regional Managers, Area Coordinators, and LCs in their regions. 
    Do I have to place a certain number of students each year?

    Greenheart, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, always encourages our LCs in the field to place students by varying deadlines, but Greenheart understands that schools in some areas may have enrollment limitations.  

    Greenheart does not require you to place a quota, but we do encourage you to set reasonable goals.  

    Regional Managers and Regional Directors will do all they can to help you attain your goals. 

    What is the most difficult part of the job?

    Being rejected. Sometimes families may seem perfect to host, but for whatever reason, they just don’t want to commit. Sometimes they just need more time, and sometimes it’s for the best. Hearing people say “No” is not easy, but there is always a “Yes” around the corner and maybe wheyou least expect it! 

    Can I do this from home?

    Yes, LCs work from home in locations across the United States.  

    You must have a computer and an internet connection in order to be a successful LC.  

    What are the perks?

    It’s Rewarding! 

    • It’s a great feeling to connect people and planet. It’s truly rewarding to learn about other cultures and bring the world to your community. 
    • Many LCs learn so much more about their home communities while hosting, too! 

    Placement Payments and Bonuses 

    • $1,100 for a Semester placement and $1,300 for full academic year placement PLUS BONUSES for placing early!

    Volunteering 

    • LCs can help coordinate volunteer activities so that exchange students can give back to the community that has welcomed them. 

    Travel 

    • Of course, this should be a given. Traveling is at the core of our being! Greenheart hosts international conferences almost every year. Past conferences have been held in Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Athens! LCs who meet the annual placement requirement are invited to attend our all-expenses-paid conferences!
    I live in a rural community. Can I still be an LC?

    Yes! There are many LCs in rural areas, and we’re always looking for more, so we can support each other.  

    LCs must live within a 120-mile radius of their students/host families. 

    Regional Directors and Regional Managers help provide LCs in rural areas all the tools and resources at their disposal to ensure success.  

    I’ve never hosted an exchange student before. How will I be able to convince other people to host students?

    Hosting a student of your own is a great way to encourage others to host. 

    • Hosting is encouraged, but NOT required. 

    Greenheart also provides an online library of tools and resources to help you find host families (online tutorials, printable materials, etc.). 

    Greenheart has a very experienced staff to help you with whatever you need.  

    • Other LCs in your vicinity, Area Coordinators, Regional Managers, Regional Directors, and office staff are all here to support you while you learn the ropes. 
    How many hours per week do LCs usually work?

    LCs work a variety of hours. It really depends on how many host families you’re able to find. The more time you put in, the more host families you will recruit. 

    On average LCs work approximately 5-15 hours per week.  

    As an LC, you are an independent contractor working a part-time position, where you can set your own schedule.  

    Many LCs work at other jobs, full-time or part-time, and do this on the side for fun and a little extra money and travel incentives.  

    This job is also a great fit for a stay-at-home parent looking for some additional work experience or for retirees looking for a way to spend time on something that is important to them. 

    Do I have to host a student to be an LC?

    No, you do NOT have to host a student to be an LC. 

    LCs are encouraged to host, of course, because LCs who do host students have a better understanding of the hosting experience, but it is NOT required.  

  • Blog