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
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
Refer a Local Coordinator
Do you know someone who’d be perfect for this role and meets these requirements:
- At least 26 years old
- Lives in and is authorized to work in the United States
- Has a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Has an internet connection
- Will pass a Criminal Background Check
- Will become Department of State Certified
- Has reliable transportation
Complete this form to REFER them!
If your referral places a student with Greenheart, YOU will earn a reward.
Details:
- Referral LC must be NEW to Greenheart and have NOT previously hosted OR worked with Greenheart
- Referral payment will be issued via Visa Reward Virtual Account which can be used online anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted
- Referral payment is issued ONLY if the new Greenheart LC makes a placement for a full year or semester student
- Payments are sent out periodically on a rolling basis
- Immediate family members of Greenheart Local Coordinators are NOT eligible to submit referrals
Group Coordinating
Group Programs are TBD. Please complete an LC application and let us know you are interested in group programs.
Stories
Read about the experience of being a Greenheart Local Coordinator
Connie Dean
Executive Regional Director
I love being a Local Coordinator. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I fell in love with the different cultures, the travel, and I developed a passion for working with teens from all over the world. I love finding a good fit for a student and a host family and seeing how they grow together over the year.
Connie Polk
Local Coordinator
My students know me and know that I’m always there for them.
They know they can call me. They confide in me. They volunteer with me. They also roll their eyes at me (yes, I can see it, even over the phone!) but they know I am always there for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Greenheart Local Coordinator
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.
Duties also include:
- Facilitating host family (pre-arrival) and student (post-arrival) orientations
- Monthly contacts with host families and students to ensure everyone is having a good experience (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 U.S. Department of State required exam
What do I have to do to become an LC?
Complete Greenheart’s LC application process. (Our Recruiting Team will assist you with this.)
Pass criminal background check.
Take the required U.S. Department of State exam.
How much training is involved?
Once you become fully approved as an LC, you will receive training from your Regional Director.
Training typically takes a few weeks to get up to speed, but individuals learn at their own pace.
Training is also available online and through regular interactions with other LCs in group chats and monthly engagement calls.
How do I find volunteer host families?
There are many ways to find host families. Some of the most successful LCs find families by:
Posting or advertising in local or community newspapers
Posting or advertising on social media (NextDoor, Facebook, Instagram)
Reaching out to friends and family networks
Joining networking groups (BNI, for example)
Asking friends and family at places of worship, school functions, and/or neighborhood events
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 when you 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.