The Local Coordinator is employed by Heritage Student Foundation (HSF) under HSF’s operational programs in the assigned region. Although the main office will be providing constant support and leading the preparations before the student’s arrival, the Local Coordinator is the HSF representative in the area who has the advantage of being a member of the local community and capable of acting as liaison between hosts and students once homestays commence with the start of the school term.The Local Coordinator responsibilities also extend to assisting coordinators in implementing preventative measures for conflicts between the host and student parties—that is, we ask our Local Coordinators for input as we introduced prospective hosts to students. While the initial screening is conducted by the main office, Local Coordinators will visit the homes of prospective hosts and interview them. Any input from Local Coordinators will be invaluable as the homestay arrangements are finalized, as HSF considers host-student compatibility from all angles and facilitates communication between all parties in an attempt to convey as clearly as possible how the homestay arrangement will work out upon the student’s arrival.

Local Coordinators will also be asked to refer host candidates who meet the requirements of our homestay program, and HSF encourages Local Coordinators to integrate their localized network of friends, family, and acquaintances to the wider nationwide community of HSF host families. We are happy to say that word-of-mouth referrals are common occurrences, so Local Coordinators are generally busy welcoming new prospective hosts to our programs.

Lastly, and most importantly, Local Coordinators are members of team that works to guide hosts and students through the process of settling into a comfortable routine and addressing any concerns that may arise throughout the school year. The Local Coordinator will check in with both parties of a homestay arrangement on a regular basis to answer any questions, note any developing issues, celebrate any hallmarks, and issue written reports the encompass all of these matters.

Local Coordinators have found their interactions with our hosts and students to be memorable experiences, and HSF values all of the efforts of each and every one of our staff who make it possible for our hosts and students to feel safe and supported.