About

Bringing the World to Your Home, One Student at a Time
Hi, I'm Melinda Pearson—and if there's one thing I believe with all my heart, it's this: when we open our homes, we open our hearts. I’ve seen firsthand how hosting an exchange student isn’t just about sharing a culture—it’s about changing lives. Theirs. Yours. And often, the entire community’s.

As your STS Foundation Local Coordinator, I help American families welcome high school exchange students from around the world. These young people arrive eager to experience our culture, share their own traditions, and become part of something bigger. And families like yours? You make that possible.

For nearly 40 years, STS Foundation has helped thousands of families like yours rediscover their communities through the eyes of curious, brave, and bright international students. We are a nonprofit, fully accredited by CSIET and designated by the U.S. Department of State, which means safety, support, and quality are always at the center of what we do.

I walk with you every step of the way—from finding the right student to navigating the little things like school lunches and birthday celebrations. You’re never doing this alone.

This isn’t just a program. It’s a global family. And if you’re here, maybe you're ready to grow yours.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to say yes, I’d love to talk with you. Let's bring the world a little closer—right from your living room.

Whether you're just curious or ready to say yes, I’d love to talk with you.
Click here to fill out the Host Family interest form and take the first step toward bringing the world to your home.

You’re not just signing up—you’re saying yes to connection, growth, and lifelong memories. Let’s do this together.

Warmly,
Melinda Pearson
melindapearson.sts@gmail.com
Your STS Contact for Hosting Exchange Students