Work From Home as a Local Coordinator for Exchange Students

I’m always on the lookout for new work at home jobs and opportunities. One that I recently stumbled across is for Local Coordinators (LC) for student exchange programs.

Want to know more?

Here’s the scoop on what it is and where to apply.

What is a Local Coordinator (LC)?

Local Coordinators are independent contractors who go out into the community visiting schools, churches, and various youth programs in search of families who are interested in hosting foreign exchange students. Besides finding safe hosting families for students, you also act as a point of contact and mentor to the students while there are here in the U.S.

What Skills and Qualifications Do I Need?

Most organizations require that you be at least 25 years of age and you must have a clean criminal background check since you’ll be working with teens. The ideal candidate for this work at home opportunity would be someone who enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, is outgoing, friendly, and likes to work with teenagers. All of the companies that I looked at had various forms of training for their LCs, as well as ongoing support.

How Much Can You Earn?

This is basically a sales or recruitment type position where you get paid a stipend for each successful placement. Most of the opportunities I found offer financial compensation, incentives, travel bonuses, and opportunities for advancement.

Where Can I Find Local Coordinator Positions?

Here are 8 different non-profit exchange organizations to check out:

1. American Institute for Foreign Study

• Established in 1981.
• Must be 25 years or older to apply.
• Earn financial compensation for each full year International student you place and supervise.
• Incentives and International and domestic travel bonuses available.
• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Aspect Foundation

• Established in 1985.
• Must be 25 years or older to apply.
• Coordinators are compensated with a stipend for each student that is placed and supervised.
• Additional opportunities for bonuses and incentive training trips.

3. CCI Greenheart

• Established in 1985.
• Must be 26 years or older to apply.
• Earn up to $1,000 for each exchange student that you place and monitor throughout the year. Or become a Group LC and earn $2,000 – $5,000 per group.
• Receive discounts on travel.

4. CIEE

• Established in 1995.
• Earn financial compensation for each student placement and additional compensation for supervising during the semester.
• Earn travel rewards and free trips for the successful placement of students.

5. EF Education First

• Established in 1965.
• Compensation is based on student placement and supervision during the school year.
• Earn travel rewards and other benefits.

6. Educational Resource Development Trust

• Established in 1974.
• Earn $200 for each student that is placed. Additional compensation for monthly monitoring and mentoring.
• Earn cash awards, points, gifts, gift certificates, and more for personal goal achievements.

7. International Cultural Exchange Services

• Established in 1991.
• Receive monetary compensation for each student placement.
• Earn other benefits such as goal-based National and International annual group trips.

8. STS Foundation

• Established in 1986.
• Receive up to $1,000 per student placement and supervision for the full program year.
• Earn International travel incentives.

What Are Others Saying About the Opportunity?

While I didn’t have the opportunity to talk to a Local Coordinator personally, I did find a couple of testimonials online.

“I did it many years ago. The placement wasn’t so hard, but YOU are also responsible for keeping track of what’s going on with the students/families AND organizing stuff like tourist trips. There wasn’t really any pay for that with the outfit I worked for. Overall, I enjoyed the summer experience, but if you have any kind of job, this is NOT workable. Check out every line in the job offer before you sign up.” – LuthCrl, WAHM.com Forum 10-21-11

Final Thoughts.

If you love learning about new cultures, traveling, and making a difference in someone’s life, this could be a very rewarding work at home opportunity. The pay isn’t much, so this opportunity would be good as a side gig or a fun way to generate some additional income if you’re retired. Since you’ll be working as an independent contractor, you will need to cover your own taxes and expenses. Overall this seems like a fun and rewarding job for someone who has the right personality and doesn’t need to make a full-time income.

Good luck and let me know if you decide to apply.