Mosaic Intercultural Experiences LLC (Mosaicex) is privately owned, fully insured company that endeavors to promote global harmony though generational and cultural experiences.  One such experience is our exchange program done in conjunction with Vaughan Systems, one of the most respected English training schools in Spain.  We also work with some of the most highly regarded private schools in Spain.

Our goal with this program is to expand cultural understanding and language development through relationships between students and families.  To this end we hope that students will participate in a true exchange.  However, if a student wishes to host but is unable to travel we will allow them to do so. 

Mosaicex and our Spanish partners agree that the best way for the students to improve language skills is by cultural and language immersion.  The host home and school are the best places for this improvement to happen. 

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions that we hope will help in your decision to host.

How are students selected to participate in the exchange program?

Students are selected through a careful screening process.  They must have recommendations from their school.  And although each student has a different level of language ability, they all should have a good foundation in English.  The students fill out a profile about themselves and their families.  They also tell about their personalities and interests.  These are the tools that we use to match the students will the families.

How are Host Families accepted into the program?

Each family must complete a Host Family Application, which includes the family profile where you describe yourselves and your family’s interests.  You will need to provide three references, including one from your host school (with a signature of a teacher and the principle) one from a community leader or pastor, and one from a friend of your family who knows your family well.  A criminal background check is required for each household member over the age of 18.

How are families and students matched?

Many things are considered when matching a family with a student.  When placing a student in your home, we consider whether your family prefers to host a girl or boy.  We take the age of your children into consideration.  We also to place students and families together that we think would be compatible based on the information provided on the two profiles. While no match is perfect we attempt to meet the needs of both the family and the student participant.  Most families who are willing to open their homes and most student participants enjoy learning from and sharing their cultural and personality differences.

What is the family responsible to provide for the student?

It is our hope that the exchange student will be fully integrated into your family.  You should treat them as you would your own child.  The student should help with household chores and be included in any family functions.  This allows them to fully experience the culture.  The student should have his or her own bed.  However, they may share rooms with the host student of the same gender.  The students are also required to attend school.  It is expected that the family will provide transportation to school.

While host families are not paid to host, any school fees for the student are taken care of.  The students also have an allowance at the school for their lunches.  This is an average of $3 per school day and is paid directly to the school.  Other than school lunches, the families should provide for their student as they would their own children.  They should be offered three meals a day.   The best way to think of it is that if you are doing something for or expecting something of your own child you should also do it for your exchange student. 

Who do I contact if there is a problem?

Someone from Mosaicex is available for you to contact 24 hours a day. 

Some problems are inevitable due to language and cultural differences.  It is very important to clearly express your expectations early in the exchange experience.  If something is not going well, talk to your student.  It is also important to remember that even though your student may seem to speak English well they may not fully understand what you are saying.  Please mention any issues when we call you.  If you need help we are available.   

What should we do if the student is sick or injured?