Looking For Band Host Families
Dear Band Families,
I was recently contacted by Melisa Vega, a local coordinator for foreign exchange students. There are several students from Europe and various other countries that would like to be placed at Cienega High School next year and get an American Band experience. It would be really cool if they were placed with band families within our program to help ease their transition! Please the attached letter from Melisa and please contact the both of us if you are interested!
Hi families!
The non-profit CIEE is seeking host families for the 2026-2027 school year starting in August. There are several musically talented kids who hope to join the band while they are on their program and they’d love a family that shares their interests.
Please read a bit more about the program and students below, and reach out to me if you’d like me to put you in touch with the local coordinator in the area, Melisa Vega, to learn more.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN ARIZONA!
Alexander – Germany – 11th grade – male
SAXOPHONE!
Interests: Basketball, American football, music, video games, tech
He writes, I love talking and debating, which is why I’m drawn to politics and social interaction. I also enjoy basketball. In my free time, I play video games and hang out with my friends. Looking ahead, I want to combine my social skills with my interest in IT. My goal is a career in criminal investigation, focusing on digital forensics and law enforcement. I love the digital world of video games, I am also very active in my community. I am heavily involved in local projects, ranging from social volunteering to youth politics. Helping others and discussing how we can improve our community is a major part of my life. I’m open minded for trying new activities. I like basketball and I play saxophone
Sascha – Germany – 11th grade – female
SAXOPHONE!
Interests: handball, music, video games, art, cooking
She writes, I love being with my favorite people. Everybody says that I bring light to a room. I’m very extroverted and talkative when I’m around people I’m comfortable with. Handball is one of my biggest passions, and training with my teammates brings me so much joy. I also adore all things creative, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting. If possible, I would like to join a school band while on my program. I’ve been in my school band for 5 years and I’m so grateful for all the memories I’ve collected
Neelia – Germany – 11th grade – female
FLUTE!
Interests: camping, music, cooking, reading, volleyball
She writes, I am an open-minded and creative person. I love music, sports and laughing with my family and friends. I have been playing volleyball in a team for a year and a half and have been playing the flute for many years, also in an orchestra. Last year, I started playing the piano. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy novels, baking, shopping with my friends or watching movies together. In the future, I would like to work as an elementary teacher or in the medical field. During my stay abroad I would like to pursue my interests in sports and music, for example in a volleyball team or a band. But I am also open to try something new. I would love to experience aspects of your American culture, such as Thanksgiving and a football game. And of course I would like to join your family activities.
A couple of other students
Veronika – Uzbekistan – 11th grade – Female
PIANO!
Ayumi – Brazilian/ Germany – 11th grade Female
She is Vegetarian!
ACOUSTIC GUITAR & FLUTE!
Felix – German – 11th grade Male
VIOLIN – He plays in the best youth Orchestra in Germany. He also helps at his church.
Host families:
- Provide a bed (shared room is fine) and 3 meals a day
- Live in a safe, supportive environment
- Make a lifelong connection with a young person from another culture
- Are 25+, can be single people, families with kids, or without kids
Exchange students:
- Come with spending money and health insurance
- Are proficient in English
- Attend the local high school and can take the school bus or carpool
- Are thoroughly vetted and supported by CIEE throughout their stay
I look forward to having some of our band kids at Cienega this year.
Melisa Vega
CIEE Local Coordinator
520-633-5621