FAIRMONT – A student foreign exchange program which began in 1989 is looking to make Southern Minnesota inroads.

Foreign Lines Around the Globe (FLAG) brings around 500 students from up to 40 different countries per year. Branches exist across America, and recently Liza Kelly became Local Coordinator for the 120-mile radius around Austin, Minnesota.

Exchange students through FLAG have been hosted in Owatonna, Lakeville, Waseca and Janesville in the past. Kelly said she sees potential in Fairmont.

“I look for towns of a decent size because I want the students I’m placing to have options for their educational opportunities,” she said. “I like the size of Fairmont and the options the school offers as far as activities. I looked and saw the school board policy on foreign exchange students is six spots for J-1 student visas. Ideally, there wouldn’t be a limit, but I like where it is now.”

Kelly’s not just a coordinator either, she also hosts exchange students. Throughout her life, she said she’s always been interested in people.

“For 20-some years I was a high school teacher and mostly taught English,” Kelly said. “I did teach some ESL classes. I had people from all over the world in my classes. Their stories are so interesting.”

Now, Kelly is looking to find a host family for a German student named Dorle. Kelly said Dorle plays volleyball and soccer, cooks and enjoys history.

For both students and families, Kelly said a lot can be gained from the experience. She said students get the benefit of cultural exchange in their classrooms.

“Learning about other cultures and teaching them about us,” Kelly said. “It makes the world less scary. In the classrooms, these students can enhance the classroom by bringing their culture and worldview to it. They make friends and break down barriers.”

Families get to learn about a new culture and make connections with those looking to broaden their horizons.

“Expand their world in a way they can’t if they don’t have the means to travel often,” Kelly said. “You can bring the world to you. It brings diversity into the home, and teaches kids about interacting with other people.”

Kelly said they have around a month to find a host family for Dorle. She said plenty of work is being put into making people aware of this opportunity, especially since they are new to the area.

“It’s a lot of posting in different groups on social media, talking to people I know, asking for referrals. We will also post advisors in schools and reach out to people there about finding a host family. We have programs set up, but a lot of it is word of mouth.”

The students coming over are vetted rigorously to fit one of the 500 or so spots. Families are subject to background checks and must be able to provide a bed, meals and transportation. Kelly said there aren’t strict income guidelines, and FLAG provides support.

“When students come to the U.S. they come with spending money and FLAG gives them health insurance and pays for their cell phone, clothing and other related expenses,” she said. “The state offers free lunches to them at school.”

Looking forward in the area as they get settled in, Kelly said she hopes opportunities grow for exchange students to experience Southern Minnesota.

“I think it comes down to an interest in people,” she said. “A good host family doesn’t have to make a certain amount of money or have a certain house. As long as you can bring in a kid and give them love and support for a few months, that’s what we want to see.”

Generally, students come for either half or a full school year. Families can also serve as welcome families, where they host the student for a month or two while permanent arrangements are found. For more information, visit becomeahostfamily.com, call 507-440-1589, or email lkelly@flag-intl.org