Exchange students hosts and helpers are thanked

Editor,

This is directed to Mission Valley host families:

We would like to personally thank all the wonderful families who have hosted exchange students this year through EF Foundation for Foreign Studies. Our 2005-2006 students have returned to their native countries, leaving, but never forgetting the host families who have graciously opened their hearts and homes.

Thanks to you, EF exchange students have had an unforgettable year in the Mission Valley and in Montana. Our students have been given the opportunity to explore the world and immerse themselves in a new culture. They return home with new perspectives and broadened horizons. They will always have a special bond with their new friends and "family" in the United States.

We also thank the teachers and staff of the Ronan, Polson and St. Ignatius high schools, for welcoming our students into their schools and helping them to improve their English skills, and providing an educational experience the kids will always remember.

Without the support of our wonderful schools, staff and willing host families, our communities would not have been able to experience such a wide cultural diversity from Japan, Korea, Germany, Denmark, Colombia and Australia, not to mention Brazil with another exchange program.

Thank you again

Chellie and Brent Matson

Local EF Coordinators

Polson