Become a Local Coordinator

A Local Coordinator (LC) helps to connect volunteer host families with international students who will be attending public high school in the U.S. for a school semester or full school year. 

Greenheart has a database of students from all over the world that we match with volunteer host families in local communities.  

Duties also include:  

• Facilitating host family (pre-arrival) and student (post-arrival) orientations  
• Monthly contacts with host families and students (in-person, by email, or by phone) 
• In-person meetings with host families and students (twice per year for full-year students) 

Must pass a criminal background check 

Must have reliable transportation 

Must have access to internet/computer  

Must be 26 years of age or older  

Must pass the Department of State required exam  

Complete LC application process.  (Our Recruiting Team will assist you with this.) 

Pass criminal background check. 

Take the required Department of State exam.  

Once you become fully approved as an LC, you will receive training from your Regional Manager or Regional Director.  

Training typically takes a few weeks to get up to speed, but individuals learn at their own pace.  

Training is available online. 

There are many ways to find host families. Some of the most successful LCs find families by:  

• Advertising on social media (NextDoor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) 
• Reaching out to friends and family networks 
• Joining networking groups (BNI, for example) 
• Asking friends and family at places of worship 
• Advertising in local or community newspapers 

LCs have many opportunities for advancement! Greenheart encourages everyone to set goals and attain them.  

• Area Coordinators oversee LCs in their areas. 
• Regional Managers oversee Area Coordinators and LCs in their regions. 
• Regional Directors oversee Regional Managers, Area Coordinators, and LCs in their regions. 

Greenheart, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, always encourages our LCs in the field to place students by varying deadlines, but Greenheart understands that schools in some areas may have enrollment limitations.  

Greenheart does not require you to place a quota, but we do encourage you to set reasonable goals.  

Regional Managers and Regional Directors will do all they can to help you attain your goals. 

Being rejected. Sometimes families may seem perfect to host, but for whatever reason, they just don’t want to commit. Sometimes they just need more time, and sometimes it’s for the best. Hearing people say “No” is not easy, but there is always a “Yes” around the corner and maybe when you least expect it! 

Yes, LCs work from home in locations across the United States.  

You must have a computer and an internet connection in order to be a successful LC.  

It’s Rewarding! 

• It’s a great feeling to connect people and planet. It’s truly rewarding to learn about other cultures and bring the world to your community. 
• Many LCs learn so much more about their home communities while hosting, too! 

Placement Payments and Bonuses 

• $1,100 for a Semester placement and $1,300 for full academic year placement PLUS BONUSES for placing early!

Volunteering 

• LCs can help coordinate volunteer activities so that exchange students can give back to the community that has welcomed them. 

Travel 

• Of course, this should be a given. Traveling is at the core of our being! Greenheart hosts international conferences almost every year. Past conferences have been held in Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Athens! LCs who meet the annual placement requirement are invited to attend our all-expenses-paid conferences!

Yes! There are many LCs in rural areas, and we’re always looking for more, so we can support each other.  

LCs must live within a 120-mile radius of their students/host families. 

Regional Directors and Regional Managers help provide LCs in rural areas all the tools and resources at their disposal to ensure success.  

Hosting a student of your own is a great way to encourage others to host. 

• Hosting is encouraged, but NOT required. 

Greenheart also provides an online library of tools and resources to help you find host families (online tutorials, printable materials, etc.). 

Greenheart has a very experienced staff to help you with whatever you need.  

• Other LCs in your vicinity, Area Coordinators, Regional Managers, Regional Directors, and office staff are all here to support you while you learn the ropes. 

LCs work a variety of hours. It really depends on how many host families you’re able to find. The more time you put in, the more host families you will recruit. 

On average LCs work approximately 5-15 hours per week.  

As an LC, you are an independent contractor working a part-time position, where you can set your own schedule.  

Many LCs work at other jobs, full-time or part-time, and do this on the side for fun and a little extra money and travel incentives.  

This job is also a great fit for a stay-at-home parent looking for some additional work experience or for retirees looking for a way to spend time on something that is important to them. 

No, you do NOT have to host a student to be an LC. 

LCs are encouraged to host, of course, because LCs who do host students have a better understanding of the hosting experience, but it is NOT required.