Pacific Intercultural Exchange, a nonprofit organization, is looking for families to host international students in the coming academic year. Interested parties need to begin applying now.

The students are between age 15 and 18 and come from countries such as Iraq, South Korea, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31 and families can select an international student based on hobbies and interests as well as gender. Family screening includes a background check, an in-home interview and a verification of personal references. The international students are English-speaking and have their own spending money. Americans provide the caring environment, room and daily meals.

Families who host students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student. For information, contact Regional Manager Ginger Cunningham at 1-866-202-1024 or visit www.pieusa.org.