Any student is welcome to attend these informal gatherings. These programs are organized by church groups in order to make it possible for students from other countries to have an affordable vacation during the holiday break from school, to see some other part of the United States, and to experience a principal American holiday with an American family. Students must be able to meet the cost of their transportation to the holiday site and must pay an application fee. Other costs are met by the program, which is based on the volunteer efforts of hundreds of church members. The International Programs receptionist has FIH brochures and applications.
More desirable sites fill quickly.
Indeed, they may be filled already. Whether the fee will be annual or assessed only once remains to be seen. Also unclear is the payment system the INS will establish. Schools are expected to resist this idea, if the INS proposes it. Also unclear is the timing of the fee.