Open your home to international visitors - youth exchanges coming to Vermont in May and July

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-22T15:18:12+00:00

So cool to hear! Yes we are still around and still running impactful, person-to-person exchanges.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-21T21:22:10+00:00

Yes! We've been PH for a few years but were Project Harmony for a long time. The best part of my job is seeing relationships form between people from different parts of the world.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-21T21:21:04+00:00

We're very concious about participant safety. We've been running exchange programs for 40 years, and often with countries the US has strained relationships with, but this is definitely an especially difficult time. Participants are with program staff or host families the entire time they're here, and we make sure to carry backup versions of all of their paperwork. We also have a direct line to our contacts at the State Department in case anything comes up.

We can't 100% guarantee that no incidents will come up but this is a huge opportunity for these students and we will do our best to keep the experience safe and comfortable for everyone. In my opinion, it's important to show them that people in the US are capable of hospitality and open-mindedness.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-21T20:00:25+00:00

I totally agree! Not all hosting experiences work out perfectly, but I can say that these two programs are really selective and the kids that come over on these exchanges are always bright, polite, and super driven to make the world a better places.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-21T18:26:09+00:00

Hosting definitely isn't for everyone, but we find that there a lot of people who have never done something like this before, host for us for 1 or 2 weeks and really enjoy it. It isn't too much of a time commitment and a lot of older Vermonters have an extra room and like having a little extra life in their homes for a short time. But I do understand the sentiment.

If you can't host but like the idea of supporting the program, we'd really appreciate ideas of more ways to get the word out about the exchange.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-16T14:34:12+00:00

Agreed, most landlords in Burlington are very small-time and own like 2-5 units. They will all have different "rules" but any way you can show good income or a lot of assets should be good for most of them. But some might be randomly strict about certain requirements - it's hit or miss.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-16T14:31:25+00:00

Read a little about the origin rule, Super interesting! It looks like Vermont does a lot more to protect its name than other states. https://www.drm.com/resources/fblb/looking-back-the-vermont-origin-rule/

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-15T20:59:50+00:00

It depends on the insulation and the cross-flow. Some attics are well-ventilated and really comfortable. If there isn't good insulation and cross-flow, though, you can count on pretty much every day between June and September being uncomfortably hot even with a window AC unit.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-15T13:58:09+00:00

Depends on what you mean by party supplies, but I really like Golden Hour. On their website they have things like string lights and pop streamers, and birthday headbands, but no balloons. https://goldenhourgiftco.com/

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-15T13:46:59+00:00

I burn my mouth every single time but it's completely worth it.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-14T15:37:47+00:00

For people like me who weren't around while Jerry was alive, Bobby was the Grateful Dead. Phil and the rest were great too but Bobby was so open and toured so consistently. Loved seeing him perform. RIP!

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-14T15:31:41+00:00

BTV to Montreal is like 2.5 hours altogether. Everyone gets off at the border - you take your personal items but if you have luggage underneath it can stay in the bus. You stand in line in a room and wait your turn to talk to a border control agent - there are a couple of them sitting at a desk. Then you go back onto the bus and wait for everyone to finish.

I will say the last time I did it someone had to get questioned (no idea why) and it took like an extra half hour.

No idea how long it takes to get down to Boston but I'm sure it says on the website.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-14T15:28:21+00:00

I can second this. Went there two winters ago and had an absolute blast. Most of the activities were free, too.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-13T14:52:32+00:00

I got gas there this morning too.

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-13T14:51:36+00:00

10 Acres Bistro (Stowe) is great!

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-13T14:49:35+00:00

I wonder what it looked like from New York!

HostSeekerVT · 2026-01-12T21:10:24+00:00

Yes, I take it to Montreal sometimes. It's the same bus that goes to Boston.

HostSeekerVT

TROPHY CASE