Opening doors to the world
A non-profit exchange organization
Cultural Homestay International (CHI) is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1980 by Tom and Lilka Areton. CHI’s Mission is to promote international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges. We believe that the best way to build bridges of friendship and trust among people is to experience directly each other’s customs, languages and values. To live, study or work together leads to a transformational experience of acceptance and genuine affection. Young people who live with Americans as a family member, participate in the local community, or train in an American business open their minds to the values of volunteering, democracy and freedom. CHI aspires to share the benefits of cultural interchange with the many nations around the world in the deeply held conviction that such exchanges ultimately contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.
For close to 40 years, more than 300,000 students and young adults from over 130 countries have come to our shores to participate in CHI’s educational and cultural programs, including Academic Year High School exchange, short-term Group Homestay, Au Pair childcare, Internship & Training, Work & Travel, and Camp Counselor experience. For American students seeking cultural experiences abroad, CHI organizes high school study, language teaching adventures, and work programs in various countries around the globe.
CHI is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 visa sponsor, and is a
proud member of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), World Youth Student Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE Travel
Confederation), WYSE Work Abroad, International Au Pair Association (IAPA) and The Alliance for International Educational & Cultural Exchange.
Our People
CHI is justly famous for its caring, professional staff as well as its hands-on management style. Still directed by its founders from the San Francisco Bay Area headquarters, CHI continues to inspire with its high quality programs and its dedication to excellence. These qualities distinguish Cultural Homestay International as one of the leaders in the educational and cultural exchange field in North America.
Tom Areton
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Lilka Areton
Assistant Director, Co-Founder
William Murad
Chief Information Officer
Linda Mori
Program Development and Compliance Director
Milena Minkova
Work & Travel Director
Kimberley Areton
Internship & Traning Director
Michelle Areton
Au Pair Director
Sarah Jensen Averill
Academic Year Director
Tracy Chayet
CHI Office Manager