Strange tale of an american foriegn exchange student..

So was the organization that sets this up responsible or not?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23375427?GT1=10856

My view, maybe, but I'd blame the foriegn family first.

 

How sad, someone should have been keeping track, how about his parents? I know if my child went to another country I would be in contact with them, anywhere away from home in fact. Wonder why he didn't say anything to someone.

 

That is sad, all around. The host family should have been screened better, the exchange group should have checked in (at least once in that period), the parents should have had some kind of idea (didn't the kid write or say anything?), and the kid could have contacted someone or even bought food.
My step-daughter recently came back from a 6 month stay in Africa and we had contact at least 3 times a week.

 

I would be inclined to investigate the school and whoever organised the exchange. No matter who is to blame, this must never happen again.
This story must be circulated to all schools who participate in exchage-student programmes.

G

 

Had a similar situation with an Australian exchange student...only that student was wise enough to send photos and maintained communication with her family who immediately pulled their kid out, took action against the organisation and exposed the exchange family as a warning for other students. That overseas family's argument failed once photos were sighted.

Everyone (family/organisation/exchange family) really should take responsible steps prior to such exchanges so everyone has some form of confirmation of what to expect, and then have some basis that can then be referred to later if same does not come about.