Exchange programs for international high school students are finding American families reluctant to open their homes because of the weak economy.

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs and other study-abroad organizations have seen a dramatic decrease in interested host families over the past two years, said ASSE President Bill Gustafson.

His organization, which has placed students in the Sacramento area, still needs to find families for roughly 25 percent of students enrolled in their program.

"People are more reluctant to obligate themselves to host a student," Gustafson said. "People are obviously insecure and unsure about their employment. If they are employed, their income could be reduced."

The decline in host families means fewer students like Flora Neustadt, who came from Lille, France, to spend last year at Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights, will be able to experience American culture in ways such as attending a high school football game or going to the prom.

"My host families have treated me like I'm their kid," said Neustadt, 18, whose visit through the Rotary Youth Exchange ends July 7.

Brian Moore, Rotary governor for District 5180, which serves the greater Sacramento area, said their Youth Exchange program has been unaffected by the economy so far.

"At the beginning of the year, I thought it would (affect us)," Moore said. "I'm glad it didn't."

District 5180 is hosting 13 students from countries including Austria, Germany, Brazil and Russia (Siberia). Most, like Neustadt, are in the process of returning to their home countries.

A new crop of 16 American students heading to other parts of the globe and 16 incoming students will start their travels in mid-August, before the school year begins. The Rotary program has students live with three families during their stay.

"We do that so they get different experiences and cultural experiences," said Lee Oelke, youth exchange officer for District 5180. "You can never predict what the chemistry is going to be like."

Rotary does not charge students to enroll in the program, with students responsible for obtaining health insurance, a round-trip ticket and at least $350 in emergency money, Oelke said.

Typically, the family of a student who studies abroad hosts an international student while their teen is away.

"I see it as extremely beneficial," said Kerra Luke, 17, who recently returned from 10 months in Japan. Luke's family hosted Neustadt while she was away.

"You get to connect with all these kids from different cultures," Luke said. "My parents want to move into a bigger house with an extra room so we can host more kids."

However, that commitment in this economy is not the norm.

Gustafson of ASSE said that besides the weakened economy, he sees another obstacle in placing students: Substantial budget cuts are making it increasingly difficult for school districts across the nation to justify waiving tuition to allow exchange students to study for free.

Those fees range from $7,000 to $12,000 for foreign students to attend a public high school, Gustafson said. Districts typically waive those fees for students traveling as part of an exchange program recognized by the U.S. State Department.

Because of the fees, some districts are limiting the number of exchange students, while others are considering passing along the costs to the students. Both scenarios mean exchange programs will see a drop in student enrollment, Gustafson said.

"The students wouldn't be able to afford to come," Gustafson said. "It would just be the richest students. … There is not much we can do. There are the practical problems of the schools and families."

Christine Hamilton, who hosted a Brazilian student through the Rotary Youth Exchange three years ago, said the economy shouldn't stop families from hosting. Hamilton said the cost is minimal and comes down to setting an extra plate at the table and a minor increase in utilities.

"I'm unemployed, and I can still afford to host an exchange student," said Hamilton, a single mother who lives in Rocklin. "Maybe people don't feel they have enough to provide. Some people think they have to give their student their own room. You don't have to. Bunk beds are fine."

Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.