I work with an organization which finds homes and schools for high school exchange students. My family and I have hosted 5 students now who have become "our family". Being a teacher I have utilized these students to help me in my classroom in many motivational ways. Teaching middle school I have invited the exchange students from all over the world to come to my class and share "their world" with us. My students have been inspired and excited to have these teenagers come to "our world". The ExSt. usually have such a good work and study ethic because they had to work hard in their home countries to make the exchange. I teach 60% inner city children. Through this experience my students feel a connection to someone in some other part of the world. This experience is highly motivational and exciting as many of them have not ever been out of our city. I have found my American students gain a desire to be like them. They ask very thoughful questions and continue to ask me questions and remain in touch with each other throughout the year. I don't feel I should mention the name of the orgainzation right now but we have over 3,000 foreign high school students in schools all over America. I know that by getting in touch with the organization you could find someone near you. This experience might change your life and the life of your students as it has mine.
There are so many extentions for this activity:
Social Studies
Letter writing
Speaking
Reading
Social Skills
Cultural
Holidays and well the list goes on and on.....