Exchange student scandal spurs calls for reforms
Sarah Hofius Hall
Jun. 7, 2009
The Times-Tribune
The alleged neglect and financial exploitation of 12 Lackawanna and Luzerne county foreign exchange students revealed a glaring lack of oversight...The call for stronger oversight was spurred by the complaints of a dozen students placed in area homes by Scranton resident Edna Burgette, area coordinator for the San Francisco-based Aspect Foundation. Students reported being placed in filthy homes which were later condemned and being shuffled from home to home, including living in one with ex-convicts. At least one required medical attention for malnutrition...
Numerous requests for an interview with an Aspect representative have been denied...
The students -- who are between the ages of 15 and 18 and come from countries including Nigeria, Denmark, Vietnam, Norway, Tanzania, France and Colombia -- paid Aspect for placement here. One mother reported paying $12,000 for her son to experience life in an American family...
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