Oh sorry, I thought this thread was about the film by Barbara Koppel!

Good luck to you Erica! If you are a student or are working with what we call non-profit or charity organizations, you might be able to get a work visa or be able to work as a volunteer while you are here. Often, American families will put up someone from another country for free, if they volunteer for an organization or church they are associated with. I'll try and post some websites for you in the next few days, as my time allows.