The clock is ticking to find homes for some students coming from very far away.

Thirty-four exchange students from China are due to arrive in July for a 12-day stay in Madison-and some of them still need host families.

The visit is organized by Education First, a national educational home-stay program that arranges exchanges for students from all over the world.

"We need to house 34 children," says Patty Goldfeder, a Madison parent and host recruiter with Education First who is working with fellow host recruiter Susan Riordan to house the children in Madison and the surrounding towns. "We've already placed 20," Goldfeder said.

That leaves 15 children still in need of host families.

"So we're chipping away," Goldfeder said. "I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without Susan."

The organization hopes to have all 34 kids placed with host families by July 1. The students arrive on July 14.

"This is a great way to learn about a different culture," said Goldfeder. "It's a small commitment because the children are in school during the day. The program is fun and educational and is really a great program."

The July exchange between the Madison area and China marks the first local exchange for Education First.

Goldfeder attributes the inaugural exchange to the fact that Matt Smith, president of Operations of Education First, "grew up in New Haven, so he was interested, because he had roots here, in bringing kids to the shoreline area, and because of its proximity to Boston and New York, he felt Madison was a great spot."

Host families are not required to have children of their own or to meet visiting students at the airport. Students will be taking classes at Daniel Hand High School in the mornings before embarking on field trips during the afternoons.

"They're children from different parts of China who are interested in improving their English and experiencing the American way of life, so they'll be taking English classes in the mornings and every afternoon going to different areas of interest such as Yale or the British art museum," said Goldfeder.

The students, who range in age from 12 to 18, are covered by health insurance. Host families are asked to cover room and board and transportation to and from Daniel Hand High School every day.

"So far, the hosts have been great," said Goldfeder. "I'm so happy with the people who are stepping up. They're such nice people."

A party on July 16 at the Madison Racquet and Swim Club will bring together all 34 host families with the entire group of students. Bob Dunlop, owner of the club, has donated the facility for the party.

For more information or to host a child, contact Patty Goldfeder at 203-245-3876 or pattyg@snet.net or Susan Riordan at 203-824-6333 or seriordan5@comcast.net.