What can we say about the 2020-21 school year??? It’s certainly …. different. One thing that has (thankfully) stayed the same is the enthusiasm of our host families and students! With more time to spend with family and so many plans canceled, this may be a great time to consider hosting an exchange student.
We asked some of our veteran host families what it’s been like to open their homes to exchange students during this unusual year. Here is what they had to say!
How has this school year been for you and your exchange student so far?
It’s been great! It’s honestly always great! It’s different of course because of COVID. This year we’ve decided to host a student from Italy. We’ve really enjoyed having her here. My daughter is happy to have someone home besides mom! – Jackie, Host Mom in Utah
It’s been different, but it’s been good. It’s still been really rewarding like it has been in years past. The process wasn’t any more difficult than normal. We are happy that we have him. – Angela, Host Mom in Michigan
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to host a student in the fall. The school changed to fully online and that affected the ability for the student to come to the US. Our student will be able to come for the spring semester. We expect it will pretty much be the same, to be honest. We don’t have any children without exchange students. If you want a student, sometimes you have to fight for them. – Bronson, Host Father in Illinois
How do you feel in helping realize your student’s dream to study in the United States?
We love it! That’s why we do it every year. We give them homework right away. We make them write down a list of all the things they want do. We might not be able to do everything, but we try to do as much as possible. Being a host family helps you get us out of your box. It breaks up your monotony. It keeps you on your toes and laughing. We love seeing their faces. It’s really exciting and really rewarding. – Shawn, Host Dad in Texas
For us, it’s a good thing especially this year. Our kids are some of the lucky ones who got to come here. What this program does is it spreads different cultural awareness for them and us. It’s important! – Kelly, Host Mom in Utah
We have hosted before and it’s great. I am particularly rewarded in this case as this FLEX student has earned this scholarship. She has worked so hard to make this happen. – Bronson, Host Dad in Illinois
I’ve done this for so long it’s a part of my life. I feel I’ve been benefitting from hosting more than the students. I just enjoy it. I don’t feel it’s a big sacrifice. I’m a single parent so it gives them a feel for a different family dynamic. You have to be patient and compassionate. We take her around town to help her feel more at home. One thing for me is having a long-term connection with them, even when they return home. – Jackie, Host Mom in Utah
How was the process in ensuring everyone felt safe in this COVID age?
These kids are like any other students. You take normal precautions like you would any other students, like your own children. Everybody has felt safe regarding the coronavirus. – Scott, Host Dad in Texas
Since our student arrived it, it’s been easy. Just wear a mask and practice social distancing. If there’s a risk within the school of too many students being exposed or testing positive, the school will go into quarantine and everyone will be told to isolate at home. – Jackie, Host Mom in Utah
What would you tell potential host families who may be worried about hosting for the spring?
They’re so eager to learn about our culture. They want to learn how American teenagers do things. It’s very rewarding and definitely worth it. Hosting for 5 months is a nice trial to see if you’d like to do it for a longer period of time! – Scott, Host Dad in Texas
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