Let’s take a moment to shine a spotlight on Dawn from Oregon, one of our cherished International Coordinators! In a recent interview conducted by Team Manager, Jodi, Dawn shares her passion and dedication to being an International Coordinator. From traveling around the world to watching her exchange students grow and change, Dawn finds joy in the meaningful connections she’s formed with students from all over the world!
Why did you become an International Coordinator?
Three years ago I came across a Facebook post looking for local coordinators. At that time, I had only hosted once, but it had changed my life. My family hosted a girl named Oceane from France, and she was meant to be part of our lives. In fact, I had not hosted again because Oceane was so wonderful, and I was sure nobody could bring joy to our home like her (I was wrong!). I decided to coordinate so I could fill the home of other families with that same love and joy that my family got from Oceane. That year we decided to host Elisa from Italy, and my sister who lives in the same house with us hosted Marta from Spain. I learned that my heart was big enough to love so many exchange students!
What do you love most about being a coordinator?
Knowing other families would not hear about the opportunity to open their homes to a new person that will very likely be part of their family for life. Getting to meet so many great kids and learn from them. My favorite is the one-on-one time I get with my students. This is where I learn so much about who they are, their hopes and dreams, their plans for life, and why they came to the US. I also learn about their country, things I never knew. Hosting and being a coordinator has made the world a much smaller place!
How has working with exchange students changed your outlook on the world?
I used to be terrified to travel out of the country. I thought it would be too different or too scary! Now I look at a map and think it’s not so far away. Last year, I took my first trip out of the county to Ireland where my great-grandparents were born. After that, I was hooked! I went to Africa, then Croatia, where I saw my Italian daughter and met her parents, and then finished the year in Mexico and Canada. This year I’m going to London, Iceland, and Belgium where I will meet one of the students my sister hosted, so I am the cool aunt!
I’ve also learned teenagers are teenagers no matter where they are from. These kids want to love and to be loved, to laugh and be silly – just like all of us! Our countries and cultures may be different but we really are not so different from each other once we meet.
You placed 21 students for the 2023-24 school year! What advice would you give a new coordinator?
When I started, I thought people would be lining up to host because it’s the best thing ever. I learned quickly that’s not quite how it works. Finding families takes time and practice. I’m still learning new tricks every day. Sometimes I highlight a student, sometimes I highlight just hosting. I share all over Facebook at different times of the day and in multiple groups. I ask my friends to share. I post and post and post some more. It takes dedication. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I read letters of the students and think, without me, they will never see the US. For these students coming to the US as an exchange student is bigger than being a famous movie star. They are truly living their American dream when they get placed with their American host family and they need coordinators like me to help make their dream come true.
Being an International Coordinator, what moments stand out?
Watching these kids grow and change while they are here. They grow so much! I also stay in touch with so many of my students. Some are in college, some have already graduated, or are now in love and talking about marriage. Some are still finding their way, but have this great experience they can always reflect back on when making decisions. I love the things I see (and take for granted) through their eyes. It is a different kind of joy to see it through fresh eyes.
I just took a group of 15 of my students to Disneyland; it was pure magic, love, chaos and laughs. During the fireworks, there were happy tears from the girls and the boys were giggling. Hosting and coordinating cannot be described with words, it’s a feeling you have to experience.
Would you also like to work with students from across the world? We are always looking for great candidates in many communities, large and small, across the U.S. For more information about the International Coordinator position and how to apply check out our website!
