Today we are shining the spotlight on one of our outstanding International Coordinators – meet Nicole from Arizona! Nicole and her family previously hosted with Aspect, and her love for hosting led her to become an International Coordinator in 2022. Nicole loves seeing the connections Aspect students make with their host families! Since joining the team, she has placed multiple students and created countless heartwarming memories. Her key to success? Staying persistent and positive!
Why did you become an International Coordinator?
I had been a host family for many years. I’m pretty active on social media and within my community. My International Coordinator reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in becoming one and finding families locally. I thought it would be great because I’ve always loved hosting, and being able to help with the process seemed awesome!
What do you find most rewarding as an International Coordinator?
Hearing about the families’ different experiences when I touch base with them is awesome! Many of them reach out to me and tell me about what they’re doing, and I love being part of the process, seeing how it affects each family. It’s especially rewarding when families are really involved with their students. Exchange students get so many different types of experiences, and it’s great when students are involved in day-to-day American activities, such as camping, barbecues, and picnics with their host family.
What is your favorite memory while supervising?
I don’t have a specific memory, but my absolute favorite thing about supervising is the end-of-year orientation. We have this time to reflect on everything that happened over the year, and I encourage everyone to share their favorite memories. It’s not just about pushing to remember, but really connecting with those experiences.
I also talk to the kids, asking them to share what stood out to them. We do this not only with the students but also with the host families. It’s almost like a family gathering, where everyone shares their favorite moments from the year. I think it’s a really sweet way to end the year, and it’s definitely my favorite part. Reflecting together, sharing our experiences, laughing, and sometimes even crying—it’s all part of it!
What advice would you give to a new coordinator? What’s your recruiting strategy?
I’m active mostly on Facebook, but I believe that every coordinator is different and everyone will find their own way of doing things, but being consistent is the key to getting host families interested. I post regularly in local Facebook groups, niche sport groups, buy/sell marketplace, and more.
It took me some time to gain traction, which was surprising because I’m a realtor and have been a part of a large community for the past 20 years! I thought I would come into the role and be able to place families immediately. I thought it was going to be this great thing that would fall into my lap and be so natural, but that’s not the case. It took me a really long time to get my first family. I realized that being consistent is crucial, especially when you’re a new coordinator. There’s so many different ways to find host families. The key is to be persistent. Just keep going and don’t give up!
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!
