Meet Julie, one of our amazing International Coordinators from Nebraska! She first got involved after answering an ad to supervise a student and has been dedicated ever since. Over the years, Julie has gained new perspectives, made countless memories, and grown her circle of friends while becoming a part of the Aspect family. Her passion and drive is truly special, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her on our team!
What motivated you to become an International Coordinator?
I was in between full-time jobs and saw an ad on Craigslist for someone to supervise a student from Germany who was placed with a family here in Lincoln, Nebraska. I like trying new things and I loved visiting Germany, so I thought it would be fun.
Everything went well that year, and in the spring, my manager asked if I could find some host families for the upcoming year. I sent out a couple of emails, and two families said, “Sure, we’d love to host.” The two girls from Spain were the nicest young ladies, and I was “hooked.” I also supervised another student that year and attended a training conference where I got to meet other coordinators and learn about their passion and experiences.
What’s your favorite memory while supervising?
So many wonderful memories, it’s hard to choose one, but spending time getting to know the students and doing group events and activities have created many fun memories and are my favorite part of supervising. I also love it when my students and families turn out to be a great fit, and they come to me to say thank you for bringing them together!
How has supervising exchange students influenced your outlook toward the world? Do you keep in touch with former students?
I’ve learned so much about the world and the specific countries and cultures from my students, and I continue to learn new things each year. I’ve also learned that everyone sees things from their own perspective. It’s important to remember that someone may have different ideas or ways of doing things, but they still deserve respect and kindness.
Some students have a harder time adjusting than others, but you can always find something to love about each of them if you approach them with the right mindset. When I had to design a headstone for my husband and me a few years ago, I chose an image of a heart-shaped world map to represent me.
I keep in touch with many of my students, including the two girls from Spain and their families, through social media. Several students have come back to visit, and it’s so fun to see how much they have grown over the years.
You joined Aspect in 2013 and have placed over 60 students! What advice would you give to a new coordinator?
Expect some ups and downs! You’ll have some fun experiences, but there will be days when you find the perfect family and the school says they are full, or you have a school spot and can’t find a family to host. But it is important to ask everyone you meet and keep trying because you just never know when someone will say yes, and it will all come together. At the end of the year, they will be thanking you for asking them and bringing a new member into their family.
My recruiting strategy is to try everything. Social media, emails to churches, Boy Scout groups, asking friends for referrals, talking to people waiting at the car repair shop, sending letters out to people who live near the school— all of those and more have helped me find families. You’ll often find me wearing a shirt that says, “Ask Me About Hosting an Exchange Student”.
Remember that Aspect is a team and a family. If you stick with it, you’ll expand your circle of friends in your community, within your Aspect family, and around the world!
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!
