Today, we’re highlighting one of our fantastic coordinators, Megan from Michigan! Megan’s adventure with Aspect began in 2005, and since then, she has been bringing cultures together in every way! Over the years, she has placed over 100 students, but for her, the most meaningful moments come from the little things – game nights, campfires, and simply spending time with her students. With her passion, insight, and dedication, Megan continues to make a lasting impact on students, host families, and her American community!
What motivated you to become an International Coordinator?
I became a coordinator through a good friend who “made me do it.” I didn’t know much about exchange at the time, but I taught high school, loved to travel, and it seemed like a great fit for me. Admittedly, I was super reluctant at first, and now I can’t imagine my life without it.
What’s your favorite memory while supervising?
I have so many favorite memories. My best memories are all rooted in just hanging out with them. Game nights, going for coffee, and campfires. Moments where it’s relaxed and easy to talk. We learn so much more about them that way.
What keeps you coming back to supervise?
I love being a coordinator. Travel is my favorite thing to do and it’s not possible to travel all the time, this brings the culture and travel to me. Beyond that, it also brings me extra appreciation for the space in which I live. It’s fun to see my small town and state through the fresh eyes of students each year. My appreciation for my own hometown grows as I learn about the small villages and big cities that our students hail from.
How has working with exchange students changed your outlook on the world?
The world is so much bigger than we think. It’s so easy to get stuck in a small mindset, when students arrive even though they are just teenagers, it’s a reminder that the world is so much bigger than the small view of it we have from home. In other ways, it makes the world a smaller place when you see how similar people are despite the cultural differences.
Do you visit or keep in touch with former students you’ve supervised?
YES! The second best part of exchange is what happens after. I’ve been on personal trips and Aspect trainings where I have been able to meet up with students. They love to show us around where they live now. I’ve had so many wonderful meals in students’ home with their families.
What advice would you give to a new International Coordinator?
Best advice for a new coordinator on placing is to play the long game. Exchange is weird and uncharted territory for most people. They need time to sit and chew on the information you’ve given them and watch your social media and the kids in person. Even if all your fun and personal posts aren’t getting a lot of interaction, your friends are paying attention. Make personal connections and network. Layer information on people so they can learn and warm up to the idea at their own pace.
Placements are only 1/4 of the work, the real work is in supervising. Gaining students’ trust as soon as you can is crucial so you can help the students and families with the little things before they become big things. Game nights, bonfires, fake Olympics, and scavenger hunts are all free and fun ways to connect and learn more about everyone early on.
Would you also like to work with students from across the world? Join the Aspect team as an International Coordinator! 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!
