Hosting / Life in the U.S.

An Empty Nest, Two Exchange Students, and a Year They’ll Never Forget

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Sharmi from Utah thought her family’s hosting days were over once their own kids were grown. But when she saw students still hoping for a chance to come to the United States, she and her husband decided to help by welcoming two girls into their empty nest. What they quickly discovered was that hosting two students together wasn’t just a good idea, it was the perfect choice!

Sharmi and her husband warmly welcoming Sarra from Tunisia (left) and Tahia from Bangladesh (right) to Utah

Initially, we were not planning on hosting exchange students at all. We had hosted in the past and had some good experiences, but as empty nesters, we had decided that we were finished hosting. Then I saw International Coordinator Adele’s Facebook post about still needing host families. I commented to my husband that I was torn because a lot of these kids just need a chance. We started talking about it and decided to give them that chance and be a welcome family so they could at least come here, and then let Aspect take it from there.

It only took about a week for us to decide to keep the girls for the school year. They are incredible girls and have been so appreciative, involved, and fun. They have truly chosen to be part of our family. They are best friends and sisters who love to stay involved, go to as many activities as they can, and even hang out with us “old people” for some reason.

Sharmi and her husband with Sarra from Tunisia (second from right) and Tahia from Bangladesh (right) enjoying a day of adventure at Bryce Canyon National Park

They are very good about listening, helping out, and doing everything we do, whether it is working, playing games, going on adventures, or even going to church with us even though they are a different religion. Tahia and Sarra are a blast, and we have had an amazing year.

We also love to share cultures! They are very good about trying new things in our culture, and we encourage them to share theirs, which they have done through conversations, cultural nights, and making traditional dishes.

Tahia from Bangladesh (left) and Sarra from Tunisia (right) proudly sharing their cultures in Utah, wearing traditional clothing and holding their home country’s flags

If you do not have any children at home, hosting two students is the way to go. They adjust so much easier and quicker since they have someone to navigate our culture with. Tahia and Sarra have excelled together. They have made more friends, and more quickly. They are a package deal and do everything together, but everyone at school and in our community has fallen in love with them, which has been easy since they are very friendly, accepting, and appreciative.

Sharmi and her husband with Sarra from Tunisia (second from left) and Tahia from Bangladesh (second from right) having funny moments and making memories together on a hike in Utah

Tahia from Bangladesh and Sarra from Tunisia add, “Our exchange year would never be the same if we didn’t have each other. We get to learn about each other’s cultures and we feel like we grew up together. We supported each other through everything and we created many amazing memories that will definitely last forever. We were sisters who shared a lot and found each other at the right time. We are so grateful for the bond we built and all the love and support we gave each other.”

Watch below for a sweet thank you video Tahia and Sarra made over the holidays, sharing a glimpse of their exchange experience in Utah

Are you interested in making a student like Tahia or Sarra a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Check out the profiles of our wonderful students. New student profiles go online every Thursday!