When Kathleen and her family decided to host an exchange student, they weren’t sure if it was the “right” time, but they chose to take a chance. What started as welcoming a student from Italy into their Texas home became something much more. During the 2025-26 school year, Giulio formed a special bond with their 4-year-old son Jack, stepping into the role of a big brother and creating memories their family will cherish forever.
Giulio from Italy (right) soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a fun beach day with his host parents in Texas
What inspired your family to become a host family, and what made you decide that now was the right time to host?
The biggest thing that led to wanting to become a host family was knowing that we wouldn’t have any more children but wanting to have more for our family, in our house, and ultimately for our son to have someone to have a bond with. To be honest, we didn’t at all know that it was the right time, but we decided to take a chance and didn’t look back!
We heard your exchange student formed a special bond with your 4-year-old! How has hosting impacted Jack?
Having Giulio was so amazing for our whole family, but seeing him and Jack’s bond was one of the most fulfilling parts of our whole experience. They quickly became very close, and Giulio seamlessly fell into the big brother role. He didn’t flinch at 4-year-old tantrums or the endless questions of “why”. Giulio is amazing at creating games for them to play together. Every night before bedtime, they did “pranks” and came up with different hiding spots to jump out and surprise us from. (This is the biggest routine Jack misses so much!)
A special bond between brothers! Giulio from Italy and his little host brother, Jack, sharing a sweet moment together in Texas
I can’t tell you how many times I looked back in the back seat while driving just to see them holding hands and making up stories together. Giulio expertly toed the line between loving big brother and just mischievous enough to teach him silly things only a big brother could. Every night during dinner, we played games, and Jack loved giving Giulio all the +2 cards in Uno or telling him, “You messed up!” whenever Giulio gave him a +2. I could go on and on about their bond, but it’s one that we will all cherish forever.
What has it been like day-to-day having an exchange student in a household with a young child?
Having an exchange student enriched our day-to-day so much. Somehow, even with a 4-year-old, some days feel so quiet since our exchange year has ended. It brought so much love and light into our normal routines. Giulio played football and soccer, and getting to cheer for him at games was another part of our exchange experience we LOVED. Of course, not every day was easy, and schedules got a little hectic, but it was so worthwhile!
From snowy adventures to soccer games, Giulio from Italy and Jack making the most of every moment together in Texas
Looking back on the school year, what has been the most meaningful part of hosting for your family?
The bonds we formed were by far our favorite experience. We truly gained another son and brother into our family. Seeing Giulio form strong bonds with our extended family was also so special. Trying out new places together, going to sports events, and traveling together were all so special for us!
Giulio from Italy and Jack building sandcastles, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime
What advice would you give to other families, especially those with young children, who are considering hosting an exchange student?
Take the leap! You will always wonder if it’s the right time or if it will all work out. One lesson we’ve learned from this experience is that the “perfect” time will never come, but life has a way of making things work the way they are meant to!
Are you interested in making a student like Giulio 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 profiles go online every Thursday!
