Many families with young children wonder if they can truly provide the right experience for a teenage exchange student, but host parents Chris and Silvia knew that their little ones could make hosting even more meaningful! During the 2025-26 school year, they welcomed Hana from Japan into their home in Arizona and quickly saw their vision come to life. She wasn’t just an exchange student, she became a big sister, a role model, and a beloved part of their family. In this story, host dad Chris shares what made hosting special and how the experience brought a big sister from Japan into their children’s lives.
What first inspired your family to host an exchange student?
Hana was our second foreign exchange student. With our first student, we only participated in a summer program, and while it was a great experience, we felt like we missed out on what makes hosting truly special. We didn’t get to experience school events, sports, or watch her build friendships and become part of our daily lives. It felt more like a summer vacation than a true cultural exchange.
Because of that, we decided to host for a full school year. We wanted our exchange student to have the complete experience, not just visiting the United States, but becoming part of a family, a school, and a community.
With a one-year-old and a seven-year-old at home, what was it like welcoming a teenager into your family?
Before Hana arrived, we video chatted with her and her family. From our very first conversation, we set the expectation that she wasn’t just coming to stay with us, she was gaining a little brother and little sister. Hana embraced that idea immediately.
Our seven-year-old daughter, Lailah, became attached to Hana almost instantly, and Hana stepped into the role of big sister from the moment she got off the plane. She welcomed Lailah’s love and admiration, and that made the transition easy for everyone. Had she been more reserved, I think it would have been much harder for both of them.
With our one-year-old son, Santiago, Hana showed incredible patience. She helped care for him when we stepped out of the room, comforted him when he was upset, and played with him whenever she could. She witnessed so many milestones, from crawling to his first steps, and eventually running around the house. In fact, Santiago’s third word was “Hana.”
By the end of the year, it truly felt like Hana loved them as her own little brother and sister, and they certainly loved her as their big sister.
What did your family learn about Japanese culture through Hana, and what lasting impact has she had on your family?
Hana taught us a lot about Japanese culture. We learned how seriously academics are taken and how much pressure students often place on themselves to be perfect, even when learning in a language that wasn’t their own. She taught us that, in Japan, being on time actually means you’re already late. She introduced us to authentic sushi etiquette; where sushi is traditionally served in pairs rather than as large rolls. She also showed us just how passionate Japan is about soccer. Ironically, we also learned that Pokémon is actually a bigger part of culture in the United States than it is in Japan.
We shared so many memorable experiences together. We took her to Six Flags to ride roller coasters, visited the beaches in San Diego, and explored the Grand Canyon. But as incredible as those trips were, our favorite memories happened at home. Watching Hana and Lailah argue and make up like real sisters, seeing her play cars with Santiago, and simply living life together as a family.
We were also incredibly proud to watch her qualify for the state swimming championships and break school records. Being able to celebrate those accomplishments with her made us feel like we were cheering on one of our own children.
What advice would you give to other families with young children who are considering hosting an exchange student?
Having young children should never discourage someone from hosting an exchange student. Our children were only seven and one year old, yet they adapted quickly and accepted Hana as part of the family.
Hosting added very little to our monthly expenses. The biggest challenge was simply coordinating school schedules and the logistics that come with having another teenager in the house.
I would also remind families that exchange students are still teenagers. They’re learning to manage their emotions, adjusting to a new country, and sometimes they simply need time to themselves. We tried to recognize when the kids were becoming overwhelming and made sure Hana had the space she needed.
Looking back, Hana was nothing but a positive influence on our family. She helped our children grow, and I hope they helped her feel at home. I’d like to think our children now have a sister in Japan, and that Hana has a little sister and little brother here in the United States; no matter where life takes them.
Are you interested in making a student like Hana a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the 2027 spring semester and the upcoming 2027-28 school year. Submit an inquiry, and you’ll be the first to hear when profiles of our students go online!
