Annette and her husband Max wavered for years about making the decision to host an exchange student. It never felt like the right time. After finally deciding that there was no “right time,” Annette and Max took in Esther, an Aspect student from Germany. Annette was kind enough to speak with us about her experience becoming a host parent, welcoming Esther into her home and growing together as a family. Continue reading
Last week, an Aspect exchange student’s artwork was featured at the Holland Museum in Michigan. The talented artist is Julia from Germany. “It was a school project in US History. We had to represent our own definition of ‘What is an American.’ Then, we voted for the best one in class, and mine won!” Julia … Continue reading
Our Thank You Thursdays usually come from student letters. But this week, it comes from a Facebook post! On Tuesday, we shared the story of Kathy’s family and Sarah on the blog. (Go check it out if you haven’t yet! Clicking on the link will open the post in a new window.) When we first reached out … Continue reading
When her daughter Mackenzie, then a junior in high school, came home one day from school asking if the family could host an exchange student, Kathy didn’t need to think twice. “It was a no brainer,” she says. “We had wonderful exchange students when I was in high school, and I thought that was great. … Continue reading
Maike’s host family greets her at the airport as she arrives in Michigan after a long trip from Germany. Dear host family, I still remember when I wrote my application for my exchange year. In that application, I was asked to write a letter to my future host family. I had no idea what you guys were … Continue reading
A blanket of stars illuminates the Washington night sky as Jasmin makes footprints in the soft sand. Walking along the water’s edge, net in hand, she and her host father keep an eye out for the crabs as big as their palms. “It was just amazing,” Jasmin explained. “I’ve never done that at home. It … Continue reading
When I was asked to write about our exchange experience, I said I could write a book!! My husband and I always thought it would be fun to host an exchange student. I went to a very small rural high school 18 miles from us, and I remember several exchange students there while I attended. My husband, on … Continue reading
This is my thank you thursday letter to thank probably the best matching host family I could have got! Thank you first just for deciding to let an exchange student be a part of your family and your life, but especially thanks for choosing me! I am so happy to be in your family and … Continue reading
Sara from Germany and her host sister Eileen in Illinois put together a wonderful account of their experience this fall attending the National Future Farmers of America Convention together and what they’ve learned from each other: The road to the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo provided a unique opportunity for cultural learning to one … Continue reading
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain I found this quote at the beginning of my exchange … Continue reading