Foreign Exchange programs in the United states started with the aim of strengthening relationships between the US and other countries. Students in foreign exchange programs spend a year in the States and attend an American high school, and they often seem to develop more positive perceptions of the country and its people. The students return home after a year and share their experiences and what they learned about American culture and people with their family and friends.
The international coordinator for the Aspect Foundation, Laura Bombara stated, “Host families are not so much selected as found. They are volunteers who receive no financial gain from hosting. As such, they must be people with open hearts and open minds, willing to make space in their lives to help a young person realize their dream of living in America. They are often called ‘the world’s most generous volunteers.’”
Host families are amazing people, who are driven to make an impact on a young person’s life. Host families create a safe and nurturing environment for students in a foreign exchange program to discover and experience new things. These host families give students the opportunity to find and explore their passions.
Bombara continued, “Students benefit by learning firsthand about America, its people, culture and diversity. They gain an American family, make new friends, improve their English, see new places and try new things. The friends they make and the experiences they have here in the U.S. are something that enrich their lives and perhaps change their perspective. Often lifelong international friendships are formed.”
Living with a host family offers students an opportunity to experience how American people live by learning about the culture and traditions, forming bonds with their host family, and making new friends. Students have the opportunity to explore new places and to participate in school activities like joining clubs, going to sports games, and so much more creating long lasting memories.
Bombara stated, “The goal is to help foreign students learn about American culture but also to help Americans learn about life in other parts of the world. For the student it is a way to foster independence and grow as a person by being in a completely new environment with new people and experiencing a different way of life. Many students have goals of improving their English language skills to benefit their future career or travel goals. For the host family it is a wonderful way to learn about other countries and their cultures without having to leave home.”
By welcoming students from different parts of the world, Americans also get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and learn about life in other countries. For the students, it is a chance to find independence and personal growth by going into an entirely new environment with new people. Many students have the goal of improving their English skills, as it can benefit their future travel and career aspirations.
Families who are interested in hosting foreign exchange students can find information at the Aspect Foundation website or contact Laura Bombara at [email protected].
