My Gift to You—A Free Book: “International Students—Inviting the World Into Your Home”
In Part 1 of the interview with Liisa and Joe, we heard the fascinating story of Liisa’s memorable year abroad as a German exchange student. She would meet her future husband, Joe, during that first year in the U.S.—20 years ago. That experience would greatly influence their decision to later become a host family for international students.
Part 2 of the interview described how Liisa and Joe prepared their home and their family to welcome their foreign exchange student from Italy, Allegra. Today, in Part 3, we will get a first-hand glimpse of their life with an Italian student in their house.
Finally Meeting Her
The Cultural Story-Weaver: What was it like meeting Allegra, your new international student? Did you pick her up at the airport?
Joe: Meeting her for the first time was a whole lot of everything—all rolled into one giant, exciting, and nerve-racking experience! Totally worth it!
Liisa and our two daughters greeted Allegra at the Pittsburgh Airport, after her long flight all the way from Italy. She was welcomed with open-arms and loving hearts.
I stayed home while the ladies went to the airport. I wanted to have a welcoming and warm dinner ready as soon as Allegra walked through the front door of our house.
A Hug and a Hamburger
I was very nervous, but I greeted her with a warm hug and a very typical American meal . . . hamburgers on the grill with seasoned fries. Allegra remembers it very well, and she tells us that she loved it—along with the loving and open welcome to America.
The differences in cultures and languages didn’t matter at that point, because love is the most important trait humans can share.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: What has it been like having a foreign exchange student in your house? How has it changed you and your family?
Joe: It has been an amazing experience! We embraced another part of the world in a small, rural town community. We learned about the Italian people, culture, traditions, foods, music, and many other things that Allegra so most willingly shared with us. Allegra joined in on our crazy travels, plans, and adventures. She had no hesitations on trying new things. Allegra has a positive and happy attitude, and a stand-up respect towards others. She brought this spirited vibe into our lives and to all those she spent time with during her five-month stay in America.
Cultural Exchange
Liisa: Allegra did a fantastic job of fitting in and sharing her personality, her humor, and her culture with us all. She got to know our family, our routines, and our kids, but at the same time, she shared her culture with us.
Her language wasn’t as polished and spotless as native English-speaking people, but that didn’t slow her down. She still spoke with us and joked with us, because she understood what we were talking about.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: How has having an international student in your home impacted your children? Have you seen this experience broaden their worldview and global tapestry?
Liisa: Since hosting Allegra, my girls (ages 11 and 8) have had their eyes opened to another country and culture. My girls realized how different school is in other countries, and they watched Allegra study hard to get good grades here. They both got a little insight into a different home life, since Allegra shared many stories about her family. We are very grateful for the experience and look to repeat it many times over so we can get our kids exposed to many different cultures and families.
Joe: Our two daughters have gained a new, big sister that they both adore. Though she just went back to Italy, she will always be a part of this family—forever.
Local Impact
The Cultural Story-Weaver: How has Allegra, your international student, impacted her school and community?
Joe: I think it may have been just after the first week of school and her involvement with the volleyball team, that “Allegra” was a pretty well-known name among the Chestnut Ridge School and community. Allegra adapted well and very quickly. She has this warm personality about her that lights up a room. Her smile invites those around her to easily and comfortably talk with her and get to know her. She is definitely a people-person!
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Are you paid, or given any financial help, to host a foreign exchange student?
Joe: No. The exchange student’s parents or family provides the financial stability while they are here in America. The most important part of this program is to share cultures, to gain a lifetime of experiences, and to be submerged into a world of English language that is an integral part of their studies.
Where to Begin?
Check out our free download, “How to Host an International Student.”
The Cultural Story-Weaver: What advice would you give to an American family interested in hosting a foreign exchange student? What should they do to get started?
Liisa: In order to get started becoming host parents, or if you are just starting to consider hosting an international student, you can go on the Internet, do a lot of research, and find different organizations—like Cultural Homestay International or AFS.
Joe: I’d say . . . just take the leap! Do it! Of course, it’s not always easy, but again, totally worth it. My advice . . . don’t worry about thinking you need to have your life in complete order, or that you have to have older children, or that you need to have a big house in a large city, or that you just might not be able to afford having another body living in your home. Those are all common misconceptions, that many, unfortunately, believe. This can hinder many good families from opening their homes and hearts to a loving and memorable cultural experience.
Obviously, do a great amount of research first. Ask questions. Talk with families that have already hosted exchange students. Reach out to program coordinators. There is a plethora of foreign exchange programs all over the country. Don’t wait too long, like we did, to host. You’ll love it . . . I guarantee it!
Global Connection
The Cultural Story-Weaver: When Allegra leaves, how will she stay in contact with your family?
Joe: Social Media. It’s a fantastic tool to maintain a lifelong relationship. I love this technologically-advanced world we live in today. And of course, writing letters and picking up the phone are always stable options.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Anything else you would like to add?
Liisa: It’s just been an incredible experience. I know we will always have a daughter in Italy, and that is very exciting. We have plans to go visit her. We have heard so much about her family that we feel like we already know them.
Joe: The biggest word of advice I can share is—do not force anything onto your exchange student. Ask them, give them options, invite them, include them, share with them, but don’t expect them to do what you think they should do. Most of all, keep an open-mind, a loving heart, and warm welcoming. Remember, they come to America to experience a new culture, to make lasting memories, and to be part of your family. Keep it positive, exciting, and memorable for your student.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Wow! Liisa and Joe, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your little family in your small, rural town in Pennsylvania is touching the world. The world is also touching you, your children, and your community as you invite these international students into your home. Thank you for being an example to us all. May your story inspire many to welcome the world into their homes, lives, and hearts—to “Weave Cultures”!
In the meantime, I found these fun books and resources online as a place to get started. Check them out!
Host Family Survival Kit: A Guide for American Host Families
The Exchange Student Survival Kit
My Exchange Student Experience
My Gift to You—A Free Ebook: “International Students—Inviting the World Into Your Home”
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
Perhaps you have already hosted a foreign exchange student in your home. If so, tell us about it!
Maybe you would love to host a foreign exchange student and don’t know where to begin?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
Thank you, Cultural Story-Weaver, for putting this three-part blog together, of the Kreydatus Family’s exchange student experiences.
It was truly a pleasure! Your story inspired me, and I hope that it will inspire many other families to open their home and invite the world in. I look forward to meeting your next student and perhaps doing a “live” interview. 🙂