My Gift to You—A Free Ebook: “International Students—Inviting the World Into Your Home”
Have you ever considered studying abroad as a foreign exchange student? Or perhaps you have thought about hosting an international student in your home?
This is Part 1 of a recent interview with our friends, Liisa and Joe. They met 20 years ago when Liisa arrived in the U.S. as a foreign exchange student from Germany. They are now happily married and are currently hosting international students in their home.
Liisa’s personal experience as a foreign exchange student would forever change her life. Her year abroad would also greatly influence their decision to open up their own home today—offering international students the same positive experience Liisa had two decades ago.
A Dream Come True
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Liisa, I know that you came over to the U.S. as a high school foreign exchange student. Can you tell me how that dream and desire began for you?
Liisa: When I was 17-years-old, I wanted to spend a year in the United States as an exchange student. Growing up in Germany, my mom was always talking positively about her own experience as an exchange student. I really wanted to experience something similar to that.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: How did you get started on your journey from Germany to America?
Liisa: I filled out an application with an organization in Germany. It was a long process— lots of paperwork, medical exams, and pictures taken. Once I got through the application process and approved, the documents were sent to an American organization that coordinated families for student exchanges. That organization was called Cultural Homestay International.
Selected!
Liisa: Cultural Homestay Organization received my application, and then a family selected me to be their exchange student. They looked at my pictures, my application, my English skills, and the country where I came from—Germany.
The host family in America also went through a long application process. They had to fill out documentation, do background checks, and have a home visit. They had to provide a bed for me, not necessarily a private bedroom. Exchange students can share rooms with host siblings of the same gender.
Click here to download: “How to Host an International Student.”
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Where did you end up “landing” as a foreign exchange student in America?
Liisa: I ended up in Pennsylvania, in a small town called Lewistown, not far from State College.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: How old were you when you arrived in the U.S.?
Liisa: When I came over, I was 17, a senior in high school. The host family had a 17-year-old daughter, as well.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: What was your school situation as a foreign exchange student?
Liisa: The daughter of my host family attended a local Christian school. The school allowed me to attend without having to pay extra fees. Their church sponsored me.
“Life-Altering!”
The Cultural Story-Weaver: How did this experience change your life?
Liisa: My exchange year was significantly unique and life-changing on many different levels.
For one, I spent my year in three different host families. My first family was not a good fit for personal reasons. The second one was only temporary to begin with. My third host family is where I ended up spending the remainder of my year.
I also met my husband during my exchange year. Not very many 17-year-olds can say that about their exchange experience. I also became a Christian during my exchange year.
Overall, I think I had a very unique experience that most exchange students don’t have. They all have unique experiences that change their lives, but they’re probably not as life-altering as mine.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Besides meeting your future husband, what do you remember most about your experience? What were some of the highlights?
American “Firsts”
Liisa: I had a lot of very positive experiences during my exchange year. My first high school football game was certainly a very memorable event. I had never seen football before. That was a lot of fun to see. I was out with new friends having this amazing new experience. That was probably one of the highlights of the year.
We also drove from Pennsylvania to Florida during our college visit trip. That again was very significant and very memorable. I had never been to a college campus. I couldn’t imagine what a university would look like, so seeing that for the first time was pretty incredible.
The Cultural Story-Weaver: Joe, you met Liisa when she was a foreign exchange student in Pennsylvania. Can you tell me more about that experience from your perspective?
Joe: It was an experience, that set in motion, an unforeseen for me, but a God-given path for my future. I met Liisa at a local football game at the beginning of her exchange student year. I was smitten right away. During the rest of her year in Pennsylvania, Liisa and I developed a strong and trusting friendship. It planted the seed for us to eventually be swept away in wedding bliss, just a couple of years later.
Stayed tuned for Part 2 of our interview. Liisa and Joe will talk about how this experience has led them to open their own home, hosting foreign exchange students from around the world.
Leave a comment below if you are interested in getting more information. I will connect you with Liisa and Joe!
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
My Gift to You—A Free Ebook: “International Students—Inviting the World Into Your Home”
Let’s Weave Cultures!
SIGN UP FOR “LET’S WEAVE CULTURES” NEWS!
Have you considered studying abroad as a foreign exchange student? Or have you ever considered opening your home and hosting an international student from another country?
Perhaps you studied abroad as a foreign exchange student or perhaps you have already hosted a foreign exchange student in your home. If so, tell us about it!
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.
