I was a bit cornered, by a friend, who asked us to host an International Exchange Student. I was very apprehensive, but felt obligated. I wanted to know more though before I would agree. As a host family, we would be asked to provide room and board for an International Exchange Student. My friend explained that more than a place to stay, you are asked to open your family life to a student from a different culture by including them in your regular activities.

I had a million questions, how long would they stay, is it safe, what do I have to do to be approved; and the list went on. The length of a student’s stay varies from just a few days, to a year-long commitment. Volunteer families host as often and for as long as they feel comfortable. I was assured that this was safe, as the entry process for students was lengthy. As a host family, we would be required to fill out an application, and would have to have a private room for the student to reside in. The form required basics like name and address, it also asks about hobbies, and pets in the home. That way they are sure they can find a good match for your family.

I was still very apprehensive, but agreed to fill out the application. The approval process was fairly simple, and before we knew it the exchange program called and asked us if we would be willing to host two Japanese college students. We were told the length of their stay would be nine days, over the holiday season. The girls were both just 18 years old. They were both attending school in Hawaii as part of an exchange program. They both spoke broken English, but were very anxious to learn more. Still nervous, I agreed and took down their flight information.

I arrived at the airport terrified, searching the crowd for the unknown faces that I needed to locate. I held a small sign with their names and stood tensely by the baggage claim area. When they approached me, they looked as skittish as I was. The drive home from the airport gave us a chance to get to know each other a tiny bit as we were able to share the basics about each other.

I went into this adventure thinking I was providing the students with a great experience. However, I learned that my family gains so much from these experiences. We have had the opportunity to learn about other cultures. We have tasted different foods with the students. We have learned new foreign and exotic words. We have also gained dear friends.

Our first experience was so wonderful that approximately once a year we host an exchange student. Our family life doesn’t allow us to host long stays, but we love hosting short stays. We have had a total of four home stays now and have become dear friends with three of the four students. I highly recommend hosting an International Exchange Student to anyone looking to experience new cultures and make new friends. To our exchange students, we love you all, Juri, Yuria, Kana and Erica you are all in our hearts. If you are interested in learning more about hosting an International Exchange Student contact the International Hospitality Center http://www.ihchawaii.org/Volunteers.html