Wondering what this is all about? Allow me to share with you what I have considered to be one of the greatest experiences our family has come to enjoy. Hosting a foreign student is nothing new to us. Tracing our exposure to this meaningful experience goes back as far as the summer of 2000 where it all began.

Our family of three (my wife, my daughter and myself) had discussed the idea of taking in a Spanish student for the month of July as part of our summer activity. We noticed the advertisement that was posted in our local newspaper one day. This whole concept was new to us, and we really were unaware of what was to evolve from a simple act of hospitality back then. From the instant you greet your student for the very first time, to the day when tears are shed in your moment of farewell, you will be amazed at the love, laughter, sadness, and multitude of other feelings that will have amassed in moments shared between your family and that child that will soon become integrated as a member of your household..

It didn't take us long to realize what a truly educational and inspirational, event this was! Cultural exchange ('exchange' being the operative word here) as it implies, is a two way street. As much of an interest is expressed from the student, in respect to our language, lifestyles, and points of interest (both geographically and habitually), so do we, find interest in these things as expressed from our new family member. If you can't visit a particular foreign country, why not bring a bit of the foreign country to you?

As of this writing, 6 years have passed since our Spanish student spent those 4 fun filled weeks with us, setting us into a pattern that to date has been nothing short of a truly wonderful experience. We have proudly been host to a wide array of students spanning the globe from places such as; Spain, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Brazil. Along with each student, comes a whole new experience, full of different surprises that we share together as a mixed cultural family. You give a little, you get a whole lot back.

Of course, it is fully understood, that this is not for everyone! But, if you are reading this, then something, no matter how insignificant, has triggered your interest in this, otherwise, you wouldn't be here!

Adding another member to your family, whether it be for a week, a month, or in some cases (as we have experienced) a year, is a huge commitment from both parties involved. Not to mention all those who work 'behind the scenes' with you to help ensure the transition to your newly expanded family goes smoothly. The agencies both local and abroad are dedicated to making each placement a memorable one in as much of a positive nature as humanly possible. To these people I take of my hat. But, as with any family, one must be aware of certain conflicts, or issues that could prove detrimental to the overall experience. There are always going to be those awkward moments when the language barrier might prove to be a negative obstacle if interpretation of certain things is misunderstood. We have found that one of the most universal means of ensuring communication is translated correctly (or at least that you are getting the gist of your conversation across) is to watch for body language and facial expression.

Respecting their privacy is priority one, but making them aware that you want nothing but a pleasant stay for them is equally important. Getting issues out in the open is a good rule to be instilled from the get-go. Everyone has to live with each other's presence, so knowing how they feel, and why they feel the way they do, helps all the family members to know where each person stands in the grand scheme of it all. Knowing how they see things can help you in making a good conscious decision when having a conversation with them or planning some family activities. Not everyone is into bowling. Not everyone understands sarcasm. Just take caution where you treadÉ

For some students, the transition is flawless. They blend in from the moment they set foot in your front door, like they had been there before. For others, a small amount of work is required to break the ice and have them understand that you have their best interest at heart. For the very 'rare' few, the compatibility is just not there. Nothing seems to click, and what should be understood, is that there is really nobody at fault. Nobody said we were all perfect. I know I'm not. We all have our flaws. But when you want something to work, and you are willing to give it the 'old college try', more often than not, there is a huge amount of satisfaction when the result is what was initially intended for both the student and the host family to experience.

Currently, we have both a Spanish, and a Japanese student living in our home, and we have had many moments of laughter, and tears. But, the memories will always be ones of the great times shared, the bond created between two cultures and friendship that will carry on for years to come.

Do we intend to keep doing this? A resounding YES! As long as we feel we have room in our house and our hearts to share our country with those from abroad, there will always be someone, from somewhere, sharing some unforgettable moments with our family.