Have you ever thought about hosting an exchange student? There are so many benefits to having an international student stay in your home. This article shares a few of those rewards, along with some program options to help you get started.

A Childhood Shaped by the World

Growing up, my family hosted a total of seven exchange students for periods ranging from a couple of weeks to an entire year. Four were from Japan (as I was learning Japanese), two were from France (as my sister was learning French), and one was from Brazil.

Not only did they have a great experience learning American culture, but my family got to see the world through their eyes. I was only seven when we hosted our first student, and it was my first glimpse into life in a different country. I remember how many everyday things were brand new to them. 

One host sister from Japan had never seen high schoolers wearing nail polish because it wasn’t allowed at her school. She also came from a household with an arranged marriage and found it fascinating that people here could choose who they wanted to date. 

Another student had never seen snow and reacted like a little kid playing in a fresh snowfall. These moments taught me early on that people grow up with different perspectives—and that is a beautiful thing.

Passing the Tradition to the Next Generation

Now that I have a family of my own, I continue to see hosting as a beneficial experience for my children. Our first hosting experience together was with Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network’s (CACEN) American Cultural Study Tour and Exchange Program with students from Kunming, China. Two boys stayed with us for a few days, which was a perfect way to get my kids acclimated to having someone new in the house.

Since then, our home has been a revolving door of international friendship. We have hosted:

• An older Japanese gentleman through 4H International Exchange
• A Chinese teacher with a high school exchange program
• A Filipino woman with WorldDenver
• Currently, a Chinese student in his junior year of high school via ABC Hosting

Each time, my kids have embraced them as family. We’ve taken our guests to iconic Colorado spots like Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, Carbondale, Crested Butte, and Telluride. 

There is something magical about watching your children interact with an “international sibling” and hearing them ask innocent questions to learn about the world.

Connections That Last a Lifetime

I have stayed in touch with almost every single one of our past exchange students and have had the opportunity to visit several of them multiple times. I consider them family in a different country and enjoy watching our families grow as we age. Having also participated in exchange programs to Japan when I was younger, I can say firsthand: these experiences are life-changing.

Open Your Home to the World

Are you ready to create lifelong memories and global connections? Hosting an exchange student is more than just providing a room; it’s about building a bridge between cultures.

How to get started:

• Research Programs: Explore organizations like WorldDenver, 4H International Exchange, Youth for Understanding, High School USA, or CACEN to find a program that fits your family’s lifestyle.
• Start Small: Consider a short-term hosting opportunity (a few days to a week) to see if it’s right for you.
• Learn More: Contact a local exchange coordinator to learn about students looking for a home in your area.

Reach out to Jessica via Facebook (fb.com/jessica.moy.731 ) for more information.