When it comes to hosting a foreign exchange student, a single outstretched hand has the power to change lives. When a student decides to reach out to a foreign exchange student with the help of their supportive family, they could gain a new “sibling”, or even a best friend.

“I originally received an email inviting me to host a foreign exchange student and it completely sparked my interest,” exchange student host Summer Mackey said. “My parents were against it at first, but I persuaded them and now we are one big happy family. Martine is the cutest, happiest girl, and I couldn’t have been luckier in getting her. She brings so much joy to our house every day.”

And while some students may feel uncomfortable or uneasy at the thought of inviting a complete stranger into their home, it doesn’t take long for both the foreign exchange student and host to feel just like family with the right mindset.

“Hosting an exchange student is hard and different but its a lot of fun too,” foreign exchange host Donelle Branche said. “You get close with them fairly quickly and the next thing you know you’re acting just like siblings. The time flies by really fast and it’s so amazing to watch them grow and change.”

To a welcoming host, small cultural differences mean nothing in the grand scheme. It’s the heart that matters. It’s the heart that causes a family to welcome a stranger with open arms.

“There are definitely some minor cultural differences in family life but we have the same goals toward safety, being healthy, and spirituality,” the mother of a foreign exchange host Daphne Branche said. “I have the same curfew and rules for my daughter as I do for my exchange student, Nerea. I am flexible on shopping, they get what they enjoy! So far, my daughter and my student have similar tastes in trends and fashion, so that’s been great. And yes, Nerea enjoys things from home (especially chocolates, which her parents have sent over), but she has been very open to trying new things, especially Texas centric things.”

Hosting a foreign exchange student not only provides a cultural and eccentric experience for the exchange student, but for the host as well. In fact, the host tends to find out a little bit of something about themselves through the process of getting to know their exchange student.

“Our family loves hosting a foreign exchange student. It has opened our eyes to what life is like in European countries,” host mother Nancy Mackey said. “It is fun to see what Martine thinks of life in the USA as she experiences new things, or sees places she’s never been to. Summer and Martine are like sisters and enjoying life.”