ASSE seeking host families for international high school students
Hosting a high school international student is a popular way to learn about other cultures and create lasting bonds with people from other parts of the world.
Photo: Hillary Fox/PEXELS
WAYZATA, MN - ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is looking for local families to host high school exchange students aged 15 to 18 from Australia, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Japan, and other countries. If you are a young family, retired, a single parent, or an empty-nester, hosting an international exchange student is a chance to expand your cultural horizons without leaving the comfort of your home. Hosting international students offers a unique cultural exchange where as the host you can learn more about a particular culture, their traditions, and everyday way of life. This exposure promotes a better understanding and deeper appreciation for ways of life that differ from our own. Thanks to daily interactions and conversations, both the student and host gain valuable insights into different perspectives, customs, and languages. Another reason to host international students is that it facilitates personal growth and development. For the host family, it offers an opportunity to expand their worldview, enhance communication skills, and develop empathy and intercultural competence. For the students, living abroad provides an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and build resilience and independence. They can also improve their language skills and develop a deeper understanding of issues that affect both cultures. Some families become serial hosts, enjoying lasting friendships and the connections formed that extend beyond the hosting period.
William Fortunato
Generally, the host and student forge meaningful relationships built on shared experiences and mutual respect. These connections can transcend geographical boundaries and last a lifetime, providing opportunities for future collaborations, visits, and cultural exchanges. "I was so excited to see my host family and get to know them. I’m sure they were too. I call my host parents 'mom' and 'dad,' and you know, it does make us feel as a family," said Dilrabo Sultanmuratova, a student from Kazakhstan. "I’m very lucky to have such an awesome host family. They consider me like their real daughter; we have a very good relationship with each other. We have so many good memories together." ASSE students arrive with their own spending money and comprehensive insurance coverage. Each student is carefully selected based on their academic achievements and personality for placement. Hosting an international student can be a life-changing experience. Brian Miller, a veteran whose son fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, admitted that 9/11, along with his son's experiences while deployed, largely contributed to his view of Middle Eastern culture. "I wouldn't say hate or racist, I would say dislike of the Muslim community," Miller said. "Once we got Ali in the home, I got to learn a lot and he enlightened me to quite a few things," Miller said. Over time and conversations, Ali and the Shirkieville, IN family became "virtually inseparable" thanks to the YES Scholarship Program started by Richard Lugar and Ted Kennedy after 9/11. After hosting Ali in 2013, Miller said his perspective on the Muslim culture changed. To learn how you can become an ASSE Host Family, contact the ASSE Midwestern Regional Office at 1-800-736-1760 or visit www.host.asse.com.
