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.
Buying almost anything today is expensive because of the current supply and demand. Prices are too high on everything. Inflation is going through the roof.
Speaking of a roof, everyone needs one over their heads. A place to live is a common need and growing dilemma.
An elderly friend says she has had other elderly friends ask if they could move in with her? Her response is always, "I don’t want anyone else living with me," and she seems very happy.
Having to move in with family or a friend is less than ideal and is usually a strain on all involved. Sometimes it happens. Typically, the shortest possible tenure of the residency is better for all.
Renting is popular. Millions are renting apartments and houses. The average rent in the U.S. is $784 per month. Thirty-five percent of Americans rent. They pay just a little less than homeowners each year for their rent, maintenance costs, and renters insurance which averages $9,477.
Renting seems like a good plan because you shouldn’t have to worry about maintenance. Remember, everybody is short staffed these days and you may wait a while before someone shows up to fix your leaky toilet. Renters routinely complain about having to beg the property owner to do maintenance. Rent is not a secure way to live. Rent costs usually increase. The owners want to make more money.
Senior citizens rent apartments not far from where I live. They started out paying $550 for an apartment that included all the utilities. Most of them were thrilled. A lady who lives there now says they have increased the rent to $850 and she expects another increase this year. She moved out of her house that was paid for to live the so called "carefree" senior apartment life. It’s not turning out to be carefree.
Apartment owners set the rules. They might not allow pets or even children. You won’t be able to play your radio loud and there will be limitations on what you can do to the rental property. Plus, an apartment owner can decide they want to use your apartment for something or someone else and ask you to leave. This might be improbable, but it’s possible and who needs this kind of life insecurity?
Buying a house is expensive and this may not be for you today. New three-bedroom houses are selling for over $400,000 in a nearby Indiana neighborhood. Down the street a neighbor put his house up for sale asking $250,000 and there was a bidding war from others who wanted the property. The sellers reported they made much more than their asking price.
You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a house. Years ago, I bought a four-bedroom house for $80,000 with no money down on a land contract. The interest rate was 10 percent but it was mine and when I sold it, I made $10,000 on the deal.
A modest house on a small piece of dirt can become your castle. You can work on it along the way. Overhaul the bathrooms, the kitchen and do some painting. You can redo the floors but all in your time and on your schedule. You just need a place where you can stay warm, dry, and rest. Owning your own house is not cheap. Paying for it, maintenance and property taxes all have to be considered, but at least it’s yours. If you want, you can have a pet, kids, or loud music. You can sleep in peace.
If you are renting, you are not alone. Most of us have rented at one time or another. I lived in an apartment for over four years. You do what works for you at this time in your life.
