Host Families Needed for Summer Exchange Students

Families and households in Hingham are needed for over a dozen Spanish and Italian exchange students this summer.

 As part of the Center for Cultural Interchange program, a group of 16 Italian students along with 15 Spanish students will live in and attend classes in Hingham from July 15 until August 6. The exchange students range in age from 14 to 18-years-old.

This is the third year these two groups will visit Hingham and take English classes at

Program coordinator and Hingham resident Tracy McKay Blake said the purpose of the exchange program is to help exchange students get better acclimated to the American culture and learn English.

 “They have a ball,” Blake said. “There’s never been [a student] who said that they haven’t had an incredible time. I think it’s because the families are very welcoming in this town. The offices over in Europe want the kids to go back to Hingham because of the reception. There’s not a lot of diversity and Hingham and this is a chance to embrace other cultures.”

 Blake encourages Hingham families to take part in the program, as 15 students still need a place to stay before July 15.  Host families can be single parents, working parents, families with children, or retired people.

“I do it every year,” Blake said.  “My daughter loves it.  She said it was the best thing she’s ever done.”

Blake believes that by housing exchange students, it is a rewarding experience in cultural diversity.  She also promises that friendships will be made that will last a lifetime.

“It’s so much fun;  I made some really good friendships from families who have hosted that I wouldn’t have had access to,” Blake said.  “I just love it.  I love the students. I cry every time they leave.”

To house an exchange student this summer, families must fill out an application, submit a family photo and submit a family letter describing your family lifestyle and why you want to host an exchange student.  All family members over 18 will be given a background check as a requirement.  Applicants must also be able to transport the student to and from every weekday.  Host families do not have to live in Hingham but must live in a nearby town.  From the applications, Blake matches students with families that best fit their interest and need.

 The students will take English classes each weekday from 9 a.m to noon with Hingham High School Spanish teacher Emily Campbell and Hingham resident Dot Vowler, both who are certified ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers.  In the classes, the students will practice conversation, and go on outside field trips to nearby places such as Boston and the Wrentham Outlets. 

“We do conversations, writing, and in the afternoon we have excursions with the kids,” said Campbell.  “Each day there is a different activity.”

The students will take day trips together to the North End, Provincetown, the Boston Aquarium, Newbury Street, and Beacon Hill. They will travel to New York City where they will see Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Lion King on Broadway.  The program will also send two group leaders, one from each country, to supervise the students.  These group leaders will also live with Hinghm residents.

“I think it's fun to interact with students from other countries because it helps me be able to get a perspective of how teenagers act around the world so I can share that with my students during the school year.” Campbell said.

 The exchange students will also take part in an environmentally green project and in years past the students have cleaned up Nantasket Beach. They will also enroll in cooking classes to learn how to make American dishes such as Macaroni and Cheese.

“I have modified it over the years and made it fun,” said Blake. “I have to do excursions that are cultural in nature. I can’t do things like take them to Six Flags.  That’s something the host family can do.”

For more information and to house an exchange student this summer please call or email Tracy McKay Blake at 781-749-7418 or email her at kblake418@aol.com.