Keep Calm & Host An Exchange Student!

We always hear that our world is constantly “shrinking” due to globalization. What if you could expand your world instead? A local student exchange program at Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield is focused on that very goal. International students from abroad will get a chance to experience Minnesota, while also learning all about the American education and American culture.

But first, let’s focus on the core of our worlds: our families.

Families define us, whether they are biological, adoptive, or even host us for a time and become life-long friends. Hosting an exchange student is common-place nowadays, with cross-cultural experiences becoming an integral and desired goal for many. It brings the world into your home without you ever leaving your house. Granted, you won’t get that fancy stamp in your passport, but you’ll get invaluable emotional rewards, financial compensation, and support to help make that hosting experience a smooth sail. Or flight. Your pick.

Consider how that new addition to your family will change your everyday life. Having a Chinese student totally immersed into your home and family life for an entire academic year is an entirely different experience than booking a trip to China to see the Great Wall, for example.

For instance, your family might be surprised to learn that instead of eating birthday cake, the Chinese student is accustomed to eating long noodles on their birthday, symbolizing a long life. A family compromise might include getting that ice-cream cake from Dairy Queen too, in an effort to combine both traditions. Also because everyone loves ice-cream cake, no matter where they’re from.

Your busy family might find themselves explaining why they set the table, who does what chores, why breakfast in the U.S. usually involves cold cereal, and so on.

Suddenly you begin to see your life, your home, and your family through the student’s eyes. That is an experience that is unlike any other, and yet it is completely free to try. Why not host? gphomestay doesn’t require any fees to become a host, just an open furnished bedroom, 3 meals a day, and figuring out a transportation plan with the student for the daily commute to school.

Oh, and of course, there’s that nifty $900 monthly stipend to offset any costs you may incur by having an extra person in your home (think utility bills, groceries, etc.) Not a bad deal, huh? Free programming, local support & resources AND a monthly stipend? Sign me up!

Oh wait, that’s what you should do. Right now. Book your next adventure and get paid (yes, that’s correct!) Challenge yourself to expand your perspectives. Add value to your family’s life through cross-cultural experience. Why not start a life-long relationship with a new “son” or “daughter” somewhere out there in world that you can visit? Host parents have visitation rights, right?! Well, not really, but it’s worth a try!

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For more information about this homestay program, please contact ajakupovic@gphomestay with questions and requests for more information.