Global Friendships Still Searching for Four Host Families for Spanish Exchange Students

Global Friendships is still searching for four families o host an exchange student for its August program.

Global Friendships is a program whose goal is to “make the world a smaller place, one friendship at a time,” and it’s Dan Herman’s job to help forge these friendships by finding host families for students.

“The students hail from all parts of Spain; they are visiting the United States to improve their English and learn about American life,” Herman said. “I’m trying to get the word out that I still need four more families.”

Host families must consist of two or more people.

“Beyond that, we are looking for families interested in cultural exchange and sharing their way of life,” Herman said. “The responsibilities of the host are to provide the student a place to sleep as well as meals. It’s a commitment you make out of the goodness of your heart to promote friendship and international understanding.”

He added that while having four students left to place may sound like a success, they are due to arrive on Sunday and his organization is in desperate need of families.

Nine of the 13 students have already been placed with host families in Haddon Township, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, and Marlton. Herman said he won’t rest until all four students have a place to stay.

In addition to attending classes and Grace Church three times per week, the visiting students from Spain will take trips and participate in fun activities.

Trips include New York Uptown, Downtown, Great Adventure, and Hurricane Harbor. Activities include a Riversharks game, the Cherry Hill Mall, a bowling party, and a swim party. Host families are invited but not required to participate. For trips, transportation is free for everyone, and entry fees are always half price.

“Our motivation for becoming a host family was simply to ‘give back’ and create good karma,” Denise Moorehouse, of Marlton, said. “It was about giving – not receiving. I was unaware at the time that our experience as a host family would enrich our lives beyond measure.”

Holly McConville of Haddonfield agreed.

“I would definitely recommend being a host family,” McConville said. “It is a special way to understand a different culture and make lasting friendships with special people.”

Both the Moorehouse and McConville families visited their students the following summer.

Esther and Alan Fishman of Cherry Hill started hosting last summer and haven’t stopped. In addition to hosting several students from Spain this summer, the Fishmans will be hosting students from both Germany and Japan during the upcoming school year.

“We love it,” Alan Fishman said. “The students become part of our extended family.”

If you are interested in hosting or finding out more information, call Herman at 856-287[2393.

“But call soon,” Herman said. “It’s getting down to the wire.”

The attached image was provided by Global Friendships