When a friend of mine hosted two girls in 2013, I asked about her experience, intrigued by the idea of hosting international high school exchange students.
I enjoy traveling, learning about other cultures and being hospitable. I also wanted kids but didn’t have any yet, so being a host mom sounded fun. I applied to host a student through an organization called Amicus and was approved to host the following year. While I knew I’d be providing a room in my home, food and transportation, I also knew I’d welcome the student into my life as part of my family and care for them like they were my own child.
My first Polish exchange student
I learned I’d be hosting Ola, 16, from Poland. I prepared my guest room and learned more about being a host parent. In August 2014, I waited at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, welcome sign in hand, excited but nervous to meet Ola.
This tall girl with long hair and a Michael Kors bag arrived. She got settled in her room and became my first international “daughter.” Ola was sarcastic, smart and fashionable. Ola became best friends with one of my dogs, Charlie. And she enjoyed the American high school experience. Ola tagged along to Target or to get her favorite Cold Stone treat. We visited the Minnesota State Fair, the Mall of America, Chicago and Florida. I enjoyed getting to know her and being her host mom. When she left in June 2015, the house felt empty. I liked getting updates from her and got to see her again in London in 2022.
Welcoming my second Polish exchange student
I hosted my second “daughter,” Marysia, 16, from Poland, from 2018 to 2019. From Target runs to coffee and ice cream stops, we had a great time, and I loved hosting her. She was fun, kind and caring. Marysia enjoyed going to new places, like me. We had many adventures, such as traveling to Los Angeles and Texas and taking road trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through the year, we built many memories. She also became friends with my niece and nephew, who were near her age.
After she left in June 2019, her old room looked odd without her, her photos and light strings. I missed her, but I’ve kept in touch with her, and I’m still her “American mom.” I loved visiting her in Poland in 2022, and I got to see her home and meet her family, friends, boyfriend and dog. I had a chance to see her again in summer 2023, when she invited me to join her family for vacation in the Pacific Northwest.
Getting to host an exchange student again
A few years later, I hosted an exchange student again through an organization called Ayusa. My third “daughter,” Janika, 15, from Germany, arrived in August 2022. She was kind, helpful and a joy to host. Janika enjoyed the American high school experience and played a couple sports. We liked watching “Gilmore Girls” together while she’d sit in her usual spot and crochet. She loved my cat Maggie and cuddled with her in her room. Janika and my mentee became friends. We took a trip to Los Angeles, her dream. Sometimes we took road trips around the Midwest while listening to our combined playlist.
The year I hosted Janika flew by, and June 2023 came too fast. After she left, I missed her and often thought of her. But I knew we’d keep in touch and I’d see her again. We often talk on WhatsApp and plan to visit each other in the future.
The future
I’m grateful for the opportunity to host exchange students, and it’s given me three amazing kids who are like my daughters. I care about each of them and remember the experiences we shared. It’s enriched my life to welcome these students into my home and life. I hope to host an exchange student again.
More information
If you’d like more information about hosting an exchange student, check out Ayusa’s website at www.ayusa.org/families/what-is-hosting.
