Our family started taking in foreign exchange students this past year, and it has been quite an adventure! Needless to say this experience definitely has its ups and downs, though I certainly feel the high points easily outweigh the low points and I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone.
Pro: New Family
By the end of the year you end up with brothers and sisters, not just students from overseas. I don't even have to think about whether or not our students are family. They are my brothers, and nobody is going to tell me otherwise.
Con: Culture Shock
It is just as much an adjustment for us as it is for them--and while the adventure is a fun one, the first few weeks are hard as we test the waters and get used to each other: our lifestyle, personalities, schedules, and realizing that the house is home to everyone - at least for the year.
Pro: New Food
With intertwining cultures brings intertwining tastes and new recipes to explore. We had an Italian and a German this year, so there was a plethora of pasta and Spätzle being made, many new candies to taste, and even some homemade schnitzel and pizza made by my talented brothers. I'm a big fan of food, so this was a really cool part of the experience for me.
Con: Being Away
I'm in college, so I only got to see my family on special occasions. I got to watch from a distance as my new family tried new things and enjoyed American experiences. I don't feel like it made me care for my new brothers less, nor do I believe it took me longer to adjust and be adjusted to--however, I did feel left out sometimes, and often wished I had more time with my family.
Pro: The Community
Having exchange students allows us to meet more families who also have exchange students. You get to make friends where you least expect them, and those friends are lifelong. Not to mention the fact that the community is very supportive and encouraging of each other. We have each other's backs, and are always excited to embrace new exchange parents.
Con: You Can't Speak the Language
For my dad and I, who enjoy speaking languages outside of English, finding out the constraint on using their native tongue was a minor setback. The goal is for the students to embrace American culture, and while we definitely get a dose of their cultures, speaking their native tongue won't help them adapt easier, so it's best to hold off - hard though it may be at times.
Pro: Family Overseas
The amount of times we've discussed visiting after the experience ends is amazing. I know I have a home in Italy and a home in Germany if I ever need or want it. Our family ties don't end when the year does. Our family ties are here to stay. I know my brothers will be my brothers for life.
Con: Saying Goodbye
As the year comes to a close it's time to face the crushing reality that the house will be two teens emptier in just a few days. And even though I know we will stay in touch and always have this bond, it's not easy to let go knowing it may be a long time before we see each other again. By far this is the most difficult part of hosting.
Having an exchange student is really an incredible experience. I have learned so much from these boys about love reaching across some crazy boundaries. And though it's hard to say goodbye I am happy to have had these young men share a year with us. I will miss them terribly, but I know this is just the beginning. I can hardly wait to see what our futures hold, and look forward to saying hello to my new foreign brothers later this year. This time from Italy and Korea.
