In his 1961 Inaugural address, John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what our country can do for you, ask what you can do for our country.” I would like to take this sage motto and evolve it a step further. I say, “Ask not what our world can do for you, ask what you can do for our world!” As it’s said, THINK BIG! And sometimes that can be done through a simple, well thought out action such as hosting a foreign student in your home.
Did you know that the U.S. State Department started the foreign student exchange program in the early 60’s as a way to improve diplomacy between the United States and the rest of the globe we share? Students who have had the chance to live with an American family are far more likely to go to bat for our image abroad than those who have never traveled here. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet foreign exchange students at my high school and always thought it would be an amazing adventure to live abroad. Although I have have been blessed with traveling around the globe, I have never taken the opportunity to live outside our borders. What an opportunity to be able to bring that experience to your own household. By hosting a foreign student, you will not only be helping our country, but also our world.
One of the first things I advise a potential host family to do is check the credentials of the exchange organization you are considering working with. I have found Aspect Foundation to be a top notch group that is deeply in the safety and support of the foreign high school students who bravely commit a year of their lives to living in America as well as being there for the families who graciously open their doors to these guests.
I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about this life enhancing opportunity at karen@zoeypoey.com and invite you to visit our national website at www.aspectfoundation.org Cheers!