Were You an Exchange Student? Time to Give Back!

Did you travel to a foreign country as an exchange student during your junior or senior year of high school – or maybe in college?  Was it one of those life-changing experiences that you loved so much you didn’t want to come home?  Do you recall the feeling of total freedom on your own; the big breath you took when you stepped onto the plane; the adventure of having a new brand family who didn’t speak a word of English? 

The best way to learn a foreign language is to plunk yourself smack-dab in the middle of a foreign country, right?!  Oh yes, but of course it helps to have an interested mother, father, brother and/or sister who will spend time talking to you – maybe you can meet some of their friends and neighbors too, some nice boys and girls who help you suddenly realize that you know more of their language than you ever thought you could… In fact, you have become fluent!  

Will you take a moment to close your eyes, inhale a nice long, deep, relaxing breath and go back to that time - picturing yourself there?  Can you hear the beautiful accents of your International family’s voices; smell the fragrance in the air over there; recall the pets excited to see you or feel them snuggling up to you; the awesome places you went to while you were there visiting?

The excitement of meeting that family is in the heart and soul of each individual French student we are looking to place in safe, loving homes right now!  They are waiting every second of every day to hear the news that someone has requested their presence in an American home to experience life as we know it here in California.  Could you be that family that will say “Yes!” to making their dream come true?  Could it be your opportunity to “give back”?

I’ve had many conversations with people who have had this type of exchange experience and have stayed in touch with their host family throughout their life.  They daydream about the days they were together, and smile the most truthful smiles  – because it comes from their core, the center of who they really are.  

Do you know what a big deal you would be to a French student?  Do you know what an impact it would have on your own children?  Can you imagine how wonderful it would make YOU feel if you were to say YES to facilitiating their journey? 

Giving back, hmmmm…Think about it…