Our Stories

My name is Eva and I am an exchange student from The Netherlands. I live with the Busby’s in Yuma, Arizona, this year. They are the most amazing and lovely host family.

I had a dream: I wanted to travel the world, become more responsible and learn to live in another culture, to see things in a different perspective and make good decisions.

I found out I got placed with a family in Yuma, Arizona.  When I flew to Yuma, they were there, waiting for me on the smallest airport I’ve ever seen! The boys were holding up posters with: ‘Welcome to our home Eva ♥’.
My host family consists of my host dad, Josh. He is a great dad to his children and a good husband for his wife. He works full-time, but still gets everything and everyone together. It’s amazing to talk with Josh, he knows a lot and that can work out in interesting conversations. My host mom is Wendy. Wendy is a good mom for her children. She is a really girlie mom. I really like that about her! She is a Jazzercise Franchise owner and a good dancer! Then there is their cousin, Laura. She is my host sister! We share a room and have some great girl time together. I have three host brothers, Cameron, Andrew and Aaron. Cameron is the oldest, he is thirteen now. It’s so much fun to talk to him and spend time together with watching a movie or talking about things. Andrew is 9 now, he is really stubborn but so much fun to hang around with, play Legos or swim in the pool. Andrew loves dancing, just like his mom, and so do I. Aaron is 7, he is the youngest and the smallest. Aaron loves cuddling and playing with his big brothers.

The day I came, friends of them were there and we celebrated my birthday. I met all friends and everyone was so nice to me. The boys were all really excited and they made me jump in the pool directly after unpacking with my host sister Laura, she showed me around the house. In that first two days the family made me feel home and they did a great job with it. I feel like I am a part of the family. They let me learn about the American culture, the football games, baseball, and the rest of the culture. They also are very interested in my culture. We did a Dutch holiday on the 5th of December, it’s called Sinterklaas. Sometimes I cook something Dutch for them or tell them about the differences in our culture.

My host family made it possible for me to come here. I really appreciate that. I’m having a great learning experience and they probably do to, because I am their first exchange student. Thank you!

October’s Host Family of the Month was nominated by 17-year-old Linda from the Netherlands. She describes why she loves her host family:

My host family is simply amazing. From the very first minute I arrived here in August, they have been such great and warm people. I still can’t believe how fast they integrated me into their family, treating me like one of them. I feel so blessed being around them. My host family consists of a mom and a dad, with 2 daughters (and me!). The oldest daughter Whitney, who has Down syndrome, is so much fun! She loves to play Wii Dance with me, and even though she always beats me, I love to play it with her too. One time, we were Skyping with my sister in Holland, and when Whitney had to leave, my sister and I said “I wish Whitney was still here to talk, she makes the conversation so much less awkward’.” And that was the truth! She’s the real talker in this family, and that can cause some pretty fun moments.

My host family’s youngest daughter Peyton became my first friend here in Florida, and so far, my best friend. She is the best host sister I could ever wish for. Showing me around and introducing me to her friends made me feel so welcome! I’ve always been scared sitting in cars, but she makes it a lot more fun rapping Eminem or singing Disney songs to me. My host parents are the kindest people I’ve ever met. Even though the dad can be tough at times – “If you don’t make me a Dutch apple pie, I’m kicking you out!” (just for the record, afterwards, he said it’s the best apple pie he’s ever had!) – I’m having a great time staying with them. I’ve only been here for 2 months, but they’ve already given me so many memories I will never forget.

Dear Hess family, thank you so much for everything. I used to feel like the luckiest person having such an amazing family in Holland, but who would’ve thought I would ever get a second family making me feel just as comfortable!

My name is Leonie, and I'm an exchange student from Germany, currently living with my super amazing host family Billy & Adriann Shivers. I want them to be host family of the month, because they actually deserve to be "best host family of all time".
 
I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank my host family enough for all they've done for me, but I thought nominating them as Host Family of the Month would be a nice little surprise. (I actually looked for a category called "Host family of the Century" but couldn't find it...)
 
My host parents are the two most wonderful and amazing people that I've ever met. I know that I'm never going to be able to thank them enough for all the things that they've done for me and all the days we've spent together. They believed in me when nobody else did, and not only opened their home to me, but also their heart. Yet I can't imagine anybody doing a better job than these two, I actually KNOW that my family was the perfect match for me.

 
 I never expected that I would be blessed with something as amazing as them. They always support me, no matter what it is that I'm doing. They came to every single one of my soccer games, and every track meet of the season, even in the pouring rain. They pushed me to my limits and helped me do things that I never thought I could. We shared laughter, we shared tears, and made so many happy memories that I will cherish forever.  
 
My host family will always be a part of me, they have a place in the back of my mind and I know that I won't ever forget them. I love them!
 

I am Ghayda, a YES student from Lebanon. Being here is such a huge opportunity, which will benefit me now and forever.

I was nervous at first to come here, and leave everything behind. Maybe because I didn’t know how cool and lovely my host family is!

I have the sweetest and most caring host mom ever, she makes sure that I benefit from every single moment, and she helps me find ways to enjoy it, she teaches me about life, and we talk about the difference between our cultures and traditions.

And my host father, he is the funniest person ever, he makes me feel so comfortable at home. They took me to meet the extended family, so that I feel I'm part of them.

And they made my first Christmas so special. And my host sisters, even though they have their own families, they visit us Saturday nights to play cards. I loved the family games here. We spend all night long playing!
 
I thank God everyday for spending my year in such a loving home, where everything we do is fun. My host family is the best ever! :)