We interviewed our friend Lisa Coleman who currently host an 11th grader

How did you feel before the students arrived?
We were nervous that he would be happy with accommodations and food.

How did these feelings change when the students arrived?
Our student was very happy with the room we provided and appreciates the effort we put into making good meals for him.

How did the students and your family adjust to one another?
We have all adjusted fine. The meeting at school provided some nice pointers that helped.

What surprises did you experience?
It was easier than I expected. We really enjoy our student and he adds a lot of joy to our family
Our student does not like vegetables. Asian students tend to eat a great deal of food especially fruit.

How did you grow as you hosted the students?
Our only child- son learned how to interact with a sibling. They have had some arguments but it has taught him how to communicate and share. It has matured our son emotionally.
I learned how to cook Asian food

How did your family change?
We laugh more, we cook more at home. Bill is very funny. Because of the amount of food the boys eat we could be happier at home. We also eat more fruit

Did the students feel like another family member or just a visitor?
Unfortunately Bill is not one to express his feelings but from what I understand that is cultural. He smiles and laughs a lot at our house so I think he feels like a family member. He also gets angry with me like my natural son does so I think that makes him family.

What did you learn as you hosted the students?
Their culture makes them very shy and awkward with relationships friendships with students of opposite gender. They will not show any affection to host parents but will to host siblings.

What was the experience of saying goodbye like?
Our previous Korean student is at LU so we haven’t had to say goodbye

Are you still in touch with any former students?
Yes our previous student comes over for holidays etc