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HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT AND WELCOME THE WORLD INTO YOUR HOME By NATHAN MACOMBER
“You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart will always be somewhere else. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place” ~ Unknown
HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT AND WELCOME THE WORLD INTO YOUR HOME
By NATHAN MACOMBER
Have you ever thought of hosting an exchange student? In most high schools in America, teenage students from mainly European countries come to America and stay in high school students’ homes for a week or two.
The exchange student and the high school student will both grow from the exchange experience. They will go fun places together, become best friends, and even attend school every day together! It is especially challenging when you don’t speak the same language. But it’s not as hard as it seems. By the end of the week or two, they are here, they don’t want to leave because of all the fun they had. Doesn’t that sound pretty interesting?
If you are wishing right now our school had this privilege… well, we do! Yes, this year Coventry High School had the privilege of hosting 20 students t from France in October.
Thinking about hosting an exchange student and all the fun you will have is a very exciting feeling. That’s how it felt for Kaitlin Dupont, a junior here at Coventry high school. She hosted a girl named Romane in October. I asked Kaitlin a couple questions about her experience with Romane, who was from France.
Question: “How was the experience of having an exchange student from France stay over your house?” (Kaitlin) Answer: “It was amazing! Meeting Romane, the girl from France who stayed with me, was one of the best experiences I have ever had. We became so close within the time that she was here.”
Question: “What special things did you both do together?” (Kaitlin) Answer: “We went to the beach a couple of times! We went to Salem, MA! And we made lots of memories with all my friends that I introduced her to just hanging out in my basement!”
It seems like Kaitlin had a lot of fun with Romane. From this experience, they both have many memories to look back on. I’m sure Romane loved Salem and our state beaches, and I’m sure Kaitlin loved spending time with her.
You might be thinking, what happened when Romane left? Will they ever meet again? The answer is yes, quite soon actually! During April vacation (April 6-20), Kaitlin will be going to France to see Romane to spend some time with her, as will the other kids who hosted their exchange students. Now Kaitlin and the other CHS students can experience France, and Romane and her friends can show them around, just as Kaitlin did for Romane when she was here.
I also asked Kaitlin some more questions asking her about the trip to France coming up soon.
Question: “What are you most looking forward to about going to France in April?” (Kaitlin) Answer: “I’m definitely most excited to step off the plane in France and see Romane! I cannot wait to finally see her again! And to of course take in the beautiful sights of France!”
Question: “Looking back, are you happy you made the decision to do all this?” (Kaitlin) Answer: “Yes! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I wish I could do it all again!”
Take it from Kaitlin that getting outside your comfort zone and doing something like this will not only create beautiful memories, but it will make you value foreign languages, travel, and friendship. Kaitlin loved having Romane here in America, and she will be able to make more memories with her soon, as will all the other students who hosted exchange students as well! So, if you think this is something you would like to do for next year… I would highly consider the experience.
“You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart will always be somewhere else. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place” ~ Unknown