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Be it travel, school or work, foreign interaction with diverse cultures is a part of life. When

individuals and families open their homes to students, personal development is inevitable.

Familiarization with another race, culture and ethnicity expands the mind. It offers the entire

family a study on how to be adaptive to intercultural interactions and demonstrates how

different yet similar we all are.

Once hosts open their homes to students, a natural family-like relationship transpires between

the student and the host family. Learning about another person’s culture and interests

represents an understanding of the world as seen through the student. By opening your door,

you open a student’s eyes to the real America: real people, real experiences, and real life. At

the same time, your generosity of spirit creates a positive view of the United States that crosses

borders—and lasts a lifetime. These bonds are crucial to world development.

Imagine knowing that by your hosting a student, you are forever changing their point of view.

You are shaping their minds. Your family will show them what your day-to-day life is. Your

values and traditions. We are very much in a world that needs peace and understanding.

Hosting is Diplomacy at the most basic of levels. When you change someone’s mind, break the

idea of stereo types – they share their experiences with those around them back in their home

country.

Your own ideas and perceptions of other cultures will change as well. You will understand

different political systems, customs and religions.

The benefits of hosting extend to making a lifelong friend. Many families stay in touch with

their student for many years to come- and visit them in their home country. You get to

experience their foods, neighborhoods and customs. You are creating memories to carry a lifetime.