Arkansas families needed to host foreign exchange students

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Opening your doors to a student from another country can do more than just change their life – it can change yours too. But right now, there’s a shortage of families willing to host foreign exchange students.

For Donna Baldwin, a state coordinator with the Academic Study Abroad and Student Exchange Program, it all started with an email.

After hosting a foreign exchange student, she said she watched her own son, who had struggled with dyslexia for years, come out of his shell.

“Having those students come into the homes and bring him out of his shell was just a huge thing for me,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said one of the best parts is watching students experience American life, even in small moments like their first ride to school or eating a s’more for the first time.

“Just riding the yellow school bus. They’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, a yellow school bus,’ and to us it’s, ‘Oh my gosh … it’s a school bus,’” Baldwin said.

For Jessica Paradise, who has been involved in hosting foreign exchange students since 2015, the program is more than just hosting- it’s about sharing and building connections that last a lifetime.

“We have family all over the world now,” Paradise said. “We are getting to know other cultures. We’re getting to know our culture through their eyes,” Paradise said.

If you are interested, it all starts with one family willing to say yes and open their doors to a student who’s ready to live their American dream. More information can be found on ASSE.com.