Have you ever considered hosting an international student in your home? If not, you’re missing out on the experience of a lifetime!
I first discovered the Lions Youth Camp and Exchange Program (YCE) in 2012 at our club’s district convention. As a newly inducted Lion, I wasn’t aware that Lions clubs hosted an international youth exchange, but was thrilled to learn that this was one of their programs. My husband and I have been host parents to five students in the past, and the YCE seemed like a perfect fit for us.
The first student we hosted was a young man named Guilherme Montagner Ifarraguirre from Brazil in the summer of 2014. We had planned a trip to Europe that summer, so were unable to host Gui for his first week here in the States. But no worries! I quickly learned how flexible the program was, and how generously Lions in other clubs were willing to help out with hosting.
When I finally met the 17-year-old student, we quickly developed a wonderful bond, and within a couple of weeks, I became his Wisconsin mom. We went hiking and canoeing, did a little shopping and taught him how to water ski. It was like having another son (we already have three,) and we all had a great time.
Since that summer, Gui has returned once to Wisconsin to experience our winter wonderland, having never seen snow. He loved it! He even learned how to snowmobile.
Putting Out the Welcome Mat
The following year, we were asked to host a young man named Aurelien Mermet from Sarlat, France, so we invited him to be a part of our family. Aurelien and I had been skyping and texting since February, and when he arrived in June, it was like welcoming one of our kids home. I am a foodie and Aurelien was training to be a chef, so you can imagine how much fun we had in the kitchen. We took him to meet my entire family at a get-together, and threw a party to celebrate his 18th birthday.
One of the most memorable things about YCE is that you…gain a son or a daughter from another country…
Finally, we hosted 15-year-old Matthieu Miquel from Marsaille, France last summer. Matthieu’s parents are actively involved with YCE in France. When they learned about Aurelien’s great experience with us, they asked if we’d be willing to host their son. Matthieu’s father was attending the 100th anniversary of Lions International in Chicago, and had brought him along.
Despite being too young for the Wisconsin YCE camp, we were delighted to have Matthieu stay with us for several weeks. We had a lot of fun doing outdoorsy things like fishing and hiking. He was so easygoing, sweet and comical, and we enjoyed his visit tremendously.
The young people we hosted all wanted the unique experience of living with an American family, and I truly believe they had the time of their young lives. I took them to my Lions club meetings as well so they could meet other people in the community, and get a feel for what this great organization and its members do.
The Key to Our Hearts
When each of our exchange students were ready to head back home, I gave them a key to our house, and told them that this was their forever home in the United States. We continue to keep in touch and be an important part of each other’s lives.
One of the most memorable things about YCE is that you not only gain a son or a daughter from another country, but host families become extended loved ones of these young people’s families. I hear from the parents of our students frequently. We continue to share happy moments and milestones in our sons’ lives. This is such a blessing to me and my husband. My heart is so full being an international host mom.
I encourage anyone who is contemplating becoming a YCE host parent to just do it. The experience will live with you forever.
See how you can become a Lions Host Family.
Lion Deb Arndt serves as a Lion from the Hillsboro Lions Club in District 27-D2, Hillsboro, Wisconsin, USA.
