Oregon Family Wins Host Family of the Year Award for Outstanding Care in Student Exchange Program
In a heartfelt announcement, Academic Year in America (AYA), a nonprofit dedicated to high school exchange programs, has awarded the title of Host Family of the Year to the Hoffman family from Eugene, Oregon. Recognized for their outstanding commitment and care, the Hoffmans have made a significant impact on the life of their exchange student, Fateen from Bangladesh.
In his nomination, Fateen described how the little things made all the difference in feeling at home. From teaching him to fish and tying his shoelaces to daily check-ins by his warm host mother, everything contributed to an experience that felt genuinely familial. It was not about grand experiences but rather about the everyday moments that fostered a sense of belonging.
Fateen praised his host father, noting how calmly he addressed issues like a surprise phone bill, turning potentially frustrating moments into valuable lessons. Such interactions emphasized patience, understanding, and support, qualities that made Fateen appreciate his hosts even more. He vividly recalls a moment when his host brother, Eyan, gave him a reassuring hug after a program orientation, marking the point when he felt truly included in the family.
‘They don't just host me — they treat me like their own,’ Fateen expressed. ‘They care in small ways every day, support me when I struggle, and make me feel like I truly belong.’
The Hoffmans were not alone in their efforts to embody the spirit of cultural exchange. The first runner-up, the Starr family from Ohio, also showcased remarkable dedication. Their exchange student, Greta from Germany, described a welcoming environment that included attending her basketball and track meets and providing daily support that made her feel ‘safe and protected.’ She affectionately noted that she found a second family who would remain in her heart long after her time in the U.S. had ended.
Honorable mentions went to several other families that displayed similar commitment, including the Kilgore family from Nebraska who seamlessly integrated their Swiss exchange student Chanel into their daily lives, and the Guild family from New York who made their exchange student Johanna feel like a true member of the household through both supportive and celebratory moments. Other honorable mentions included the Smith family from Louisiana, who embraced their German exchange student, Sina, and the Keegan family from Georgia, who provided Antonia, also from Germany, with a nurturing environment that fostered language learning and emotional support.
Michele Kabel, the Director of Academic Year in America, emphasized how crucial the role of host families is within cultural exchange programs. She mentioned that the experiences shared demonstrate how small, everyday moments can drastically influence the life of an exchange student, forging enduring relationships that often last well beyond the initial exchange year.
With more international students set to arrive soon, Kabel urges more families to consider opening their homes and hearts to students from around the world. The essence of these programs is not only to share cultures but also to foster understanding and familial bonds that transcend borders. Interested families can start their journey in hosting by visiting the AYA website.
In conclusion, the honor bestowed upon the Hoffman family and the recognition of other outstanding host families serves as a shining example of what true dedication to cultural exchange looks like, reminding us all of the powerful impact of kindness and inclusion in building a global community.
In his nomination, Fateen described how the little things made all the difference in feeling at home. From teaching him to fish and tying his shoelaces to daily check-ins by his warm host mother, everything contributed to an experience that felt genuinely familial. It was not about grand experiences but rather about the everyday moments that fostered a sense of belonging.
Fateen praised his host father, noting how calmly he addressed issues like a surprise phone bill, turning potentially frustrating moments into valuable lessons. Such interactions emphasized patience, understanding, and support, qualities that made Fateen appreciate his hosts even more. He vividly recalls a moment when his host brother, Eyan, gave him a reassuring hug after a program orientation, marking the point when he felt truly included in the family.
‘They don't just host me — they treat me like their own,’ Fateen expressed. ‘They care in small ways every day, support me when I struggle, and make me feel like I truly belong.’
The Hoffmans were not alone in their efforts to embody the spirit of cultural exchange. The first runner-up, the Starr family from Ohio, also showcased remarkable dedication. Their exchange student, Greta from Germany, described a welcoming environment that included attending her basketball and track meets and providing daily support that made her feel ‘safe and protected.’ She affectionately noted that she found a second family who would remain in her heart long after her time in the U.S. had ended.
Honorable mentions went to several other families that displayed similar commitment, including the Kilgore family from Nebraska who seamlessly integrated their Swiss exchange student Chanel into their daily lives, and the Guild family from New York who made their exchange student Johanna feel like a true member of the household through both supportive and celebratory moments. Other honorable mentions included the Smith family from Louisiana, who embraced their German exchange student, Sina, and the Keegan family from Georgia, who provided Antonia, also from Germany, with a nurturing environment that fostered language learning and emotional support.
Michele Kabel, the Director of Academic Year in America, emphasized how crucial the role of host families is within cultural exchange programs. She mentioned that the experiences shared demonstrate how small, everyday moments can drastically influence the life of an exchange student, forging enduring relationships that often last well beyond the initial exchange year.
With more international students set to arrive soon, Kabel urges more families to consider opening their homes and hearts to students from around the world. The essence of these programs is not only to share cultures but also to foster understanding and familial bonds that transcend borders. Interested families can start their journey in hosting by visiting the AYA website.
In conclusion, the honor bestowed upon the Hoffman family and the recognition of other outstanding host families serves as a shining example of what true dedication to cultural exchange looks like, reminding us all of the powerful impact of kindness and inclusion in building a global community.
Topics People & Culture）
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