The Search for a Second Home
BY CAILIN FAILING
The Tower
Exchange students Ester Donnini and Elise Deleo enjoying their time at Disneyland with their host family during Christmas break (Photo Contributed)
Walking through the halls of Manteca High, you might hear a new accent or learn a new perspective on life. This year Elise Deleo from Belgium and Ester Donnini from Italy have become a part of the buffalo family bringing some of their home to the campus. Once they settle in the search for the next group of students to call Manteca home next year begins.
Cultural Homestay International (CHI) is a nonprofit that has been around for over 45 years. They are looking for eight local families to host students for the upcoming school year. While there are many students nationwide waiting for a placement, the goal is to make sure those eight get to experience life in our community. `
The requirements aren’t as hard as most people think. The things a host family needs to provide is a bed, meals, and a supportive place to stay. The students bring their own medical insurance and money for things such as clothes, supplies, and the “fun” stuff like clubs or games. The family will also need to complete a criminal background check which is paid for by CHI. It is a volunteer program so the connection between the family and student is meant to be more like a real bond than a business deal.
“Our students fully participate in family life. They are expected to help with chores and keep their living space clean. As the local coordinator, I personally support both the student and the host family throughout the entire experience. Host families can be two-parent households, single parents, or empty nesters—many different types of families make wonderful hosts.” Said Ceci Haas the local Academic Coordinator
Spreading the word is one of the biggest things. This year they will place over 400 students nationwide and currently there is about 95 students still waiting for a host family. Before hosting you can even get the chance to connect with your student before they arrive.
“One of the most special parts of hosting is that families can begin building a relationship with their student even before arrival—connecting through texts, social media, and video calls in the months leading up to late July.” Said Ceci Haas
For any clubs or teams at Manteca High looking to fundraiser, there is a $200 referral bonus for any group that helps find a family who can host. It is a cool way to help our school programs while also helping out a student find a host family. Anyone who wants to learn more can reach out to the local coordinator at (209) 787 – 0305.
The Tower sat down with foreign exchange student Elise Deleo from Belgium to hear about her experience going through the program and here at Manteca High.
The Tower : What made you want to join the program?
Elise Deleo : I wanted to do an exchange year to discover the world, learn to understand another country, other people, and I wanted to discover myself. Who I really am. It's an amazing experience and you only have one chance to do it so even if I was terrified, I left and I'm living an amazing time here.
TT: What was your first impression when you arrived and did you feel welcomed?
ED: Yes! I felt really welcome when our host family picked us up at the airport, me and Ester. My first impression was that everything was so different. The food, the people,... It's like we see in the movie, nothing is the same. It is refreshing when you have always lived in the same area all your life. I had traveled in Europe but that was another level of changement.
TT: How did this experience change you?
ED: I was already 18when I left Belgium, but I know that is it during this experience that I became an adult. Being away from your family for 10months, having to figure things on your own, being responsible for yourself,...It is a really good exercise to show you what "being an adult" is. You think a lot more before doing things, you learn how to manage your emotions; you grow.
TT: What is a message you would give to families considering hosting?
ED: A lot of amazing kids around the world are hoping that people allow them to live their dream to live abroad. Without host families, those programs won't exist.
TT: What was the cost to come of the experience?
ED: An exchange student spends between 12 and 20 thousand dollars to do an exchange year. It depends on the country and the program you are choosing. If you leave during your high school's years it is cheaper, if you wanna choose your area or a specific activity (some want to be sure that they can do golf or dance or...) it is more expensive,...There is a lot of things to keep in mind.