When we adopted Viktoria from Samara, Russia in 1997, I had no idea how much my life would change. Not only did I quit my professional position of 18 years to stay home with her, but the following year, I became a parent for the third time, but this time to a young 15-year-old International Exchange Student from Moscow, Russia.

We had a wonderful 10 months with Lena and learned so much about our daughter's birth country during the time she was with us. She has become forever a part of our family and we consider her our daughter. We have established relationships with her family in Russia and correspond with them all on a regular basis.

Since that time, we have hosted six other students from all over the world. Currently, we are hosting a young student from South Korea, Mi-Hye. Our family is now learning about Korea: it's customs, language, and history. There is no better way, other than actually visiting a country, to learn all about that country. My children are learning about the world and it's people, from our home. The most important thing they are learning is that all people laugh, cry, and smile the same, no matter what country they are from. They are also finding out that parents in all parts of the world have their own way of saying things like, "When I was your age..."

Last week I returned from a trip to Germany, where I spent five days with our student, Lilly, from two years ago, and her family. It was wonderful. Hosting an International Exchange Student can be a wonderful experience with many benefits. It's not hard. The main requirement is the willingness to accept a student into your home, provide room and board, love and support them, and treat them as your own child.

They come fully insured and with spending money. I now work with an organization, ISE (International Student Exchange), which makes it possible for the students to come to America. Students want to come to America for many reasons, and I love giving them the opportunity to come and spend time in this America I love. They then go back to their country and share what they have learned during their stay.

I love what I do. Not only do I host a student each year, but I find host families and supervise other students in the area where I live as well. ISE is always looking for families who are willing to host an exchange student. Students are available from many countries, and we are in the process of receiving applications for the 2003-2004 school year or semester. Also, there are positions available for Area Representatives.

If you are interested in either hosting a student or being an Area Representative, please contact me at: Samara97@comcast.net. I would love to answer any of your questions or put you in touch with someone at ISE who can. Our webpage is: www.iseusa.com.

© 2002