By Guest Writer: Beth Allums
A few years ago, had you told me that spending my teacher’s summer off taking charge of a group of teenagers from abroad would be the most fun summer ever – I would have told you to take a long walk off a short pier. But that’s exactly what happened last summer and I’m happily repeating history again this July.
Last spring while home recovering from a minor surgery and heavily medicated, I answered a job opening from a dear friend, who helps to coordinate groups of exchange students in our area every summer.
What had I done?
I committed a big chunk of my summer to hanging out with teenagers!
Had I lost my mind?
Well as it turns out, It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Over the next few months after taking on the task of Youth Program coordinator, I received profiles for my students, began finding host families for them all, and planning 20 days of fun and adventure for them in our River City.
Compass USA
I am a Youth Program Coordinator for Compass USA. This will be my second summer hosting French exchange students.
July 6-26, fifteen (15) boys and girls coming from all over France will descend on RVA, and I will be their fearless leader. I cannot wait. Last year was a blast and an absolute success because of the wonderful host families who opened their homes to these young people.
The students arrive in Washington, DC on July 6. My assistant and I will pick them up and arrange to meet the host families here in Richmond. We will also take them back to DC on the 26th. We will welcome them with a big American pot luck party, roller skating, a visit to DC and Williamsburg, tubing on the James, a pool party and so much more. It’s going to be such fun.
Many of our host families are returning to our program to ‘adopt another family member for a month’ as they had a terrific experience and look forward to another one. As the families get to know each other, people make new friends, help with carpooling, and do a whole bunch of laughing, smiling, and learning. No one wanted the month to end last year. When the students left, everyone was teary-eyed and many of us are still in constant contact with our kids. With the technology available today, it is absolutely incredible.
Fabien
Last summer, I had the pleasure of hosting the most awesome young man with whom we still stay in close contact. Fabien was an instant member of our family and friend. We are an unconventional family, as I am a single parent of a 3rd grade boy with Aspergers Syndrome. We are a quirky pair, but we love to have fun. We loved having Fabien with us through out the summer, and when taking him to see the city I often had other boys over from time to time to just ‘hang out’ together. We went to the pool, watched movies, went to the beach and Busch Gardens, and more. Whatever your family has planned, these kids just go with the flow.
How About You?
Would YOU like a chance to make a difference in a teen’s life?
It will be an unforgettable positive experience for everyone involved! Please consider having an extra family member for a few weeks. I have several kids eagerly awaiting host families here in Richmond.
It would be super if YOU would join us too, and provide a teenager with the ability to experience ‘real life in America’. How else can you share an intercultural experience with your family without having to leave the comfort of your own home?
So Little for So Much
There is very little, besides welcoming love, that your exchange student needs. He/she will need a bed/air mattress/futon of his own in an appropriate space. It is OK to share a room with a child of the same sex in the same age range. However, please do not place them under the stairs a la Harry Potter!
Otherwise, he or she will do whatever you do. He will eat meals with you, but is not expected to provide extra things. He will have his own spending money and is financially responsible for himself. As a host family, you will receive a small stipend for expenses as well.
If you have more than one person living in the home, have an extra bed, and are willing to open your heart and home to one of the students, please contact me. You must pass a background check. WE DO COMPENSATE OUR HOST FAMILIES $50/week. The students come with their own money for activities and souvenirs.
Please understand that there will be planned activities throughout the week, so you won’t have to entertain your student 24/7. Families are welcome to attend all group activities, should you choose to do so. It is easy and fun to open your home to one of these eager-to-meet-you young people. There is no cookie-cutter family mold needed to host. They are so excited to experience American family life.
There will be 3 full-day excursions (each Tuesday) to DC and Williamsburg. Otherwise, activities will be in and around the local Richmond area. Students WILL need transportation to and from the excursions. You need not worry about finding things for your teen to do.
In addition to my group, there are several other students flying in to the Norfolk airport throughout the summer for 3-5 weeks. These students are independent travelers, they will not do activities with a group, but instead they will spend their entire stay with the host family. These students have various arrival dates.
I have all the profiles of these students with photos, information, and a letter to their perspective host families. They are so lovely. If you are interested, I will gladly share them with you, so as to find the best fit.
Remember, carpooling, vacation issues, and transportation concerns can be rectified through good communication. I cannot do justice to the positive experience had by all last year and how much I am looking forward to a repeat this summer.
Please consider joining us.
Contact me with questions.
Beth Allums
804 677 2672
