Exchange students experience U.S. life

Plenty of laughter, new friends and memories

 

IMLAY CITY — Where else do you go to interview exchange students?

Six students from various countries, their U.S. families and me gathered at BombBurgers in Imlay City a few weeks ago to learn about the students, their lifestyles and experiences since coming to the United States.

In all, there are 10 students attending either Imlay City or Almont High School, with five students at each school. They are all part of the exchange student program known as Ayusa.

The conversation during the interview was as diverse as the students – noting there was representation from Germany, Palestine, France and Italy.

The teens, all placed in the senior class either at Imlay City or Almont, had plenty to say about the American cuisine, cute boys, clothing and the U.S. way of life in general.

Juliane Gailer is from Germany and attends Imlay City High School. She didn’t mince words when making observations.

“There is too much fast food here,” she said with a smile. “But, I like it!”

Mira Tahhan is from Palestine and she heard about the opportunity to be an exchange student from a friend.

“My friend had come to the United States and from what was said, it sounded like it was a great experience and that is when I knew I wanted to try it and get involved with the program.”

More than happy to wear their feelings on their sleeve and say what they think, Guenda Martinelli, of Italy, said of the U.S., “I’ve made a lot of friends here but, the food is awful here. Not like what I am used to.”

Martinelli said she’s not much of a cook at home, but enjoys the Italian menu and has tried several U.S. dishes she wasn’t used to.

Amit Yahav of France is the lone boy among the group and says he likes fast cars and movies.

“The cars here go really fast,” he said. “I like going to car shows, watching Netflix and your American food. I had the thrill of attending Autorama. That was fun.”

Candice Blandeau, also of France, is being hosted by the (Brenda) Savonne family, also in Almont.

The exchange student program can be just as intimidating of a venture for either the student or the host family.

Having a student come to the United States for one school year, or deciding to be a host family, sets the table for adventure, adjustment and plenty of unknowns.

For one local family, hosting two exchange students while another family member hosts two more, is a chance to experience different cultures and a chance to share what the rural community has to offer.

Dave Hill of Imlay City, and his wife Tina, have been a host family for many years and are currently housing two students. Meanwhile, his spry young mom, Carolyn – at the age of 90, is also a host for two students, housing Tahhan and Gainer.

Hill, who has Martinelli and Margaux Citton of France, at his house says his family enjoys the experience.

“We’ve done this for years and we love it, Hill said. “The best way to make the world a better place is to make ourselves better and this experience is a different adventure every year. It makes us better, with plenty of new experiences with the kids.”

A founding member of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), Ayusa International is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of global leaders and world citizens.

Through quality exchange programs for high school students around the world, the organization cultivates leadership skills, develops intercultural awareness and enhances global knowledge not only through education, but through experience.

Ayusa is a Department of State BridgeUSA regulated program and a part of Intrax, a globally-oriented company that provides a lifetime of high-quality educational and work programs that connect people and cultures.

The company says miles, language and cultural differences sometimes make those involved feel worlds apart from each other.

But when you welcome an international high school exchange student into your home, you quickly discover they become family.

Through experiences, conversations, normal day-to-day life, and special memories together – you will learn how close together “worlds apart” can really be.

Local Ayusa Coordinator Katie Stafa stays busy with student placement and matching up host families, after doing a through background check and proper vetting.

“There is no typical Ayusa host family!” she said recently. “Married, single, young or empty- nesters, with or without kids – everyone is welcome! Ayusa host families all share the desire to learn, teach, love and grow through their hosting experience.”

One of the main requirements to qualify to be a host family, volunteer host families must be 25 years or older and provide students with a comfy, safe place to live, sleep, study and thrive for five to 10 months and three healthy meals a day.

Host families or friends can provide a ride or students can use public transportation.

Successful host families are encouraged to welcome them in to their home, love them, listen to them, teach them and show them the U.S. way of life.

The Ayusa group has enjoyed several trips, both locally and with other exchange students. Among the favorites was last fall when they ventured to Mackinac Island. They also been to Little Caesars Arena for basketball and hockey games and to Comerica Park for a baseball game.

Among some of their favorite American cuisine is Dairy Queen, pizza and burgers. Several of the students are trying sports, playing tennis, track, golf, soccer and one is a member of a dance team and twirling.