December gift making

I began this tradition with the students last year. My mom has a friend who opened her own Do it Yourself craft workshop called Heartfelt Wall Hangings.  She supplies all the materials, you pay for them and make your craft. She has become so successful that she now has her own workshop space in a building instead of her garage! It is beautiful and perfect!

The kids had a great time talking with one another about their host families and school. They also felt accomplished as they finished the gifts they had chosen for their host families.

After we were all STARVING so we headed to Cafe Rio near the first students home on our route to drop everyone off.

It was a great night and one where I began to feel a better connection with my students.

Happy Halloween!!!

Only a few students could make it to this event but it still turned out to be really fun!

First we had a scavenger hunt. The kids had to go door to door collecting Halloween themed items or pictures on their camera.  It was really fun and they got the neighbors to do some crazy things!

We then all met back to carve pumpkins. 

- I didn't have my camera so I don't have pics of this activity. Waiting to receive some. -

Pool Party!!!!

What a great night! One of the last few warm nights I think we will get before fall sets in.

The Martinez family kindly welcomed us to their home and backyard with a pool!  It was a great night complete with food and fun and even a fire pit when we got chilly.

The students enjoyed meeting each other for the first time and learning about where they were from and what school they are going to ect...  

The host families had a great time discussing how their new family member was fitting in and new host families were asking experienced families great questions. 

The night ended with the only boy who showed up being the center of attention.

New Year... New Kids... So FUN!

Welcome students 2011 - 2012!!




What an exciting year this is going to be!  All the arrivals went off without a hitch. Everyone is here safe and sound.  Our Vivian from Hong Kong has returned. She has changed her VISA and will be attending a private high school. We are excited to have her back in our home!

One of my favorite host families is hosting again this year and I am so happy to be able to meet with them every month.

I have 3 from Denmark this year. I am curious to see how they are similar as well as different from each other.

The welcome dinner was wonderful and informative. All the families came and every student remembered to bring their stuff about them and their country to display on the table.  Sadly it was not how I had envisioned it but it worked out quite nicely!  I wish I had thought to take a picture of each one.  I was so excited to look at all of them I forgot to think about pictures!

Busy Summer!

Usually summer consists of tying up loose ends for students who need paperwork taken care of, helping the surrounding Western states finish filling spots and spending family time with my family.

This summer was different and I hope a gateway to an exciting beginning for Utah.  We placed summer immersion students!

We have Iris from Spain in our home for 5 weeks and I placed a German and a Russian with families for a short summer program also.

I would LOVE to see this become a groups program where we have many students come for the summer and for a short time take them on an incredible journey through all the amazing sites Utah has to offer!

It's so hard to say goodbye....

Every year saying goodbye is difficult. This year has been especially hard to say good bye... 5 of my 7 kids this year I had the opportunity to be closer to in distance and that changed the dynamic of the student/coordinator relationship more than I ever though it would.

Also this year many close friends of ours hosted and it has made it more emotional for me to see them feel the loss sending their new family member back to their home country.

I have loved getting to know these amazing families who have opened their hearts and these remarkable kids who I have watched grow and mature.

My heart will always have a place for them!

Safe travels and see you soon!!

International Dinner 2011

What an amazing night!

I was asked to do the slideshow kind of last minute but I pulled it off and everyone loved it!

We had half of the Utah students come to the dinner with their families. All but 1 brought a dish from their country to share and all of them shared unique and fun talents!

The feeling that it was all coming to an end became real for many families and students. There were tears and grateful hearts.

Why Utah?

To new students - You are probably asking yourselves  

"Why am I going to Utah?"

Utah is a very unique state. It is the only state that you will find every type of terrain!!  This allows for a huge variety of activities all year round and beauty everywhere you go!

The state is also full of American History. There are many historical sites to see all over the state.

There are also many malls, theaters, restaurants ect...

 Another very unique aspect of High School life in Utah is all the dances!!!  Almost all high schools have dances every other month. Some have one every month. Students in Utah go to the dances with friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, as a group... it really doesn't matter. They go to have fun and dance and enjoy the day. Most dances are preceded by a daytime activity i.e bowling, movie, go-carts, mini golf ect...  with the group you are going to the dance with.

 As most American High Schools in the bigger city areas there are many sports, clubs and classes to choose from at school.  But remember just because sports are offered does not guarantee you will be able to participate. They are highly competitive and the coach decides what is best for the team.




And as if those things were not enough... there are still more activities to be found if you just look...

The best thing you can do is make A LOT of friends.  Friends will be able to give you the best experience while you are here.

All pictures were taken by past exchange students and used with permission 

- These were their experiences here in Utah - 

What will yours be?!

New Regulations

The State Department has issued new rules and regulations surrounding the placement process of exchange students. The changes are for the safety of the students.

Host families are being asked to provide additional information and proof that a coordinator had visited them, interviewed them and inspected the home.

We also will not be allowed to provide full student profiles with names and photos until the host family has been approved.

You can see the full document with the changes here.

The safety and well being of our students are one of our top priorities. I hope you will join us in supporting the State Department in these changes.