Moms everywhere work hard to care for their families while providing love and encouragement. Host moms take that to another level entirely as they voluntarily give that same care to an exchange student. All of us at ICES have an enormous amount of love and admiration for our host moms every day--but especially on Mother's Day!
This year, we invited students to share why their host mom is special. Grab a cup of coffee and a box of tissues and read on to hear what they had to say. . .
She is special for me because she helps me in everything she can, she is always there for me when I need her, and thanks to her I am having the best experience I could have ever asked for. She has become my second mom and she will always be in a part of my heart.
Angela from Spain
Host mom, Liz
Virginia
These months have been a mixture of excitement and challenges and she has helped me through out all of them. I’ve understood that what really makes your exchange year great is the people, and i couldn’t be more grateful to her. ️
Host mom, Sally
Florida
Oklahoma
My host mum Betty is special because is the best host mom, she cook great, she is a great person with a great personality, she will help you always, she will go to every sport event you participate on it, she will make you laugh, she will care about you etc and I think that and more make Betty a great mom.
Juande from Spain
Host mom, Betty
Michigan
I could never imagine having a better host mother....Thank you for all the LOVE and HUGS
Michigan
She has done so many things for me, she is understanding, super nice, modest and so much more.
She gives me a feeling of beeing home 
.
California
Thank you for everything, all the time, Patience, effort, rides and having me stay with you! :))
Tona is special: she puts her heart in everything she does, she is source of good advices, support and laughes. In this year, I’m deeply thankful for having had her next to me.
Michigan
My hostmom is special because she is always there for me, no matter what. She's caring, loving, and an amazing mom.
I am grateful for everything you do.
My host is more special than every else’s host moms. The reason is because she buys me unlimited honey buns. We also spend too much time together, but that’s fine because she can be funny sometimes. I will not complain. Good marchandise. Works pretty well, but usually has to fix some things. I still like her though. I give it 5 stars.
My host mom is special because from day one she gave me the love and kindness like I was her real son which made me fell special and helped me a lot during my start in America.️
Ismail from Germany
Host mom, Dana
California
I'm grateful that my host mom took me in 8 months ago and for doing her best to make everyone in her family happy !
Michigan
she’s not only my host mum in the us but she’s also my best friend. She has done so much for me and we shared so many good moments together, she made me feel part of her family from the first moment. I love you! Happy Mother’s day :)
Anna from Italy
Host mom, Ragen
Louisiana
She is always smiling and is full of happiness everyday.
Georgia
Erin is just my second mum i can’t explain why she have became like that, but since the beginning i have feel like home just because of her, she will always say “b you are one of my kids” I love her with all my heart and i couldn’t ask for more. She is an amazing mum that will do everything to see the family smile. I love you mum <3
Beatriz from Spain
Host mom, Erin
Michigan
So thankfull for having you as my host mom, words can’t describe how gratefull i am to you for making this one of the best experiences in my life. So happy for having you as my second family. Love you!
Louisiana
My hostmum is like a sister to me, we laugh together about everything and she’s always there for me. she’s the coolest hostmum ever!
Berid from Germany
Host mom, Chelsea
Indiana
My host mom is a special person in my life. She‘s the sweatiest person ever, she always makes me smile and makes my day better. I’m so glad to have a wonderful woman like her in my life!
Marquette, Michigan
My host mum is special to me because she taught me a lot of things without even realizing. She protects and loves me like I’m her own and that’s what makes her special.
Sophie from Germany
Host mom, Melissa
Louisiana
Melissa thank you for all that you have done for me in this experience , i will always be thankful for having you in my life. You make me feel like i’m home and that i have a second family here. I love you so much and i will miss you.
Louisiana
I'm so thankful for everything that you do for me,you are so special to me. When I first got in America you were always so awesome and helpful to me. Thank you for everything; I love you so much and you are always going to be my American mom
Gustavo from Brazil
Host mom, Tricia
Oklahoma
I would like to thank my host mother for all the help, patience and love that she has given me during my stay in her home.️
Michigan
Happy mother’s day Amy, thank you so much hosting me and being like a mom for me during this exange year. I hope you have a good day!
Giulia from Spain
Host mom, Amy
Oklahoma
She is an amazing and wonderful host mom and is just like a mom to me. She is so passionate about my being here and loves to show me around everywhere. She is such a positive ray of sunshine and makes everything so much fun!
Minnesota
My host mom makes all my days brighter and happier with all the love and support she gives me. Her hugs are the best! I still have some time living here but I already miss her a lot.
Beatriz from Spain
Host mom, Gina
Oklahoma
Patti is more than just a host mum, she treats me like her actual daughter. She is always worried about me, where i go and with who. Every morning before she goes to work all i hear is “bye love you, have a good day”. Every time i hang out with somebody, there is always “bye, love you be careful”. Even every night, when everyone is in bed, she says “goodnight, i love you”. I really feel attached to her and i can totally say she is my second mum.
Oklahoma
My Hostmom is important for me because she and the rest of my host-family made it a second home and not just an adventure.
Elisabeth from Germany
Host mom, Lindsay
Florida
Michigan
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I love my host mom because she is an inspirational and understanding person to me. She taught me different things in life, gave me opportunities to volunteer and support in any steps I take.
Chealeang from Cambodia
Host mom, Gina
Mustang, Oklahoma
I love my host mom, she always makes me feel better and tries to put a smile in my face every time she can.
Minnesota
I think my host mum is the best host mum ever, i feel so lucky for having her not only as a host mum but as a real mom and friend, i’m going to miss her the most when i go back to spain
Alejandra from Spain
Host mom, Vanessa
Michigan
My host mom is special to me because she loves us like her own children and she always tries to make all of our dreams come true. I really appreciate her.
California
My host mom is special because she is ALWAYS there for me. Doesn’t matter which situation she’s always supportive. I can’t stress enough how happy I am to have her as my host mom.
Hermann from Germany
Host mom, Kimberly
Texas
My host mom Danni is special because of her lovely personality, character, she gives one of the best hugs ever and she is a big support in my life. I learned a lot from her. Thank you for all that you do for me! You are amazing. I love you so much, I can't imagine this experience without you.
Indiana
Happy Mother's Day ! 
Mami, you are very special and you mean a lot to me.
You are a really beautiful and amazing person. Thank you for always there for me.
Seoyeon from South Korea
Host mom, Lisa
Oklahoma
Thank you for welcoming us in your house, we are immensely grateful for everything you have done, you are amazing people. Happy mother and dad's day Heather and Ryan, because you are both important to us!
North Carolina
I’m glad i have her as my host mom, and it’s because of her that i’m here and i’m always going to be grateful for this.
She is like a second mom to me, i really love her so much and i appreciate every thing she does for me.
Emma from Italy
Host moms, Carrie
Michigan
Tona is special: she puts her heart in everything she does, she is source of good advices, support and laughes. In this year, I’m deeply thankful for having had her next to me
Michigan
My host mom loves me and my host sister very much. She does a lot of things such as cooking and driving. She always encourages me, reminds me how awesome I am. I love her so much.
Irene from Taiwan
Host mom, Sara
Michigan
1. She made sure i was happy
2. She hosted me without knowing me
Michigan
Thank you for bringing me into this family. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful host mom in my life. You always care about me; always there for me, bring me to watch all kinds of performances, take me to experience everything I am interested. You treat me like your own kids though we aren’t related by blood I feel as if I am. You will always be in my heart. Love you forever.
Shan-Ni from Taiwan
Host mom, Kristen
Kansas
Michigan
I’m really grateful for her because she’s really supportive of me, especially for sports like track and field. She always tries to help and protect me and treats me like one of her own children. Additionally, she always gives me advice and I had so much fun on our girls trip to Florida,
Lisa from Germany
Host mom, Denise
California
Stacey is special to me because she is always there for me, supporting me as much as possible. She is like a second mum to me and I will always be glad to have her and spend time with her because it is always fun with her!
She’s like my second mother, I love her so much and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything she has done for me.”️
Claudia from Spain
Host mom, Molly
Michigan
My hostmom is super special to me because she always supports everything I do. From the first day I was here we had a very good connection and I know I can always talk to her when I have a question or concern.
Arkansas
Vitoria from Brazil
Host mom, Sarah
Montana
Since I met her she opened the doors of her house and made me feel at home, she is a wonderful person, I am happy that I got to meet her and I will miss her a lot when I go back home!
Illinois
Keagan is a very special person to me, she is like a very good friend and I am so thankful for all the conversations we had.
I can talk with her about everything, she is a very good listener and supports me wherever she can!
Lisa-Marie from Germany
Host mom, Keagan
Louisiana
Michigan
Host mom, Marlene
Lafayette, Louisiana
Kansas
Ellen from Germany
Host mom, Erica
Indiana
Missouri
My host mom is the best that I could ever ask for. She is always there when you need it, always ready helping you in bad moments and laugh with you in the good ones. All the effort that she puts in her family is admirable and she always makes every moment special and unforgettable.
Together we built memories that we are not going to forget and I’m grateful I did it with her as my host mother by my side.
Giulia from Italy
Host mom, Donna
Arizona
Beth is the best host mom I could ever ask for. She’s funny and we have a lot of things in common, for example, we both love makeup.
Illinois
My host mom is amazing, she takes care of me like her kids and she is just like my best friend i love her
Leonie from France
Host moms, Alysse
East Lansing, Michigan
This is my host mom danielle. Danielle is special to me because she tries to help me with whatever I need. She tries to make me feel like I’m apart of the family.
Arizona
Kelig from France
Host mom, Danni
Indiana
Jessika, in just a few months, became one of the most important people in my exchange year. She became one of my best friends, she's always there for me and I appreciate everything she did for me during this year. I couldn't have been luckier
Happy mother's day to my host mom!!
Louisiana
She is super special to me because I can tell her everything and feel understood. She gives me the opportunity to experience so many great things here and helps me whenever I need something. Denae is like a second mom, I‘m super grateful for her and excited to spend the next few weeks with her! 
Jolina from Germany
Host mom, Denae
California
Florida
My host mum is amazing , unique , I am so grateful for having her by my side , taking care of me in any moment . I love her!!
Marta from Spain
Host mom, Bobbi
Florida
She’s special because she’s always with me when I need it, I’m so grateful to be with her. Happy Mother’s Day to you. You’re the best host mum!
I love my host mum because she always helps me with everything and she treats me like i’m her real daughter. She wants the best for me and i will always have her in my heart and want the best for her.️
Claudia from Spain
Host mom, Sandra
Georgia
We think that our host mom is the most amazing host mom there is because she is helpful, she supports us in everything, she always has some good advice, and she pours her whole heart into hosting.
Nebraska
Valentina from Colombia
Host mom, Lexi
Michigan
My host mom is one of the most special and important people in my life right now because she is the one that makes my exchange year something special. She gives me the best experience, always wants the best for me and supports me in every situation she can.
I am super grateful for her and couldn’t imagine a life without her anymore.
Michigan
She is like a best friend for me, she always helped me and supported me in everything I did
Angela from Spain
Host mom, Lisa
Indiana
Missouri
Host mom, Janel
Michigan
Indiana
I'm grateful you're allowing me to have an amazing time with wonderful and memorable experiences.
Rebecca from Italy
Host mom, Kathy
Michigan
My host mum is special because she knows when you need a hug, because she knows how to laugh and how to make other people laugh. She is special because she is crazy, that kind of crazy that adds colors in our life. She is special because when she saw me dressed for prom she cried. She is special, and now she is not just my host mum anymore, she is a sister and a friend, and she'll always be. I love you
My host mom is very special to me, she cares for me a lot. Thanks to her I’m having a great experience here in the US. I love our after dinner talks, I always laugh at her anecdotes. Thanks for everything Laura !️
Alexandra from Spain
Host mom, Laura
Michigan
She taught me a lot of American and southern culture and lots of recipes !
Mississippi
Marcos from Spain
Host mom, Karen
Wyoming
My host mum is special because she treats me more like a sister or friend. She is so much fun and down for everything. I know that I will always be her daughter and that I can always reach out to her, even when I’m back in Germany.
Texas
Today is your day! Thank you so much for being there and always support me as one of your children
Marta from Spain
Host mom, Kelly
Colorado
Michigan
Host mom, Mariana
California
Wisconsin
