Should I Host Again? Stories from Families Who Said Yes

If you've hosted an exchange student before, you know how transformative the experience can be. The laughter, the learning, the connection across cultures—all of it can leave a lasting impression. But what if you're on the fence about hosting again? Maybe you had such a wonderful experience that you're afraid it could never be matched. Or perhaps your time as a host wasn't as smooth as you'd hoped, and you're hesitant to try again.

Let’s take a closer look at three families who faced these very questions. Each of their stories offers a unique perspective, and, ultimately, a reason why saying yes to hosting again could be one of the best decisions you make.

The Johnsons: Afraid It Could Never Be the Same

The Johnson family hosted Sofia from Spain two years ago, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Sofia quickly became like a second daughter, sharing her love of Spanish cuisine, teaching the kids a few words in her native language, and filling their home with her infectious energy. When Sofia left, there were tears all around, and the Johnsons have stayed in touch with her ever since.

But now, as they consider hosting again, there’s a lingering fear. "What if our next student isn’t like Sofia?" Mrs. Johnson wonders. "What if we don’t connect as well, or it just doesn’t feel the same?"

It’s a natural concern, especially after such a positive experience. But here’s what the Johnsons realized: no two hosting experiences will be identical, and that’s a good thing. Every student brings their own unique personality, culture, and energy to the home. While Sofia’s time with them was irreplaceable, hosting again doesn’t mean trying to replicate that experience—it means opening themselves up to a new adventure.

The Johnsons decided to host again, welcoming Taro from Japan into their home. Taro was quieter than Sofia, but with time, they discovered his dry sense of humor and love for origami. They learned about Japanese customs and even tried their hand at making sushi. Was it the same as their time with Sofia? No. But it was equally rewarding in its own way. The Johnsons now have two "children" in two different countries, each bringing a different kind of joy into their lives.

The Parkers: A Challenging Experience

For the Parker family, hosting didn’t go as smoothly as they’d hoped. Their student, Lucas from Brazil, struggled with homesickness and had difficulty adjusting to the new environment. There were moments of tension, cultural misunderstandings, and a few heated arguments. By the end of the exchange, both the Parkers and Lucas were relieved for it to be over.

After such a challenging experience, the idea of hosting again seemed daunting. "We weren’t sure if we wanted to go through that again," Mr. Parker admits. "We felt like we failed."

But over time, the Parkers began to see things differently. Hosting an exchange student isn’t always easy, and challenges are part of the experience. They realized that despite the difficulties, they had learned a lot about themselves, their own culture, and how to navigate tough situations. They also recognized that every student is different, and just because one experience was challenging doesn’t mean the next one will be.

Encouraged by these reflections, the Parkers decided to give hosting another shot. They opened their home to Anna from Germany. This time, things were different. Anna adjusted quickly, and the family found ways to communicate more effectively, drawing on what they’d learned from their previous experience. By the end of the year, the Parkers had a new appreciation for the resilience and adaptability they’d gained—and a newfound confidence in their ability to host.

The Garcias: When a Student Asks to Change Families

The Garcia family faced a particularly difficult situation when their student, Elena from Italy, asked to change host families mid-year. It was a blow to their confidence and left them questioning what they had done wrong. "We thought we were doing everything right," Mrs. Garcia recalls. "But when Elena asked to move, we were heartbroken."

The Garcias respected Elena’s wishes and worked with their coordinator to find her a new home. It was a tough pill to swallow, but they eventually came to understand that it wasn’t necessarily a reflection on them. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, the fit just isn’t right.

After a few years, the Garcias began to reconsider hosting. They talked about what had happened with Elena and realized that they had grown from the experience. They’d learned the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and being open to feedback. They also missed the excitement and cultural exchange that comes with hosting.

With some hesitation, they decided to host again, welcoming Carlos from Mexico. This time, the experience was much more positive. They were better prepared, more attuned to their student’s needs, and ready to make adjustments when necessary. Carlos thrived in their home, and by the end of the year, the Garcias felt a renewed sense of fulfillment. The experience had come full circle, and they were glad they didn’t let one difficult experience stop them from trying again.

Why Saying Yes Again Matters

Each of these families faced different challenges and hesitations when considering whether to host again. But what they all discovered is that hosting isn’t about recreating a perfect experience—it’s about opening your home to new possibilities, learning from the past, and growing together.

If you’re thinking about hosting again, know that every experience is unique. Maybe your next student won’t be like the last, and that’s okay. Maybe there will be challenges, but you’re better equipped to handle them now. And maybe, just maybe, your next experience will be even more rewarding than the first.

So, should you host again? If you’re ready to embrace the journey with an open heart, the answer is yes. The world is full of young people eager to learn, grow, and connect—and they’re waiting for families like yours to say yes to hosting once more.