As part of giving back to my community, I found myself involved as a volunteer of the American Red Cross - Sacramento Chapter (You may have spotted me on KCRA TV during a heavy storm relief telethon that was held by ARC). At the same time, I also decided that I want to give a little bit more - this time in a wider range , so I became active volunteer Area Representative for a non-profit organization called Youth For Understanding. Youth For Understanding (YFU) is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international exchange organizations.
I started out as a Host parent to a 15 year boy from France. That's his picture on the right (He was handpicked by my daughter who saw this as an opportunity to master her French language skills). Our family enjoyed hosting so much because we had the opportunity to pick who we felt would be a perfect match for our family. It also allow my children to understand a different culture and learn patience in as he adapts to our family for the entire school year.
I love it that much that when asked if I would volunteer to be an Area Representative, I jumped at the chance, knowing that I would get to meet other foreign exchange students and learn all about them.
Romain, who has become a very important part of our family life will be missed a great deal when he leaves us to go home at the end of the school year.
As an Area Representative, I become these students and the host families point of contact. I also do my part by calling out to the public for an opportunity to open their homes to these remarkable foreign exchange students as they challenge themselves for a year to learn about our American culture. In exchange they will share their culture with you.
And because my family have adjusted well with Romain, we decided to take on another foreign exchange student from Japan. Hikaru is 17 years old. That's her picture to the left. She shared a room with my only daughter. And they got along very well. We will miss her as well as she leaves to go back home this June.
As this school year is nearing the end, we prepare ourselves to the next upcoming foreign exchange students for the next school year. About 20% of these students have been placed throughout California already. We are currently searching for more families who is willing to open their homes to many students from different cultures.
If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact me. Or you can read all about it by clicking the hyperlink above or clicking the logo below.
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