Host families help international students adjust to United States
Spring International Language Center provides intensive English and cross-cultural education
Taniah Tudor
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: News
Currently, the Klingers are hosting Mshari Rajab from Saudi Arabia. Rajab has been staying with the Klingers for the seven months he has been in the U.S.
Christine Klinger said it was her idea to begin hosting the students from the SILC. She thought about it before and decided to try it when she saw an article in the paper about how the program needed hosts.
"It was easier than I thought," she said. "You have this idea that the students will be so dependent, but they are young adults and are kept so busy with activities, there are times you hardly see them at all."
Christine Klinger said they get very close to the students and treat them as their children. And when a male student stays with them, Tim Klinger is very involved.
"We go on little road trips," Tim Klinger said. "We go to Eureka Springs where we have a cabin and do projects up there, have campouts and cookouts."
Christine Klinger said Rajab comes from a very large family, and they live in the city.
"He likes the quiet he gets here," she said. "He loves the cabin and the solitude."
Rajab said he has been enjoying the experience a lot.
"I love to be here around them," he said. "It is the first experience of my life to be away from my family."
Christine Klinger said they welcome the students to have friends over and also like to entertain and get together with other host families.
The Klinger said there is much to gain from hosting an SILC student.
"We learn a great deal about culture, traditions and beliefs," he said, "that broadens our perspective of the variety of the human experience."
Christine Klinger said she feels like she is feeding her spirit when she and Tim host a student.
"One of my deep beliefs is how we're all the same; we're all one despite the superficial things like language, hair color, etc.," she said. "We have a very open, accepting value system, so we try to share that."
Rajab said his dream is to become a doctor, and he plans to study at the UA and stay in the U.S. after he graduates.
Christine Klinger said it was her idea to begin hosting the students from the SILC. She thought about it before and decided to try it when she saw an article in the paper about how the program needed hosts.
"It was easier than I thought," she said. "You have this idea that the students will be so dependent, but they are young adults and are kept so busy with activities, there are times you hardly see them at all."
Christine Klinger said they get very close to the students and treat them as their children. And when a male student stays with them, Tim Klinger is very involved.
"We go on little road trips," Tim Klinger said. "We go to Eureka Springs where we have a cabin and do projects up there, have campouts and cookouts."
Christine Klinger said Rajab comes from a very large family, and they live in the city.
"He likes the quiet he gets here," she said. "He loves the cabin and the solitude."
Rajab said he has been enjoying the experience a lot.
"I love to be here around them," he said. "It is the first experience of my life to be away from my family."
Christine Klinger said they welcome the students to have friends over and also like to entertain and get together with other host families.
The Klinger said there is much to gain from hosting an SILC student.
"We learn a great deal about culture, traditions and beliefs," he said, "that broadens our perspective of the variety of the human experience."
Christine Klinger said she feels like she is feeding her spirit when she and Tim host a student.
"One of my deep beliefs is how we're all the same; we're all one despite the superficial things like language, hair color, etc.," she said. "We have a very open, accepting value system, so we try to share that."
Rajab said his dream is to become a doctor, and he plans to study at the UA and stay in the U.S. after he graduates.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
arizona home insurance
posted 5/31/08 @ 5:33 PM CST
My daughter dated this past year an international student from Germany. He had some language issues initially but overall an incredibly nice young man. (Continued…)
www.BoddenWear.com
posted 6/13/08 @ 6:01 PM CST
www.boddenwear.com
Sylvie Meis
posted 7/17/08 @ 2:02 PM CST
Very cool. Foreign exchange is such an eye opening experience for both the students and the hosting families. Both sides end up with a fresh perspective on the world, with a new sympathy for other people. (Continued…)
Qasir
posted 7/22/08 @ 5:26 AM CST
i am searching host families in germany.
Hoy
posted 8/05/08 @ 8:16 AM CST
Hey,
we are a family(parents with 3 kids from 14 - 22, leaving near Celle (near Hannover) and we are interested to host a boy or a girl from the USA. (Continued…)
credit card relief
posted 1/26/09 @ 9:38 AM CST
We also know three families who have hosted kids from overseas. They all expressed that it was a great experience. Two of those families still keep in contact with those kids. (Continued…)
arizona auto insurance
posted 1/26/09 @ 9:40 AM CST
With our current economic situation I was wondering if international exchange is going to face some difficult times. Let's hope not. I think it gives kids overseas a better understanding that our families are very similar to theirs. (Continued…)
phoenix life insurance
posted 2/19/09 @ 11:15 PM CST
We've known several families who have hosted. Nearly all experienced great times with it. It's something my wife and I will consider in a few years. (Continued…)
anna dangol
posted 2/20/09 @ 12:37 AM CST
i'm living in arlington tx. have been here in US as an intl student for three years...wud love to meet any host families, if any around arlington tx
arizona bankruptcy lawyer
posted 4/28/09 @ 1:05 AM CST
The international student exchange program has been terrific. We met an exchange student last year and several friends who hosted. A great thing to do. (Continued…)
Post a Comment