Cultivating Connections: A Host Mom's Journey Through Cultural Exchange

Meet Jacqueline Kometz, an English teacher with a passion for language, culture, and building connections. She nurtures young minds in fifth grade. However, her role extends beyond the classroom. Jacqueline is also a host parent, opening her home to young individuals from the US. Let's dive into her story and learn about the enriching experiences she's had along the way. 

Jacqueline's journey as a host parent began with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She was absolutely thrilled at the prospect of welcoming someone new into her family but also intimidated by being responsible for someone else’s kid. 

So, what motivated Jacqueline to become a host parent? For her, it was a blend of personal growth, cultural exchange, and the desire to combat the solitude of an empty nest. She saw hosting as an opportunity to enhance her English skills, share her knowledge of German culture and language, and add vitality into her home.

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth hosting experience. Jacqueline familiarized herself with the resources provided by Partnership International, while also drawing on her own experiences abroad. Jacqueline made sure to involve her young daughter in the preparations, providing her with a simplified explanation of what it meant to welcome a new member into their household.

Jacqueline found hosting immensely rewarding from the beginning despite there being challenges from time to time. From discovering cultural quirks like Americans' aversion to mayo on fries to bonding over shared interests, every moment offered a chance for growth and connection. Her favorite aspect of hosting? Creating a sense of belonging for her exchange students and fostering a familial bond that transcended borders.

Building rapport with her exchange students involved a mix of curiosity, empathy, and shared experiences. When asked how she established connections with her host students, she laughed an evil laugh before putting on a straight face. “I questioned her.” Jacqueline's approach was straightforward yet effective: ask questions, listen attentively, and find common ground. She explains that it helps her learn about her students' backgrounds.

For families considering hosting an exchange student, Jacqueline offers valuable advice: be open-minded, stay true to your initial motivations, and remember that communication is key. Reflecting on her own experiences, she wishes she had reached out to parents earlier to alleviate any concerns they might have had. "Be empathetic. Put yourself in the shoes of a teenager who moved to another country."

Partnering with organizations like Partnership International provided Jacqueline with the support and resources needed to navigate the hosting experience. While there were undoubtedly moments of technical difficulties, the joy of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds far outweighed any challenges.

In the end, Jacqueline's journey as a host mom is a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences. As she continues to welcome new faces into her home, she remains committed to fostering understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging—one student at a time.

And amidst the bustling activity of hosting and teaching, Jacqueline finds solace in her love for coffee, her playful cat companion, and the joy of unwinding with a good society game. These simple pleasures complement her busy life and add warmth to the welcoming atmosphere of her home.

“I believe it’s never too late to learn a new language and studying abroad is the best way to efficiently pick up the language.”