My Hometown Community Students from Spain Seek Host Families & Lifelong Memories

by Colleen Onuffer

This summer, students from Spain will be traveling to the U.S. to experience authentic American life. Through the organization Friendships Abroad (formally Global Friendships), a chaperone and 15 students – ranging from 13 to 17-years-old will be staying with host families around Rochester’s west side.

“We want families to be themselves because that’s the experience students want to have the most: real, American families doing what they do,” explained local coordinator, Becky Smith. Becky is assisting this specific group in finding host families across Chili, Gates, Brockport, Spencerport and Hilton for the summer.

“Prior to COVID, I saw a posting for an immediate need for a host family for two cousins from France, Albane and Aurelia, whose placement fell through. My husband and I thought it would be a fun experience, so we volunteered,” explained Smith, who is in her second year as a coordinator with the organization. “I enjoyed it so much, I signed up to be a local coordinator!”

Students will be visiting from June 29 to July 27. If families are unable to host a student for the full month, they can split the visit with another family and each host for two weeks. Host families are responsible for providing students with three meals a day, a place to sleep – whether their own room or a shared room with a same sex “sibling” and some transportation. Students come with spending money so they can participate in various activities with their host family.

“Taking vacations or trips out of town are great for students tag along with their hosts, so they can be exposed to more places and experiences,” said Smith.

She also helps plan activities for the students during their time in the U.S., starting with a 24-hour visit to New York City when they first arrive at JFK airport. Throughout the summer, students will get to take a trip to Niagara Falls, attend a Red Wings base ball game and enjoy a day at Six Flags Darien Lake.

“I also try to take students to a local high school. They amazed at the difference in what our schools are like versus their schools in Spain,” she said.

The summer visit is a wonderful opportunity for students and host families, with lifelong impact.

“This is a life changing experience for the students coming the U.S. and is often a dream they’ve had since being a young child,” explained Smith. “However, it is equally as amazing of an experience for the host family to form a unique bond with someone they would have never crossed paths with otherwise. I look at it as a small way we can literally change the world. You never know what these students will take home with them and share with others – and it could be a part of your life that you shared with them!”

Smith and her family know this from personal experience.

In addition to the two cousins from France, they hosted a young lady from Spain last year named Miriam.

“My children really enjoyed hearing about their cultures and sharing our culture with them. Hearing and learning the language is really cool too,” explained Smith. “Seeing things from another perspective is humbling because we don’t often think about some things as being different because we are so used to them. The relationships can last a lifetime as well. We still speak with our past students. I even know host families who have traveled to Spain and visited former students and their families years later.

Aside from offering to host students, individuals can help share information by posting flyers at their work, church or local business. Smith added, “Any place that offers a unique experience for students is welcome to reach out to me, and I can offer it to any students interested.”

For more information about the program or hosting a student, you can visit the Facebook page Spencerport, NY Friendships Abroad or email Becky at gfstudents2022@gmail.com.