Finding enough families to host exchange students in Oglethorpe County has been a challenge.
However, Michelle Bakke, the regional director for International Experience in Raleigh, North Carolina, is committed to bringing the benefits of hosting these students to small-county families.
Bakke said one of the main reasons for the shortage of host families in smaller counties is due to the lack of awareness of the program.
“It’s really just getting it out there; that’s the hardest part,” Bakke said. “Getting it out there and getting people to take that step and not be afraid.”
Katie Brunson, a former coordinator for International Experience, hosts 15-year-old Sergio Alio, who is the only international student placed in Oglethorpe County.
Alio came to Brunson’s family from Madrid, Spain, in August, and is enrolled as a sophomore at Oglethorpe County High School.
“He’s such a blessing in this house,” Brunson said. “It’s going to rip our hearts out when he leaves.”
Erica Solomon, the local coordinator for international Experience, oversees Alio’s experience from Aiken, South Carolina. In addition to coordinating, Solomon and her family hosted 15-year-old Alejo Moreno last year.
Her children will spend the full month of July with Moreno and his family this summer.
“This young man came in and instantly just molded directly into our family like he was meant to be here,” Solomon said.
Solomon said Oglethorpe County has plenty to offer, due to the county’s school system and proximity to the University of Georgia. While many exchange students gravitate to major cities for their experience, there are those who stay in more rural areas.
In addition, people may harbor hesitations about hosting a student due to concerns regarding finances and the presence of an unfamiliar person in their homes.
However, students are expected to come with enough money for necessities. How families choose to approach any additional financial help is up to them.
“Our student spent no money while he was here unless it was stuff he wanted,” Solomon said.
She also provides support for both host families and students, answering any questions concerning program policies or other issues.
“A kid has a question, you call me,” Solomon said. “My phone lines are open 24 hours a day.”
If interested in hosting an exchange student through International Experience, contact Michelle Bakke at m.bakke@international-experience.net or call 919-649-0000. For more information regarding International Experience and host family eligibility, visit ie-usa.org/.