EXCHANGE PROGRAMS offer a bridge of understanding, compassion, and friendship. Meet the Academic Program Development administrator and host families of Cultural Homestay International in Tennessee, who all play a pivotal role in fostering connections between exchange students and our communities.
It all began with a simple act of kindness. As a high school student, Michelle Thomas’s family welcomed an exchange student into their home. This experience inspired her to tread the path of facilitating cultural exchanges. Years later, when her own children were in high school, she opened her home to not one but two exchange students. In 2014, she joined Cultural Homestay International (CHI), beginning her life-changing career.
Through her experiences, she has seen firsthand the transformation that occurs when young individuals from different corners of the world embrace the opportunity to study in the United States.
With operations in Manchester and Tullahoma, Thomas manages the dynamics between these diverse locations to ensure the best possible experiences for exchange students. She highlighted the importance of her dedicated staff and the support provided by CHI, enabling them to address challenges swiftly and provide guidance when needed.
Coordinating 54 exchange students in Tennessee poses its own unique set of challenges and rewards. The administrator’s biggest challenge is the geographical spread of students throughout the state, making it challenging to interact with each one personally.
However, the rewards are abundant, ranging from witnessing students’ accomplishments, friendships, and adaptation to American life to the small joys of hearing them say “y’all.”
CHI takes pride in its commitment to acts of kindness, and one such act was a recent food donation. Supporting the school’s backpack food program is vital to the CHI mission, as it reinforces the agency’s dedication to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the exchange program is the role of host families. Paula and Terry Davis in Tullahoma have hosted exchange students for five consecutive years, creating a truly global family. Their commitment has not only impacted the students but has also enriched their own lives by exposing them to different cultures and traditions. The Davises have stayed in touch with most students they’ve hosted; some have even returned to visit.
Paula said, “We have family nights where we play cards or watch movies together. We also encourage them to participate in all school activities, such as dances, ball games, dress-up days, clubs, sports, and going out with friends. Our experience hosting over the years is memorable and fulfilling. These kids have unforgettable experiences, and they take a part of us with them. I always say the hardest part of hosting is when they get on the plane to go home.”
Over the years, Thomas has witnessed personal growth and transformation in the exchange students she has worked with. Students who arrived quiet and shy left full of life, and the experience taught them to appreciate different ways of living, bettering themselves in the process. Some students have even returned to the U.S. to attend college, with one receiving a soccer scholarship in Louisiana.
Unforgettable moments are a daily occurrence in cultural exchange. Thomas cherishes the return of students to Tennessee and the enduring connections they build with their host families. These bonds are so strong that some students choose to attend college in Tennessee and even settle down in the state.
After all, this is not just about cultural exchange; it’s about building lifelong connections and understanding that transcends borders. These dedicated individuals are making the world a smaller, kinder, and more connected place, one exchange at a time. GN
