Hosts needed for student exchange program

By Jeff Walker
Features Editor

San Marcos July 17, 2008 11:35 am

— Alyssa and Kerry Lash aren’t sure what they’ll show their Japanese exchange student first when he arrives in San Marcos next week. There’s plans of Schlitterbahn and the river and simply shopping for groceries.
But they know they’re excited.
“I want to make it the best opportunity for him that we can, but I want to take in his culture, too,” Alyssa said.
Sixteen-year-old Kensho Goto from Aichi, Japan will spend one month with the Lash’s beginning on Thursday, July 24, as part of the ASSE International Student Exchange Program. But unfortunately, there are many students coming who might not be as lucky as Kensho.
Twenty students will arrive in San Marcos from around the world next week, but 14 of those still do not have host families. The program is searching for community members to host these male and female high school students during their four-week stay.
“The student’s travel schedules are set and cannot be cancelled, reversed or refunded,” program coordinator Sha Moore said.
The host family will provide room and board, looking to incorporate the international student into the daily routine of their work and family life. Families with our without children can host a student. All students are conversant in English, Moore said.
Alyssa’s family took in two exchange students when she was a teenager — a boy from Turkey and a girl from Germany — and recalls both being positive learning experiences for everyone involved.
She, her husband and their 11-year-old son Kasey are anticipating the same results this time, too, looking forward to showing him around town.
“We love San marcos. My husband and I moved here to go to college and we couldn't leave,” Alyssa said. “We’re exited about showing him around.”
Based on her experiences, she encourages others to do the same.
“You build that attachment with another human being, not to mention the experiences you will gain and the memories you’ll make,” Alyssa said.
For more information on being a host family call Moore at (323) 717-5145 or e-mail shalafm@gmail.com.