Should we take border??

[lovelee]

Hello ladies!!
I have a friend that has a Vietnamese exchange student living with her right now for this schoold year. The student (girl) wants to come to my city to finish her senior year in the states and then go to a university here. My friend asked me if we would be interested in letting her live with us. My husband and I are both open to the idea, and don't forsee any problems, as my friend has just raved about her and cares for her very much.

We have two children, a girl 4 1/2 and a boy 2.

Have any of you done this, can anyone think of why I shouldn't do this?? Thanks,

[mariposita]

bellafinn,

Yes, yes yes! Take her in! I don't have any personal experience actually hosting an international student, but I have been an exchange student for several years of my life and have led two exchange programs abroad. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have a caring family to take me in. The host family is one of the most important features to living abroad.

I also think that it is great to be a host family with younger children. In all of my experience (and seeing my friends too), I would say that this family dynamic tends to be one of the best. The exchange students usually LOVE to be around the children, the children LOVE to be around him/her.

I have many friends who's families have hosted, and in almost all cases, they have been VERY positive experiences. The only word of advice I have is to make sure you are upfront with your expectations (what, if anything, she needs to do around the house, arriving for meals on time, what you pay for vs. what she pays for, etc). Unclear expectations are the main source for any troubles. Usually proper communication solves any problems that might occur.

I also think that your friend's good recommendation carries a lot of weight. Good luck in deciding!