Give a Room, Gain a World: Hosting International Students

By Lucy Valdez

Have you ever heard about hosting an exchange student? Maybe you’ve had one at your high school, or maybe you’ve even wondered what it would be like to host one yourself. If so, let me share my story with you.

Hi, my name is Lucia Valdez, but most people just call me Lucy. My journey with exchange programs started way back in 1994, when I was just a teenager from Brazil with big dreams. That year, I came to El Paso, Texas as an exchange student at Hanks High School.

I was welcomed by the most wonderful host family, people who, to this very day, I still call my family. I joined the Hanks swim team, learned so much, made lifelong friendships, and created memories that are still a part of me. That year truly shaped who I became.

Twelve years ago, life brought me back to El Paso to attend UTEP. It was then that I met my husband. From the beginning, I shared my exchange story with him, and we both knew that one day, once we had our own home, we wanted to host exchange students and give them the same life-changing opportunity I once had.

And we did. Over the years, we’ve opened our doors and our hearts to five amazing students. Each one brought something special into our lives: new cultures, laughter, love, and lessons that we will carry forever.

But a couple of years ago, I thought to myself: What if I could help even more kids, not just the ones who came to live with us? That’s when I joined Ayusa, an international exchange student program that has been bringing students ages 14–18 from around the world to the U.S. for over 40 years. Today, I am proud to serve as the Community Representative for El Paso.

And here’s the truth: these students can’t live their dream without YOU. The only thing they need is a volunteer family willing to say YES. Families of all shapes and sizes can host, and nearly everyone can become a host family: big families, small families, single parents, empty nesters, retirees, same-sex couples, city dwellers, country folks. If you can provide a bed, three meals a day, and love, you can change a life.

Sometimes families even host two students at the same time, and what a gift that is!

So, if you’ve ever thought about it, if you’re curious, or if you know someone who might be a great host, please reach out. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at Lucia HostMama Valdez, or visit us at ayusa.org.

Your YES can change a life. Just like my host family changed mine. And who knows, it might change yours too.