MAY 2026 - The Knight family is our May Host Family Highlight #HostFamilyHighlight!
This year, Laurel welcomed two students into her home — one from Brazil and one from Denmark. Through everyday moments, school events, and shared experiences, her home became an important part of both students’ exchange year.
We’re especially grateful that she’ll be hosting with us again this year. Host parents like her make these life-changing experiences possible. Thank you, Laurel!
Read below to learn more about Laurel’s experience hosting two exchange students, along with reflections from the students themselves!
From Laurel:
“I really enjoyed being a host mom and being immersed in local high school sports and activities. It was so neat to see what I consider ordinary through their eyes. I would say that this experience has reinforced to me that we all have something unique to share.”
Sille from Denmark:
“My host mom turned a totally unknown and new place into a home for me. She didn’t just show me her culture; she helped me grow within it. This whole experience has shown me independence, and I have grown a lot as a person!”
Eduarda from Brazil:
“This year I had the opportunity of coming to the US, and my host family has been very important. From sharing the best moments in sports or family trips to hard conversations, they taught me how to be a better person and how to make my environment a positive place to live.”
This year, Laurel welcomed two students into her home — one from Brazil and one from Denmark. Through everyday moments, school events, and shared experiences, her home became an important part of both students’ exchange year.
We’re especially grateful that she’ll be hosting with us again this year. Host parents like her make these life-changing experiences possible. Thank you, Laurel!
Read below to learn more about Laurel’s experience hosting two exchange students, along with reflections from the students themselves!
From Laurel:
“I really enjoyed being a host mom and being immersed in local high school sports and activities. It was so neat to see what I consider ordinary through their eyes. I would say that this experience has reinforced to me that we all have something unique to share.”
Sille from Denmark:
“My host mom turned a totally unknown and new place into a home for me. She didn’t just show me her culture; she helped me grow within it. This whole experience has shown me independence, and I have grown a lot as a person!”
Eduarda from Brazil:
“This year I had the opportunity of coming to the US, and my host family has been very important. From sharing the best moments in sports or family trips to hard conversations, they taught me how to be a better person and how to make my environment a positive place to live.”
APRIL 2026 - We are excited to announce the Smith Family as our April #HostFamilyHighlight!
The Smiths’ first year of hosting proved that when you open your door to an exchange student, you’re really opening your heart to a new family member. By treating Amy as one of your girls, you’ve created a bridge between cultures that will last a lifetime. We appreciate everything you do!
From the Family:
“Amy made hosting for the first time, very easy! She fit right into our family dynamic and made the home feel whole again. As our oldest daughter had already moved out, this gave our youngest another big sister to share daily experiences with again. Seeing Amy try or do things for the first time was always so exciting; it's like we were experiencing it in a new way. We were so happy to be a part of hosting this year, and thankful for how she has always shown her appreciation for every new adventure we shared together, big or small. Amy will forever be one of our girls.”
From the Student:
“My host family has truly become my second family. They didn’t just give me a place to stay for the year, but a home I know I can always come back to. I also gained the sister I didn’t know I needed and people who love me for who I am and make me feel like I can truly be myself. They’ve taught me confidence and independence in a way I’ll carry with me forever. Because of them, my exchange year didn’t just meet my expectations, but it turned out to be so much better than I ever could have imagined.” - Amy from German
The Smiths’ first year of hosting proved that when you open your door to an exchange student, you’re really opening your heart to a new family member. By treating Amy as one of your girls, you’ve created a bridge between cultures that will last a lifetime. We appreciate everything you do!
From the Family:
“Amy made hosting for the first time, very easy! She fit right into our family dynamic and made the home feel whole again. As our oldest daughter had already moved out, this gave our youngest another big sister to share daily experiences with again. Seeing Amy try or do things for the first time was always so exciting; it's like we were experiencing it in a new way. We were so happy to be a part of hosting this year, and thankful for how she has always shown her appreciation for every new adventure we shared together, big or small. Amy will forever be one of our girls.”
From the Student:
“My host family has truly become my second family. They didn’t just give me a place to stay for the year, but a home I know I can always come back to. I also gained the sister I didn’t know I needed and people who love me for who I am and make me feel like I can truly be myself. They’ve taught me confidence and independence in a way I’ll carry with me forever. Because of them, my exchange year didn’t just meet my expectations, but it turned out to be so much better than I ever could have imagined.” - Amy from German
MARCH 2026 - We are happy to feature the Ashby family from Utah as our March #hostfamilyhighlight !
The Ashby family welcomed two exchange students into their home this year and says it’s been an incredible experience for everyone. Not only does double hosting bring more culture into your home, but it also creates deeper connections and an even bigger global family!
Read more below about the wonders of double hosting from the Ashby family and their students:
From the Ashby Family:
“Welcoming two exchange students into our family has reminded us how powerful a connection really is. Watching them grow in confidence while we learn about their cultures has been an incredible experience for all of us.”
From Their Students:
"I am so grateful for my host family. They have made me feel truly at home and this experience means so much to me." - Mathilde from Denmark.
“All that really matters is the people who are with you in this experience, like your host family. Personally, I am aware of how lucky I am to have such a good family. Thanks to them, I lived most of my dreams and visited places that I never imagined visiting, in addition to all the love they give. That is what I like the most about being an exchange student, being able to live an adventure and meet wonderful people in it." - Aiora from Spain
The Ashby family welcomed two exchange students into their home this year and says it’s been an incredible experience for everyone. Not only does double hosting bring more culture into your home, but it also creates deeper connections and an even bigger global family!
Read more below about the wonders of double hosting from the Ashby family and their students:
From the Ashby Family:
“Welcoming two exchange students into our family has reminded us how powerful a connection really is. Watching them grow in confidence while we learn about their cultures has been an incredible experience for all of us.”
From Their Students:
"I am so grateful for my host family. They have made me feel truly at home and this experience means so much to me." - Mathilde from Denmark.
“All that really matters is the people who are with you in this experience, like your host family. Personally, I am aware of how lucky I am to have such a good family. Thanks to them, I lived most of my dreams and visited places that I never imagined visiting, in addition to all the love they give. That is what I like the most about being an exchange student, being able to live an adventure and meet wonderful people in it." - Aiora from Spain
FEBRUARY 2026, We are excited to feature the Heezen family as our February #HostFamilyHighlight! Thank you, Heezen family, for opening your home and your hearts to cultural exchange. Read on for a glimpse into what a year of hosting could look like for your family:
From the Heezen Family: “From the very first video calls, we knew Marina would be an amazing fit in our home and she has exceeded every hope we had. Hosting Marina has been a tremendous gift to our family. We are so grateful for the bond we’ve built and know this connection will last the rest of our days. Family isn’t always about where you’re born — sometimes it’s about opening your home and your heart.”
From their exchange student, Marina: “Living this opportunity is already an amazing experience, but living it with a host family like mine cannot be described in words, just like the gratitude I feel toward them and toward my Area Representative for making all of this possible."
From the Heezen Family: “From the very first video calls, we knew Marina would be an amazing fit in our home and she has exceeded every hope we had. Hosting Marina has been a tremendous gift to our family. We are so grateful for the bond we’ve built and know this connection will last the rest of our days. Family isn’t always about where you’re born — sometimes it’s about opening your home and your heart.”
From their exchange student, Marina: “Living this opportunity is already an amazing experience, but living it with a host family like mine cannot be described in words, just like the gratitude I feel toward them and toward my Area Representative for making all of this possible."
JANUARY 2026, Starting off 2026 with the Wehmeyer family for our January Host Family Highlight! This is the Wehmeyers' first year hosting an exchange student. Although they were nervous at first, they now have a new family member and memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you for saying 'yes' to the unknown and taking a chance on the power of cultural exchange!
From the Wehmeyer Family: “We were nervous to host at first, but Martina has made it such a special experience. She has brought special joy into our family and home. She has helped us every day to become better versions of ourselves! We have loved learning about her culture and making memories with her that we will always cherish!"
From Martina: "I appreciate that my host family has introduced me to their extended family, and they all treat me like a member of the family."
From the Wehmeyer Family: “We were nervous to host at first, but Martina has made it such a special experience. She has brought special joy into our family and home. She has helped us every day to become better versions of ourselves! We have loved learning about her culture and making memories with her that we will always cherish!"
From Martina: "I appreciate that my host family has introduced me to their extended family, and they all treat me like a member of the family."
DECEMBER 2025, #HostFamilyHighlight, we are proud to spotlight the Smithers Family from Texas! Their experience hosting Sonia from Romania reflects everything that makes the exchange experience so special. They remind us that hosting isn't just about sharing your home - it's about growing as a family, learning from another culture, and creating memories that last long after the exchange year ends. Read below to hear more about their experience:
From the Smithers: “We love hosting Sonia because she brings joy to our family, and she has helped our daughters learn about another culture. We have spent more time together as a family too!”
From Sonia: "I am incredibly thankful for my host family. They have made me feel nothing but welcome since the very first day ,and they are the type of people who always support you and show up for you. “
From the Smithers: “We love hosting Sonia because she brings joy to our family, and she has helped our daughters learn about another culture. We have spent more time together as a family too!”
From Sonia: "I am incredibly thankful for my host family. They have made me feel nothing but welcome since the very first day ,and they are the type of people who always support you and show up for you. “
NOVEMBER 2025, Meet the Sylvester family from Virginia! #HostFamilyHighlight The Sylvester family is currently hosting their first exchange student, Akos from Hungary, and they have enjoyed every second of it!
From the Sylvester Family:
“Akos was our very first exchange student, and we truly feel we were blessed with the best. Hosting him has brought so much joy and learning into our home. We’ve loved sharing our traditions, discovering his culture, and watching him become part of our family. This experience has been more rewarding than we ever imagined.”
From Akos:
“Living with my host family has been an amazing experience. From the first day, they made me feel welcome and included in everything they do. I’ve learned so much about their culture and everyday life, and they’ve really become my second family. I couldn’t have asked for a better home away from home.”
#hostfamily #iwanttohost #exchangeimpacts #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlantic2025
From the Sylvester Family:
“Akos was our very first exchange student, and we truly feel we were blessed with the best. Hosting him has brought so much joy and learning into our home. We’ve loved sharing our traditions, discovering his culture, and watching him become part of our family. This experience has been more rewarding than we ever imagined.”
From Akos:
“Living with my host family has been an amazing experience. From the first day, they made me feel welcome and included in everything they do. I’ve learned so much about their culture and everyday life, and they’ve really become my second family. I couldn’t have asked for a better home away from home.”
#hostfamily #iwanttohost #exchangeimpacts #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlantic2025
OCTOBER 2025, Meet the Skaya Family, our October #HostFamilyHighlight! The Skaya’s hosting experience is a great example of the meaningful connections that can be made through cultural exchange. From cheering Bruno on at soccer games to creating a supportive home away from home, their journey shows the heart of what hosting is all about.
#hostfamily #iwanttohost #exchangeimpacts #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlantic2025
#hostfamily #iwanttohost #exchangeimpacts #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlantic2025
SEPTEMBER 2025, We’re excited to spotlight the Witter family from Wisconsin! A huge thank you to the Witter family for welcoming one of our students into their home and being a shining example of how cultural exchange positively impacts families and communities!
#LiveLifeLikeNeverBefore #PAFHostFamilyHighlight #IWantToHost #exchangeimpacts
#LiveLifeLikeNeverBefore #PAFHostFamilyHighlight #IWantToHost #exchangeimpacts
AUGUST 2025, We are happy to feature the Griggs family for August’s #HostFamilyHighlight! The Griggs hosted two exchange students with us in 2024 and that gave them an experience of a lifetime. Swipe to hear about the wonders of hosting exchange students from the Griggs Family and their Area Representative, Candice! #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlanticfoundation #hostfamily
JULY 2025, We are happy to feature the Oberdorfer Family as our July #HostFamilyHighlight! Their hosting experience is a reminder that hosting an exchange student is more than just sharing your home, it’s the start of creating a global family. Swipe to read more about their experience and from their Area Representative, Misty! #HostFamily #ExchangeImpacts #LiveLifeLikeNeverBefore
JUNE 2025, Meet the Conant Family, our June #HostFamilyHighlight! We chose this family because of their strong dedication and commitment to providing their exchange students with a true American experience! Julie, the host mom, is an Area Representative with us, and her passion for cultural exchange shines through in everything she does. Swipe to read more about the Conant’s hosting experience! #livelifelikeneverbefore #panatlanticfoundation #exchangestudent #hostfamily #culturalexchange
MAY 2025, We are happy to feature the Dyer family for our May #Hostfamilyhighlight! The Dyer family have hosted many exchange students and given all of them wonderful experiences. Swipe to hear from the family and their current student, Marton!
#livelifelikeneverbefore #exchangeimpacts #iwanttohost #panatlanticfoundation
#livelifelikeneverbefore #exchangeimpacts #iwanttohost #panatlanticfoundation
APRIL 2025, Meet the Ortiz Family in New Jersey! #HostFamilyHighlight, The Ortiz Family are a new host family with PAF, and they are experiencing the cultural exchange and community impact of hosting an exchange student first hand! Swipe to hear from the Ortiz Family and their current student, Alvaro from Spain!
#livelifelikeneverbefore #HostFamilyHighlight #panatlanticfoundation
#livelifelikeneverbefore #HostFamilyHighlight #panatlanticfoundation
MARCH 2025, Meet the Huddleston Family for our March #HostFamilyHighlight! In their own words, exchange students aren’t just guests - they’re family, and we couldn’t agree more! Swipe to hear from the Huddlestons and their current exchange students.
#livelifelikeneverbefore #exchangeimpacts #iwanttohost #panatlanticfoundation
#livelifelikeneverbefore #exchangeimpacts #iwanttohost #panatlanticfoundation
FEBRUARY 2025, we’re excited to spotlight the Burgess Family! A huge thank you to the Burgess family for welcoming our students into their home and being a shining example of how cultural exchange positively impacts families and communities.
#LiveLifeLikeNeverBefore #PAFHostFamilyHighlight #IWantToHost #exchangeimpacts
#LiveLifeLikeNeverBefore #PAFHostFamilyHighlight #IWantToHost #exchangeimpacts