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Host Family Highlights

​Every month, we’ll feature one of our amazing host families who are giving their students unforgettable, life-changing experiences.

​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."
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 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. “
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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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Pan Atlantic Foundation • 1 Union Street, Suite 202 • Portland, Maine 04101 USA • Tel: 207-871-8622 • Fax: 207-772-4842
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Careers
    • Area Representative
  • Meet our Students
  • High School in America
    • Partnering Schools
    • Current Students
    • Student Orientation
    • Federally Funded Programs
    • New Students >
      • Apply Now
  • Internships in America
  • Area Representative Toolkit
    • AR Portal
    • Announcements
    • Area Representative Training >
      • AR Refresher Training
      • Payments
    • Student Profiles
    • Placements
    • School and Community Outreach
    • Resources and Support
    • Supervision
    • FLEX & YES Programs >
      • FLEX and YES Area Rep Training
      • FLEX and YES Refresher Training
  • Host Family Toolkit
  • Overseas Representative Toolkit
  • Host Family Highlights