Opening Homes to Exchange Students

Different cultures and countries will combine during the school year as foreign exchange students arrive.

Students coming from countries like Brazil, China and Russia will need a place to call home for the year. They’ll need a bedroom, dresser and a place to do homework. Most of all they’ll need someone to offer love and support while they’re away from their families.

Patrick Marsh and his family hosted two exchange students last year and recently took over the responsibility of finding other exchange students homes. Marsh said it’s hard to put into words how the experience changed them.

"You get to know this teenager and you welcome them into your home as part of your family and in the process it’s just so rewarding," said Marsh.

Marsh, his wife and their three boys stay in touch with the two boys that shared their home. One is even returning in August. They said they’ve looked forward to it ever since he left in June. He encourages others to take in a child for this school year.

"There’s no reason not to. I’ve had people say well we would but we just have young kids. A lot of these kids have younger brothers and sisters back home, so the transition to coming to the United States makes it easier because there’s young kids. They feel at home," said Marsh.

The students arrive August 10-19. If you’re interested in sharing your home contact Patrick Marsh at (740) 455-9556, 408-2769 or pmarsh@ columbus.rr.com

They’ll also host a pizza party for those interested on August 8 at 6p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene at 3095 Maysville Pike.