Host Family Spotlight - The Caporaletti's In Virginia!
In May of 2021 host mom Debbie was scrolling through her Facebook feed when a post caught her eye. It was a preview of a boy from Germany who played American football. As she read through the post, everything about Marlon just seemed to fit with her family. After sharing the idea with her family, she reached out to the Local Coordinator and within two months Marlon was on a plane to Virginia!
Why did you decide to host?
My family did a summer program in 2018, we signed up because thought it would be a fun experience.
What was the first few months with your exchange student like?
Marlon wanted to play High School football, and we are a huge football family so he blended right into our family, from going on family trips to experiencing new places to meeting new people and tasting new foods!
Honestly when I read his application I new our family was perfect for him and felt I could make this young man's dreams come true. We have gained a new extended family and have learned a lot about German culture.
What are some of your favorite memories so far this year with Marlon?
Watching him play his first high school football game, cooking a German meal for the first time. A joke in our home as well as his home in Germany is where this kid puts all the food he eats? He also has been teaching me to play guitar.
What have you learned about Germany through hosting Marlon?
This is a funny question! We have all tried to learn some words in German, failing miserably. We live very similar lives to those in Germany. Through videos and picture I have seen how beautiful the country is in Germany!
What was your favorite thing to share with Marlont about the American culture?
I was able to take him to a NFL game, he was so excited! But we shared so much more. We took him to see some natural wonders, like the Natural Bridge and Luray Caverns. We also took him to Washington DC to see our Nations Capital and museums, and to the beaches. Also introduced him to new foods and the Gucci store.
What advice would you have for someone unsure about hosting?
It is such a rewarding experience with little to no effort. Treating them like your own children, they are good kids and if they were not their parents wouldn't trust sending them. They give back as much as you give!
What advice do you have for new host families?
Talk to them everyday, listen to them, include them in all the things you do for your own children. They are miles away from home and just want to know they will be safe. I always keep my kids busy so we try to do something every weekend. A hike, cooking a meal together of their choice or a trip to your areas culture. I had my host kids write a WISH list of things they wanted to see or do while here. I did help with that (I looked up things in this area that might interest them) and then we tried to tackle them all.
Want to learn more about welcoming an exchange student into your home? CLICK HERE and start your journey today!
