For four young women from across the globe, a year in Minden has been filled with growth, adventure and memories to last a lifetime. Anna from Italy, Valentina from Brazil, and Lotte and Emmi from Germany have spent the past school year as exchange students in Webster Parish, living with local families and attending Lakeside High School.
Two of the students, Valentina and Emmi, stayed with longtime host parents Micaela and Clint Brunson. The Brunsons began hosting exchange students in 2019 and have since welcomed several teens from countries including Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. The family was drawn to hosting after their own children left home for college.
The decision has brought years of cultural exchange and emotional reward. Hosting an exchange student, Micaela said, is about sharing home life, helping someone chase a dream, and learning just as much in return.
“What people don’t realize is that, when they are here, we learn so much about their cultures,” she said. “The kids come here to fit into our lives. This dream that they have [of coming to the U.S.] is not possible if there are no host families willing to let them into their homes.”
Exchange students come to the United States through accredited agencies such as ICES (International Cultural Exchange Services). The teens, aged 14 to 18, stay for a semester or full academic year and must be proficient in English. Host families must be at least 25 years old and pass background checks. They provide meals, transportation, and a bedroom but are not financially responsible for medical insurance or personal expenses.
The Brunsons, who now help recruit and coordinate local host families, said host arrangements can be flexible. “If you want to host, you can host,” Micaela said. “We will help you find a perfect match for your home.”
For the students, the decision to travel across the world came from different motivations. Valentina and Lotte had dreamed of the opportunity for years. “Since I knew that I could study abroad, I’ve always wanted to,” said Valentina. Lotte added, “I really had to convince my parents. I started talking about it when I was twelve, and I just never stopped talking about it.”
Anna and Emmi were encouraged to participate by family members. After winning a scholarship, Anna made the leap. “I like speaking English, and I wanted to experience the U.S.,” she said. “I wanted to do stuff like the prom and football games and cheerleading and stuff like that.”
The students noted that while many things in America reflect what they’ve seen in movies or on social media, some aspects were surprising.
“It’s the movies. When watching the movies, I think, ‘I want to do that, I want to experience that,’” said Emmi. But once they arrived at Lakeside, “Lakeside is not like High School Musical,” the girls laughed.
Differences in school routines were among the first cultural shifts the students encountered. In their home countries, the teachers change classes while students remain in one room.
“Teachers are extremely nice here. It is not so stressful to go to school as it is back home,” Anna said. “I think what I like about American high school is just how peaceful it is; there’s such a great vibe inside.”
Valentina observed that the relationship between students and teachers in Brazil is closer and more casual. “Here you have the ‘Miss’ and ‘Mr.,’ but back home, I just call teachers by their [first] name,” she said. “They know about my life, and I know about their life.”
Among other cultural surprises, Emmi pointed to food and lifestyle differences. “I think the food is really different. We don’t eat that much fast food and stuff. We cook — not that much meat, more vegetables,” she said. “People are really nice here; you get compliments when you walk along the street.”
Lotte noted, “People go to church more often.” The girls also mentioned dress styles and the low cost of fast food.
Safety and support are emphasized from the beginning. Micaela noted that even basic differences — such as how to flush a toilet or turn on a shower — must be explained carefully to prevent accidents. “We try to be parents and protect them,” she said.
The experience can be emotionally challenging. Both Anna and Lotte received last-minute placements and had just days to meet their host families and prepare to leave.
“I was nervous because I was leaving my family and all my friends,” said Anna. “I was leaving my country and getting to a new country that I’d never been to before to a family I didn’t know. It was crazy.”
Southern accents created language barriers early on. “In the beginning I couldn’t understand my host-dad,” said Valentina. “He would be talking and I would just smile and say ‘yes.’” She now speaks with ease and often thinks in English.
Lotte said her biggest challenge was “coming to a new school and not knowing anybody.” Accents made communication difficult at first, she added.
Despite these obstacles, each of the girls emphasized how rewarding the experience has been. Emmi visited Los Angeles, Lotte loved participating in track, Anna enjoyed prom and homecoming, and Valentina’s favorite moment was the final football game. “It was like the American thing,” Valentina said.
All four students said they would encourage others to participate. “It’s the best year of your life, so do it. You can’t have it back,” said Valentina.
“You’re going to miss your family and your friends, but it will be an experience you’ll remember your whole life,” said Anna. “It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be great.”
“I had so many problems in the beginning, there were so many things that were different. But now I’m used to it, and everything just worked out,” said Lotte.
“Don’t be scared — well, you can be scared, but you don’t have a reason. It’s going to work out,” Emmi added.
To learn more about becoming a host family, visit the ICES website at www.icesusa.org. Micaela Brunson is also available through her Facebook page for anyone with questions about hosting.
“It’s a volunteer thing,” Micaela said. “But you get to experience a new family member, and it’s a lot of fun. The hardest thing is watching them leave.”