Celebrating the beginning of new adventures together, 20 exchange students gathered for a beach party Monday afternoon.
These teens from countries ranging from France, Germany and Turkey to Pakistan, Kuwait, Thailand and Japan immersed themselves in a typical American afternoon of barbecue, swimming and fun at the home of a local host family in Traverse City. Many of the students are part of the ASSE program although guests from other exchange programs were also present.
For many of the students, the reasons for coming to the United States were already being realized even before school stared the next day.
"I wanted to make new friends, be an ambassador for my country, do sports and learn English better," said Ahmad Al-Foudery, 16, a senior at Traverse City Central High School.
This year, the ASSE program will field about two dozen students in the region who are here for either three-month or full school-year stays.
"It's pretty typical numbers, because of the generosity of the families in this area," said Olave Walker Russell, the ASSE area representative for the past 18 years. "The whole program has always said the Midwest families are the most giving and the best. I've had absolutely the most wonderful host families over the years."
A trio of new host families all work together at Child and Family Services, a pattern of participation not uncommon, Russell noted.
A colleague at Child and Family Services enrolled the three families in the idea of hosting a student, even though that person could not participate after all. The three families who signed up have five students living with them.
First-time host families all, Kathy Ferguson noted the most important criteria for success, gleaned from just a few weeks hosting two children.
"Flexibility is the key, I'm trying to be more flexible," she said.
Linda Sommerville welcomed her new daughter, Laura, 18, from France a few weeks ago. Despite her short stay so far, which has included "touristy" activities ranging from camping to exploring the area, Laura has quickly joined the family.
"We just love Laura, she's already a part of the family," said Sommerville, one of the Child and Family Services contingent.
Sommerville's daughter, Katie, a senior at Central High School, suggested the hosting an exchange student last year after realizing she'd be the only child left at home following her brother's move to Michigan State University this fall. The idea lay dormant until this summer when a last-minute opportunity arose to host Laura and the family jumped at the chance.
"This is the year to do it," said Sommerville. "Katie had met several exchange students at Central and she gave us the idea, she was thinking how quiet it would be with her brother gone."
Aline Berruyer, 18, also from France, aspires to be an English teacher someday. She will attend Glen Lake High School this year and immerse herself in the language and culture to learn as much as possible.
"My host mother is a teacher at Glen Lake and it's a very, very tiny school," said Aline. "It's a very big change for me, I come from a small town but went to a big high school."
A bit homesick so far but looking forward to her year here, Ekin Kalayci, 17, is from Ankara, Turkey. Her English is good as she previously lived in Boston with her family for two years but decided this year to return to the United States solo.
"I wanted to improve my English and be away from my parents for a year and to stand on my own," said the Central High School senior who plans to be a graphic designer.
Another Child and Family Services employee, Carol Wright, will have a house full of teenagers this year as she is hosting multiple students along with her four children.
"This has been the best time of my life," she said.