Mother’s Day with a Global Twist: Meet the Host Moms

[Boston, May 8, 2024] This Mother's Day, a special kind of motherhood brings families together from different corners of the world. International exchange students across the United States are honoring the incredible host mothers who have welcomed them into their homes and hearts for the school year.

Exchange students from Educatius, a leading international student exchange organization, are celebrating their host mothers, sharing what makes them special. These women create a nurturing and supportive environment for international teens while they pursue their academic dreams.

"My host mom, Shana Mesch, has been an incredible source of love and support during my time in the USA," said Julia, an exchange student attending Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo, Illinois. "I've missed my own Mom, but Shana fills that spot better than anyone could've ever done. She made this experience unique, and without her, it would've never been the same."

Paula, also attending Gibault Catholic High School, shared similar sentiments about her host mom Janine Vernon. "It has only been 3 months since she took me in, and she makes me feel like her daughter. She loves me, advises me, takes care of me, and worries about me. These 3 months have been the best months of this year because of this family."

Educatius has witnessed firsthand the special bonds that form between host mothers and their "international children." These Moms open their homes and provide a nurturing environment that helps international students thrive during their academic experience – all while providing their own family with a new cultural perspective.

"As Mother's Day approaches, I just wanted to express how incredibly lucky I feel to have you, Christine Cochran, as my host mom," said Valentina, a student at Newburyport High School in Massachusetts. "Your boundless energy and infectious joy make every day brighter. Thank you for being my rock and for making me feel at home."

Kolbi Millsap in Arizona is a first-time host mom this year, hosting Maria. Maria, attending Prescott High School, feels that Kolbi is her "Mom away from Mom", and together, they have cultivated not just a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but a wonderful bond that will last a lifetime. The two of them have already made future plans to visit one another after Maria returns home!

Hanna Lima in Tacoma, who has hosted 15 students with Educatius, enjoys sharing special food from each student's culture on their birthday, and has them give a presentation to family and friends about their country. Elizabeth Loomis in Arlington, Massachusetts makes her international students Maria and Beatrice feel like they are home. "Beth is an extremely lovely and caring person; she's always smiling and tries to make us smile as well. She really knows how to make us feel loved, and from the beginning, we felt like we were home," said Maria and Beatrice about their host mom Elizabeth Loomis.

Educatius is proud to celebrate all the extraordinary host mothers across the USA who have opened their homes to young ambitious teenagers. They not only enrich the lives of their international students and their own family, but also indirectly support their local high schools via the tuition payments that schools receive.

If you are curious about being a host mom yourself, visit Host an International Student in the USA - Educatius. Educatius provides a monthly stipend, orientation, and ongoing support for its host families. Educatius is unique in its Global Youth Resilience Initiative, which includes original resilience training for students, host families, and staff designed to provide meaningful support to international student well-being during their program.