Father’s Day is a special time to show our appreciation and celebrate all the fathers, host fathers and father figures out there that work so hard to bring joy to all those around them. In honor of dads everywhere, we’re thrilled to share these stories from AYA students that who wanted to show gratitude for their host fathers in the United States.
Aiym from Kazakhstan, hosted in New York
I am Aiym from Kazakhstan, and my host father’s name is Craig. He is one of the best fathers in this world. I miss him a lot, and can’t think about a minute when I don’t think of him. He is the funniest and the smartest. His jokes helped me to adjust in America, he shared his sarcasm with me. He is really wize, kind, nice and, as he says, really handsome. I love him a lot, and he became more than just a host father; he is my real dad now. We had so much fun no matter what we did. Playing tennis with him is probably the best memory! Or even doing the leaves in the backyard, or setting the net across the pool, or just having a campfire and talking. I love you dad, and miss you a lot!! Your daughter from Kazakhstan!
Rachel from Switzerland, hosted in North Carolina
It has been so much fun to have Charley as my host dad. I got to do so many amazing things and got to create so many amazing memories. I loved playing video games with him and talking about whatever TV shows we were currently watching. All of the stories he told of work and other experiences were hilarious. One of my favorite memories was when he took my friend and I to Washington, D.C. We got to walk through D.C. and explore. We had so much fun, and I couldn’t have had a better experience. He has always supported and encouraged me experiencing as much of the American culture as I can, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
Rahima from Pakistan, hosted in Arizona
To this day… my host father is one of the best things that happened to me. The day I came to know him I thought every problem in my exchange year is going to vanish. He is my PapaJani. I love him a lot. He is overprotective, and he used to get scared for me. I don’t really remember when somebody took so much care for me last time excluding my parents and other host parents. We used to throw pillows at each other and be goofballs. We used to tease each other. He used to call me 13, and I used to call him 60. He used to tickle me all the time which was annoying, but I love it. And play with our dog. At night I used to fall asleep beside him and he used to take off my glasses and put them at safe spot. We used to watch a lot of movies together shower each other with hugs. I love the sound of his laughter. He was emotional but a lot more caring. I don’t know but I am so blessed that I have him in my life somebody who look out for me so great. It’s hard to believe that somebody who is not even your blood relation can love you so much like they are. I think we have that deep bonding which is more than so many blood relations. I love you PapaJani (my host dad). I will love you forever.
Carolin from Germany, hosted in New York
What I love about my host father is that I can be sarcastic with him all the time. We make fun of each other and tease each other. He also goes to work out with me, and we cook sometimes! I appreciate that he treats me like his own daughter. Thanks for everything dad! 🙂
From everyone at Academic Year in America, happy Father’s Day to all of our participants and dads worldwide!
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