“They Treat Me Like Their Own”: How the Hoffmans Made Fateen Feel Like Family 

The Hoffman family—the 2026 winners of the AYA Host Family of the Year award—is a stellar example of what it means to dedicate yourself to hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America. 

Shortly after their high school exchange student Fateen from Bangladesh arrived at their home in Oregon, he did what any young person would do—he called a friend back home to talk about his trip. What he didn’t know was that the phone call would cost $200. Rather than getting upset or making Fateen feel ashamed when he saw the phone bill, his host dad calmly paid it and turned the moment into a learning opportunity. Fateen recalls: 

“That moment really showed me [my host dad’s] kindness and also how he teaches me important lessons in a calm and caring way. He helps me whenever I need it, without making it feel like a big deal, and his support has meant a lot to me.” 

This moment of patience and understanding set up the rest of Fateen’s time with the Hoffmans. And it’s one of many reasons they deserve to be named Host Family of the Year. 

Read more about how the Hoffmans welcomed Fateen—and what it takes to be the AYA Host Family of the Year! 

From Host Siblings to Real Brothers 

When Fateen arrived at the Hoffman’s home last year, their household of four became a family of five, “seven if you include our dog and cat, who feel like they are part of everything too,” he noted. Host brothers Eyan and Justin welcomed him immediately, each in their own way. 

Eyan was Fateen’s first real guide to American life. He taught him to fish and helped him with small, practical skills like the best way to tie knots and shoelaces. “He was always patient with me,” Fateen wrote, “even when I made mistakes or didn’t understand things.” 

Justin was also very kind and generous. When Fateen mentioned wanting to buy an iPhone, Justin simply gave him his own. Together, the two brothers taught him how to cook and made sure he always had enough to eat: 

“Both of them are really good at cooking, and I sometimes try to help them, even though I’m not very skilled yet. At meals, they always make sure I eat properly and take care of myself, and that makes me feel like they truly care about me.” 

Over time, their bond grew until, Fateen noted, they became “like real brothers to me.” 

Host Parents Who Notice 

Some people are caring, some people are funny; Fateen emphasized how his host dad is both: 

“My host dad is a very fun and caring person. He jokes a lot and always makes people laugh, but at the same time, he is very thoughtful and aware of everyone around him.” 

While Mr. Hoffman’s humor is a constant in his household, Fateen appreciated how he always made him feel seen. His constant support was especially meaningful because it never made Fateen feel like a burden. 

His host mom’s warm welcome made Fateen feel at home right away. “Every day, she asks me how my day was in a very gentle and caring way,” he wrote, “which always makes me feel at home.” They enjoyed watching movies together, and Fateen knew she was a true confidant: 

“I can talk to her about anything, even small or random things, and she always listens carefully and understands me without judging.” 

The Details That Made the Difference 

What made the Hoffmans so special to Fateen wasn’t any single event or series of niceties. It was the constancy of their kindness, the way they always made him feel like family, no matter what. Even when he went away on an overnight trip, they prepared his room, so it was ready for him once he returned: 

“Even when I was away… they made sure I still felt like I belonged. When I came back, they had prepared my room, as if I had never left. Even though it might seem like a small thing, it meant a lot to me and made me feel truly included.” 

Another moment that stood out to Fateen was how Eyan welcomed him back after the AYA mid-year orientation. Coming from someone who wasn’t always very expressive with his emotions, this simple act meant so much to Fateen: “It felt like something changed in that moment, and I truly felt like part of the family.” 

While they went out of their way to make Fateen feel comfortable in their home, they also pushed him when he needed it: 

“They also care about my future and studies. Sometimes they get a little strict when my grades are low, but I know it is because they want me to do better and succeed.” 

His host parents told him their door would always be open, even for his higher education in the future. That promise gave him the sense that his relationship with the Hoffman family would be lifelong. 

Want to make a lasting impact on an exchange student like the Hoffmans did? Become a host family with AYA! 

AYA’s Host Family of the Year award goes to families who provide more than a room and a routine. It’s for families who make a young person feel at home—even thousands of miles from their home country. The Hoffmans dedication to doing that every day, in the small ways and the big ones, make them so deserving of this recognition. 

As Fateen put it: “They don’t just host me—they treat me like their own.” 

Interested in opening your home to an exchange student like the Hoffmans? There are other international students just like Fateen who are looking for a welcoming host family in the U.S.!