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Student of the Month: Loan from Belgium, Hosted in Ohio

November 26, 2024 AYA Leave a Comment

Loan, a high school exchange student from Belgium hosted in Ohio

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Loan, our esteemed Student of the Month for November 2024! Originally from Belgium, this exchange student has embraced new experiences, has fostered cross-cultural connections, and has left a lasting impact on his host family and community in Ohio. Join us as we dive into Loan’s journey, celebrate his achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.

Learn more from Loan’s host mom about why he was nominated to be the November 2024 Student of the Month:

Loan volunteering in his host community
Loan volunteering in his host community

“Loan has been a valuable addition to our family and our community. He has volunteered weekly for our neighborhood’s preservation efforts. We live in a historical district and we have a preservation committee that buys old victorian homes that are slated for demolition and restores them back to their original beautiful state. His contribution towards this priceless endeavor has helped speed the process up so the home will be in good standing come winter time. He has also volunteered his time and creative abilities to help build our cities award winning Pride Float.

In addition to his volunteer efforts, he has been teaching the neighborhood and my immediate and extended family all about his country. He has shared with us the comparisons between the educational systems as well as the societal norms for each country. He is a true wealth of knowledge. His enthusiasm to learn everything he can during his time here is enjoyable to watch.

Loan is extremely helpful around the house, frequently initiating a chore without even being asked. He always has a smile on his face that lights up the room. He is such a good sport when it comes to experiencing things he doesn’t quite understand. He doesn’t understand football, at all, but he is always willing to watch our favorite teams play. He just cheers when we cheer and boos when we boo!

[He] embodies everything we think of when we think of hosting. Positive exchanging of cultures, volunteering, quality family time, and so much more!”

Did you know you can host an exchange student like Loan?

Host families from across the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’d like to host for a full school year, a semester, or just for a few weeks as Welcome Family, you can make an impact on an exchange student’s life by hosting!

Apply to Become a Host Family Today

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About AYA

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AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

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