Hawley, Texas — At Hawley High School, international students are sharing diverse cultural perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom. Through the Face the World Foundation, exchange students are paired with American host families to foster cross-cultural understanding. In the Big Country, the program is bringing those exchange experiences directly into local homes.
Lesley Pope, a local community representative for Face the World Foundation, noted that the program includes students from a wide range of countries.
“In Hawley, we have students from Spain, Poland, Germany, and Italy. There are students from countries like China and Thailand as well. I also saw a boy from Mexico who was part of this exchange program,” Pope said. “We essentially have a plethora of international students from across the globe.”
Face the World Foundation is a nonprofit organization that pairs international exchange students with host families (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
With exchange students residing in private home, questions arise about how background checks factor into selecting suitable host families. KTXS asked, “What standards are in place to ensure safe and compatible student placements?”
Pope explained the required screening process for host families.
“According to the Department of State, families are required to complete an application, a criminal background check, and a first home visit. When I conduct the first home visit, I go into the home and meet with the family. I basically get an idea of who they are. This is then coupled with what they already have on their application. Once I have all of that information, I can go back and review students’ profiles. After that, I can pair that family with an exchange student that makes the most sense for them and vice versa.”
Gabriela Demut, an exchange student from Poland, shared how she has stepped into a big-sister role in her host home.
“I have been here for about eight months already. I love it here,” she said. “We have three little kids in our house. They are much younger than me. I’m kind of like an older sister for them.”
The program aims to foster cross-cultural understanding (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
Exchange student Lisa Wegner traveled from Germany to live with her host family. She reflected on her first moments in Texas.
“I was very nervous because I had to fly alone. When I first met my assigned family, I was so happy,” she said. “When I exited the airport, I didn’t realize it would be so hot. I really like it though. Texas is wonderful.”
Exchange students traveled from across the world to live with Texas host families (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
Host parent Cory Crawford described hosting exchange students as a rewarding and meaningful experience.
“My wife and I were nervous at first because we were taking on two teenagers. I have three kids of my own. It’s a very full house, but my wife and I just tried to view this as practice for when our kids grow up. I have two young daughters, so now I get to experience what it’s like to have two teenage daughters,” Crawford said. “It’s an awesome experience. Anyone who gets the chance to do this should definitely give it a try. Don’t let fear stop you from taking on a great opportunity.”
Families interested in hosting exchange students can begin the process by completing this Google Form.