A local couple are spreading the word about hosting exchange students, their testimonial of their experience serving as a reason to consider hosting.

“My husband and I are retired Chicago Police Officers, when we retired we moved to Coffee County Tennessee,” said Elizabeth Abbott. “We needed to live semi close to an airport because I was working part-time with United Airlines.  Having worked for United I have had the privilege of traveling around the world.”

Abbott noted that it was an injury of all things that first gave rise to considering hosting an exchange student.

“While I was recovering from an ankle fusion I had a lot of time to wander the internet and found “Become a Host Family with EF International Exchange”. I talked with my husband about if this was something that we would like to do and questioned if we wanted to do it for 10 months (the entire school year) or host for 5 months and see if we liked the experience,” she revealed.  

The Abbotts did more research and decided that hosting might be right for them.

“Both my husband and I went into EF’s website and searched for a student that we felt would fit our family,” She said. “We found a student from Germany. Prior to her arrival, we Face Timed with her and her parents and brother.”

When the student arrived, the Abbotts realized that they had made the right choice in being hosts.

 “The day came when Sina was to arrive, myself my husband and a few friends met her at Nashville Airport,” she recalled. “We only had about 1 1/2 weeks prior to school starting, most of our time we spent in the pool getting to know each other. During her 5 months that she was here we were able to take a couple of trips around the United States on long weekends, since having worked for the airline we were able enjoy one of my benefits.”

Mrs. Abbott admitted the time flew by and the five months were over quickly. “Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and Sina had to return to Germany, many tears were shed but we told her that we would fly to Germany to see her again,” she said. “This experience left us wanting more, unfortunately last year we were unable to Host because my elderly mother had health issues.  For 2024-2025 school year we have selected our future student and looking forward to meeting her and welcoming her into our family.  This was such a wonderful experience and feel others may have never thought about hosting an exchange student, opening their hearts and home, at the same time gaining a global family.”

Those wanting more information about the program may contact Elizabeth by email at Abbott@EFexchangeyear.org or visit efexchangeyear.org.