The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Matt Johnston

    SummerExhange

May 19, 2008

Host families tougher to find

By Tanner Kent

MANKATO — Last summer, Anja Scheidel read an article about area agencies still needing host families for international exchange students.

She was intrigued by the idea. But with three kids and a busy life already, she wondered what her family could offer to someone traveling thousands of miles in search of American culture.

Scheidel contacted Jan Kremer, an area representative for International Experience USA. She told him that her family couldn’t promise any lavish vacations or shopping sprees. She told him they were just regular people.

Kremer told Scheidel that they’d be perfect.

“We were very lucky,” Scheidel said. “Our student blended in and was a part of the family.”

Born in Germany herself, Scheidel wanted to give her own kids a taste of German culture and language. Scheidel met with Kremer and chose Carina, a German student with interests in reading and sports.

And while the experience proved a positive one for Scheidel, there are less families willing to host the next batch of exchange students.

“People are so uncertain about the economy,” Kremer said. “They are worried about jobs. They are worried about rising food prices and gas prices.”



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