Ben and Beatrice each set off on their own separate adventures this past Fall, unknowing of the many ways in which their lives would entangle in the following months.
Ben, from Germany, and Beatrice, from Italy, had never met prior to arriving to the care of their shared host family in Rochester, New York. They arrived on the PSE Trimester program to attend high school and live with a host family for a three-month duration, and, since arriving, they have bonded over their shared experiences as international students and host siblings.
Ben immediately jumped into a variety of school activities, including joining the high school cross-country team. He had the opportunity to take part in the McQuaid invitational in Rochester, one of the biggest running events in the world, and one which thousands of runners participate in. Through his experience on the cross-country team, he has made new friends and stayed active.
Ben has appreciated engaging in daily activities with his host family, including watching sports together, going grocery shopping, and eating dinner together. These experiences have helped Ben feel a sense of home away from home. He is also very grateful for the trips he has been able to take part in with his host sister and family, notably traveling to Florida together.
While Beatrice did not participate in sports, she has also had opportunities to connect with other students through the Senior retreat and Mathletes club – experiences she has really cherished. Getting to know her host family has been a major highlight for her, as she’s improved her English through sharing stories with them, values the walks they take together, and enjoys the volunteer activities they do together.
“I think that my host family has been the part that contributes the most to making my experience special because they always support and help me, giving me confidence to overcome challenges,” says Beatrice.
Noreen and Les, Ben and Beatrice’s host family, have hosted students for over 13 years and always carry special memories from each student that stays with them: “The most rewarding part is making this experience a wonderful lifetime memory for them. I will miss Ben and Bea’s laughter, conversations and humor. We literally laugh every night. It’s wonderful.”
Ben and Beatrice’s Local Coordinator, Cindy, echoes these sentiments as she describes how special the students are and how well they have integrated with their host family during their time together. Noreen and Les have taken them to see Niagara Falls and will soon be taking them to New York City for some sight-seeing. Their story is a true testament to the power of connection and sharing cultures via student exchange experiences.
Cindy closes with: “I hope both Ben and Beatrice take home many fun memories that will last a lifetime. They have the maturity and positive attitude that will take them beyond this experience and far in life.”