ACS is seeking a family to host an international student for the 2024-2025 school year
Marcos, a 15-year old Spanish student, traveled more than 3,700 miles from home to play soccer this school year. Actually, where he’s from, it’s known as football. And speaking of football, he also had the pleasure of seeing the Buffalo Bills play.
All of these experiences, and many more, have been because Marcos is an international student attending school in Arkport. Hosted by the Ford family, Marcos is fully immersed as an Arkport high school student, joining sports teams and clubs and making friends.
“I wanted to experience what it was going to be like for a year”
Marcos decided to take part in the international student program at the urging of his brother, who was an exchange student previously. “We have something called the American dream,” he said. “...here in America is the best thing you can do. So, I just wanted to experience what [it] was going to be like [for] a year.”
In addition to seeing the Buffalo Bills play, Marcos traveled to Ohio with the children of the Ford family as part of a church youth group trip. Since basketball is his favorite sport, they have plans to attend a division one college basketball game at Cornell, but that’s not the end of Marcos' adventures. Living in Arkport and attending high school means Marcos has the opportunity to improve and expand his language skills, enjoy new experiences such as an ice skating outing and take part in an educational system and lifestyle that’s different from his own. “The style of people [here], the cycle of life is different….the school system, I love this school system.”
Marcos has approached his year in Arkport with an open mind. “He’s motivated to try new things,” said Mrs. Ford. Marcos agreed. “I would recommend if you’re going to be an exchange student to not be afraid.” His openness to take risks and try new things has led Marcos to develop a new level of maturity as well as independence. “Now I have more confidence...I’ve become more responsible; that’s great.”
While Marcos is making the most of his stay in Arkport, he does miss his family in Spain. “You start missing them, just like a little each day. I talk to them on the weekends, so that makes it better…I talk with my brothers. You’re away from your family for a year, but it’s also pretty nice; to be with another family for a year. I’m just so comfortable with them.”
“Having a host student, you learn from their experiences”
This is the first time the Ford family has hosted an international student and they truly appreciate everything about it. “Every one of my children loves Marcos…he’s meshed well and blended very well with our family. They enjoy having another [child in the family]; it’s been good. It’s been very good.”
By hosting an international student, the Ford family is able to recapture some of what they encountered when living overseas for 12 years. “One of the main reasons why I wanted to have an exchange student was because my kids really missed that experience. They were learning a language overseas,” said Mrs. Ford. The Ford children understand that when someone is learning a new language they may struggle with pronunciation or need assistance, which has helped create a bond with Marcos.
Additionally, by hosting an international student, the Ford family is able to expand their cultural horizons by learning about Spain but also by sharing – and rediscovering – local food, traditions and attractions with Marcos. “Having a host student, you get a totally different perspective and you learn from their experiences – having an open mind, having conversation with your student is always a learning experience,” said Mrs. Ford. “You can definitely grow from them. I’ve enjoyed it and it’s great if you have kids yourself. The experience for your own children is valuable.”
“I’ll be so sad to leave”
Marcos will complete the academic year and return to Spain at the end of June, taking with him the many memories he has made and all that he has learned. While he will be happy to be with his family again, he knows that it will be sad to leave the Ford family, his friends and Arkport. “I’ll be so sad to leave, but I’ll probably come to visit.”
Families who are interested in learning more about being an international student host family can attend a meeting on March 14 or contact Connie Karr at ckarr@arkportcsd.org by March 14.