Exchange Happens Where You Feel Comfortable Sharing

My core belief is that homestay hosting enriches the lives of who you host, and at the same time it enriches your life.
Each homestay is like a different book—a unique experience. The process of integrating a stranger into your life and building a bond within a week or two is very special. I would like my kids to grow up in the culture of giving and thinking beyond our own little world. Hosting students from different parts of the world definitely expands our horizons and reminds us of our similarities and makes this world just a tiny bit more kind.

A special connection I built with one of our students was based on our passion for books. We both believe in the power of books to connect, to educate, to inspire, and to encourage, and therefore, growing up in different decades and on different continents, being from different generations, we were able to connect on this very basic level as human beings who admire the same authors, who are willing to enrich each other's lives by sharing inspiring thoughts and quotations, by recommending even more books to get inspired from. 
There are many different levels that you can build a meaningful connection on; this time we chose the power to connect through books. I am sure that next time I can find a different aspect to connect through—the power of gratitude, the art of savoring life, or maybe loving kindness. I am excited to see what's coming up next, which treasures I am about to discover when hosting a new student. 

Olena Vlasova
FIUTS Education Manager