Host Profile: Karene Busby
The FIUTS Homestay Program has been connecting people across borders and cultures for over 70 years. Help support the next generation of hosts and students by making a gift to the Understanding Table at this year’s Virtual Blue Marble Bash! Watch Karene’s video and read her profile below for a glimpse into the experience of one of our most dedicated hosts.
Karene, a longtime FIUTS homestay host, shares her perspective on how connecting with others from around the world benefits her family.
Karene with Sungjun (L) from South Korea and Erick (R) from the Philippines
Name: Karene Busby
Location: Redmond, WA.
How long have you hosted students through FIUTS? 8+ years in addition to another 4 years with other exchange programs.
What countries have you hosted students from? Antigua, Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jamaica, Lithuania, Latvia, Mozambique, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Trinidad, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Mali, Angola, Peru, Argentina, and I know I'm forgetting some other locations.
What made you decide to become a host? I saw a road sign asking for host parents for incoming exchange students. Since I had an extra bedroom, I asked my daughter if we should give it a try. Well, after 12 years, it seems I keep on “trying” every few months or so.
Karene with Arnaldo (L) from Angola and Hakim (R) from Mali
What's your favorite local place to bring your students? Alki Beach or The Reptile Zoo
What's your favorite activity to do with your students? Search for starfish or see the top 12 most dangerous snakes in the world and the 2 headed turtle.
Has a host student ever cooked a dish from their home country to share with you? If so, what did they make? It’s a requirement at our house! I can’t remember what our Chinese boys made but I do remember that they contacted one of their Grandmothers in China for help and then asked her to stay on the computer so they could continue getting directions.
What is your all-time favorite memory of hosting an international student? A few years ago, I received an e-mail from one of our first exchange students from China some time after we had hosted him. He clearly stated the date, flight arrival and hotel where he and his parents would be staying in for a few days when they visited us. . The problem was - I had NO IDEA that he had arranged their visit with my daughter. Hans wanted his parents to meet us and I really think he wanted to see my daughter! Our weekend plans were quickly changed and a new memory builder was formed.
With Aziz (L) from Tunisia and Teddy (R) from Indonesia
What's your favorite part of U.S. culture to share with your host students? Having pets. Almost all of our students haven’t been around dogs - let alone dogs that are allowed to sleep on our beds. Within a day or so the kids usually ask if they could take Xander (our dog) out for a walk or if he could sleep on their beds too. Couple years ago the parents of one of my past exchange student came to visit their son at the University of Wash. They reached out and we had a wonderful time spending the day together. Their younger son came as well and his 1st question was "Can I pet Xander because I never have petted a dog?" So, we made a special trip to "doggy camp" to retrieve Xander and we went home and the younger brother had a blast throwing the ball to Xander. His Mom too has never been around a dog and she was very brave, however, Dad- NO WAY!
What's the best thing you’ve learned from your hosting experience? That I had no idea I had so many “adopted” sons/daughters in my life, last count over 55.
Karene and her daughter Faylynn with Hans and his family
Have you stayed in touch with any of your host students long-term? Facebook is a fantastic way to stay in touch and seems most of my "friends" on Facebook are past students !!. As I mentioned earlier, one of the kids came back to visit us from China with his parents for a weekend. Since then I've had at least 5 or 6 times my "sons" and/or their parents have come for visit for a day or a long weekend. I've hosted quite a few University of Washington students and I've lost count of the times we meet up for lunch, dinner or meeting their new "friend".
Help support the next generation of hosts and students by making a gift to the Understanding Table at this year’s Virtual Blue Marble Bash!
We are always looking for hosts to welcome students into their homes for a short-term stay!. Contact samantha@fiuts.org for more information or if you're a new host, fill out an application today!