This year my family has chosen to host an exchange student from Sweden. Her name is Erica Bertilsson and she is in 12^th grade. Some of you might know her.

My family has been involved with an exchange student organization called AFS (formerly the American Field Service) for many years. This organization picks students to come over seas every year and stay with a family for ten months. It is a great program because as a host family you get to learn all about different cultures and you can also make new friends too!

I have learned quite a few things so far while Erica has been living with me. Swedish culture is much different from American culture. There are different types of food, clothing labels, fashions, holidays, and many customs. Erica has had me and many people in our lunch try her favorite type of Swedish candy, and no one liked it! We are so used to the American candy that we found the different taste unappealing.

I would definitely recommend that every family should try hosting an exchange student. Even though it is sometimes hard to communicate because of Erica’s accent, overall it has been a great experience to share my home with an exchange student. It is a lot of fun and a great way of learning about different countries. I can guarantee that you will not regret hosting if you give it a try.