I love working for , a non-profit that brings exchange students into the US for short-term summer programs. My job is to find caring homes for these students for 2-3 weeks while they are here. It is no doubt a challenging task, but I have found it very rewarding to connect with like-minded individuals who are interested in the cultural experience and just find the space in their hearts and homes.
However, this summer finding those homes in Kirkland and the general Seattle area has turned out to be a really difficult task, bordering on impossible. Before coming here I was told that people in the Northwest were much friendlier and open than in New England where I previously worked. And every time I talk to someone about the fabulous opportunity of hosting a student from another country and getting to know the world through their eyes, and I am treated like the enemy, like I am trying to sell them some cheap trinket, I feel some deep sadness in my heart.
Because I believe in bringing people from different cultures together as a way to make the world a better place. I believe that if we were just more open to the others, we could be so much happier. In fact, I think I've read somewhere that even research has shown that people who are more trusting of other people, are happier in general.
Hosting a young Chinese student, eager to learn English and get to know America, takes so little effort for the couple of weeks they are here, but can make such a huge difference in their lives and in the lives of the local community. If you believe in bringing people together, help us make it happen! Watch the video to find out who we are and what we do.
If you could help me make this happen, to find homes for 28 students in the next five days, please, let me know! But even if you can't help, I would love just to hear from people who support this kind of undertaking from their hearts.
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Contact Petya Miteva at petya.miteva@ef.com or 425-985-7373.
