Meet Kim
Kim has hosted several Weiming America students over the past few years, offering the highest level of care and support as a host mom. Learn more about what keeps Kim’s home open to international students year after year, and what students enjoy while living in her home!
“The relationships that I have formed with these students will last a lifetime.”
Tell us about your history with hosting international students:
“I have been a host mother to 13 girls and 5 boys over the past 12 years. Whenever it is Mothers Day, I always tell all of my friends that I have everyone beat! These students have come from China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan. I have found the experience to be extremely rewarding because it is wonderful to be able to learn about their culture while teaching them about life in the US. The students I have hosted have become members of my family, andeven after they have all moved on to college, most of these students communicate with me on a regular basis. They have visited me on school breaks while they are at college and I have even had the opportunity to visit them in China as well. Recently, two of my former students came to Michigan to attend my daughter’s wedding. The relationships that I have formed with these students will last a lifetime.”
What rules come standard
living in your home?
- Honesty
- Respect
- Maintain personal safety
- Schoolwork first
What are your homelife expectations for students? Do they do chores?
“I believe it is my job to prepare my kids for college and adult life, the same way I would for my own daughter. Therefore, I would expect the student to keep a tidy room. I ask the students for help to set the table and put their dishes into the dishwasher after eating. I always offer to give them cooking lessons and I teach them how to do laundry. I encourage students to spend time with friends and to participate in school events once their schoolwork is complete.”
She makes sure all of her students meet their school service hours and do more to give back on top!
What keeps you hosting year after year?
“My daughter is married and has a family of her own, but I guess I am not done being a mom yet! I enjoy having young people in the house – maybe because I think it keeps me young too! I think the teen years are a very special time for young people, but it can be scary as well. Not only are these students facing the challenges of making new friends, learning a new language and customs, but they are also missing their families. I really believe that my experience with being a mom to so many kids has equipped me to help them get through this exciting time of their lives.”
“We enjoy celebrating holidays and special events – especially birthdays!”
“I like to encourage students to combine schoolwork with relaxation activities so that they aren’t too stressed.”
“I took these boys on a college tour to visit Harvard and Boston University. While we were there we visited many historical sites.”
“I like to take students to the Thanksgiving Parade every year.”
“We love celebrating Chinese New Year! During the Chinese New Year, we like to make dumplings and eat hotpot!”
Throughout the years, Kim has shown an exceptional commitment to helping her students adapt to life in the U.S. and experience American culture at its fullest, all while encouraging students to also share their experiences and cultures from home and develop a comfortable home life together. She has hosted hot pot parties and international host family events for socialization, and even in these toughest times with staying in at home, she still promotes a healthy school and life balance and safe contact with friends!
Thank you, Kim!