Hear from past host families and Language Ambassadors about their experiences
“We are so thankful for our time with Mafi! Our kids loved having a “big sis” and making Colombian food together. We especially loved our holidays with her - sharing our traditions and culture and learning and incorporating hers. Our kids primarily spoke Spanish with her so it had a significant impact on their language skills as well. We highly encourage any family who is able, to open your home to an LODL Language Ambassador!”
The Ash Family
For me, the experience with my host families has been the best part of my time in the United States—what I’ll cherish most are the families I've lived with. I feel incredibly lucky to have stayed with such caring and generous people. With my first host family, I had the chance to travel to Wisconsin, Chicago, Florida, and Kansas City. We went to soccer and football games, the city fair, skiing, and celebrated special holidays together. They always treated me like one of their own, including me in everything and making sure I felt at home.
My second host family has been just as wonderful. We've gone camping, visited Duluth, attended a dance competition and a baseball game, played bingo, gone to the gym, and are planning a trip to Tennessee. Their kindness and attention have made every day special. Both families are very different, but I love them equally and feel a deep connection with each. Saying goodbye to one and adjusting to the other was tough at first, but I quickly realized how lucky I am to have two amazing families. This experience has been perfect—thanks to them!
Andrea: 2024-2025 Language Ambassador
The Matthies Family
Having an intern stay with us for a semester far exceeded our expectations. We weren’t sure what to expect, but she truly became part of our family. It was so fun to introduce her to American/Minnesotan things (lake life, cabin, smores, corn maze, iconic parks, foods, traditions) and to have a young adult in our home that was able to build a “sister” relationship with our daughters.
We felt so connected to the experience of Spanish language in our home, loved watching our girls and their friends form relationships and have daily experiences with Marta, and loved seeing them converse in Spanish regularly.
We can’t wait to visit Marta in Spain in future years! For anyone considering hosting an intern, just do it! The time together flies, they fit into any chaotic family situation (like ours!) and it’s an experience of a lifetime we are only able to do during this school age timeframe of life.