The HFP experience - A student's perspective
	Hee Won “Jennifer” Kang ’10 is a resident of Seoul, Korea who traveled to the United States several times on vacation. However, she had never stayed in the U.S. or away from her parents for a long period of time until she came to The Hill School in September 2006. One of the main reasons Jennifer’s family chose The Hill School was The Hill’s Host Family Program (HFP), which caters to the needs of international and exchange students.

	Were you exposed to United States culture before coming to The Hill?
	Yes. I had visited places such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle with my family.

	How did you become aware of The Hill School and why did you select The Hill?
	While my parents and I were searching for a boarding school, a prep school consultant recommended The Hill. My parents and I found that The Hill had not only a high standard of academics, but also a family-like community which, we thought, would be essential for an international student like me.

	Did the HFP influence you in your decision to attend The Hill?
	To a certain extent. My parents were extremely nervous about sending me to another country by myself and they were hoping that Hill families would be there to help me while school was in session and during long weekends when I could not return home. They were very relieved when they found out about the HFP.

	Were you apprehensive about being a part of a host family?
	Yes, because this was the first time that I would live without the protection of my own family, and I had to live with another family who had not known me my entire life.

	Describe your host family experience.
	My host family was the Lurio family, including Samantha Lurio ’09. They sent me e-mails regularly throughout the school year, asking me how I was doing at school and if I needed anything from them. They also sent me cookies, chocolate, and presents occasionally; visited; and took me out to dinner. They took care of me not only during long weekends, but consistently throughout the school year.

	What would you say to incoming international third formers who might be apprehensive about living with a host family?
	I would tell them that while they should certainly respect and behave well toward their new host families, they also should feel comfortable and open with them because these families have volunteered and are willing to help them.

	What have you gained from your experience of living with a host family?
	I learned to open up and embrace others who may be completely different from me. My host family has welcomed me and taken care of me despite the fact that they had not known me before. I learned to open up and embrace others who may be completely different from me. Samantha and I became good friends, not only at their house, but also at school.

	If/when you should leave the U.S., would you keep in contact with your host family? Why?
	Without a doubt, I would. My host family has helped me when I was in need, and the gratitude I feel for them will not disappear when I graduate or leave the U.S. I will think of them, as I always have, as my second family.