From Xuedi Wang (Beijing, China)- 2nd year with NEXT

I am an international student from Beijing, China, and my name is Xuedi Wang (Judy). I am studying with 13 other students from NEXT at Lansdale Catholic High School in Pennsylvania. I am really happy to work with NEXT because they are nice and dedicated. I was picky with food and living arrangement, wanting to find the best host family fit for me. It was NEXT who helped me find several host families and I chose which one was the best fit for me. Right now I have built a good relationship with my host family.

Also, NEXT works really well on our school related matters. They supervise how we are doing at school and report correctly to our parents. Since NEXT has a lot of experience, Whenever I have problems I can always ask for help. No matter what kind of difficulties, they are willing to help me. In addition, this year I am applying to enter college in the US and I get a lot of suggestions from NEXT, through their college orientation and after school tutoring.

One thing I have to talk about is that my local coordinator is awesome! She is the nicest person I have met in the US. She always asks us where we want to have fun, taking us to ice skating, a movie, Chinatown, auto shows etc. She even invited me to come over to her house to bake a cake with her daughter who is the same age as me. Whenever I see her, she is smiling and ready to be a good listener to hear me share my stories. Personally, NEXT is just like a big family for me. Whenever I feel lonely or strange being with Americans, or uncomfortable in the environment, I just contact with my local coordinator, Tammy, or I go to their office because I am sure they are there and they will help me. 

From Ben Ju (Kangwondo, Korea)- 4th year with NEXT

My name is Hyeonseong Ju (Ben), and I am a senior at Lansdale Catholic High School. I began my journey in the United States with NEXT International Cultural Exchange about four years ago in 2011. NEXT helped me adapt to school and life in the United States, and with them, the past four years I spent in the United States were truly joyous and valuable.

When I first came to the United States as a freshman in high school, I was completely mindless and lost. However, as NEXT introduced me to Lansdale Catholic and my current host family, I now belonged to a whole new community, and I began to get along with everyone around me. During my early years at Lansdale Catholic, NEXT gave me valuable advice on how to study and what courses to take as well. Ever since I came to the United States, NEXT has been checking my academic status monthly and visiting my school regularly. Thanks to their continual care and service, I have never faced any problems at school or at home. 

NEXT not only promotes education among students and gives educational guidance but also holds student meetings and field trips which permits students to enjoy their leisure time and relieve stress. NEXT annually holds at least two or three student meetings and does an educational presentation that includes helpful information such as the information about SATs and the college application process, while providing delicious meals.

Furthermore, Mrs. Tammy Sergeyev from NEXT offers filed trips to students every month so that we can get outside of our houses and see and experience the things that are unique in America. With such opportunities, my experience in the United States became more meaningful. NEXT is certainly the one that motivated me to continue studying in the United States, and the one that has always been driving me to success. NEXT's educational advice and guidance lead me to not only obtain a high academic GPA in school, but also to possess future academic plans and goals. Every time I visit NEXT, I am cordially welcomed and questioned about my status in school and home. Indeed, NEXT is a genuine family which offers me education and an infinite amount of care. With NEXT, I am no longer alone, no longer incompetent, and no longer lost in this distant country.

From Host Famliy

"Hosting was a great experience. We learned a lot from each other. We are still in contact with Sung Ho and he is invited to our daughter's wedding in August of this year".
                                                                                                                              - A. W. Former host mom 2012-2014

"We have been hosting exchange students for the past four years and have really enjoyed the opportunity to share our culture and learn about theirs as they enjoy family life here in the USA". 
                                                                                                                                            - F. R. Host mom 2011-2015

"We are enjoying the experience hosting. Our families are very similar although I am Hispanic and my student is Chinese. My student's aunt was in the navy. My son and daughter went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was impressive being able to speak to his aunt who is in the military in China. She was in full uniform. Our student has formed a great relationship to us as hosts and with my extended family. He even went to a wedding with us in Las Vegas, Nevada. He experienced a big Catholic wedding".
                                                                                                                                        - E. G. Host mom 2014-present