Why I Said Yes to Hosting: 'It Makes Things Much More Lively'

In this Q&A, a first-time host father opens up about what it was like to welcome two teenagers into his home at the same time.  (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.) 

CIEE: Please introduce yourself. 

Tiffin: My name is Dr. Doug Tiffin. I'm president emeritus of Dallas International University, and I am a host parent with CIEE. 

CIEE: Why did you decide to host exchange students with CIEE? 

Tiffin: My wife and I had talked about hosting many years ago, but then COVID hit and it just never happened. 

When Kimberly, my local coordinator, called me and asked me if I'd be interested, I said yes – and I'm so glad I did.  

CIEE: How long have you served as a CIEE host parent, and how does it impact your life?  

Tiffin: This is my first time as a host parent, and it certainly does impact life. 

I'm retired and I live alone, and having two 16-year-old boys in the house has certainly made things much more lively. It keeps me busy, and I love being involved in their lives as they get to know the American culture. 

CIEE: How has hosting two exchange students shaped your life and routines? 

Tiffin: It certainly makes a difference. Being retired, I hardly ever set an alarm except to make sure I was up to go to church. But now I want to see the boys off to school, so I set my alarm. 

The day starts generally earlier than it used to, and when they get home, it's always interesting to see and hear how their day has gone – what they have to do and being involved in their activities. I love going to Ensar’s (exchange student from Bosnia and Herzegovina) basketball games. It is so much fun. 

CIEE: In what ways has this experience brought new energy and connection into your home? 

Tiffin: I have traveled fairly extensively in the world. Achirawit (his other exchange student) is from Thailand, and I have been there and that's a nice connection to have. 

Certainly the boys are full of energy and sometimes it's challenging to keep up with them – but challenging in a good way. 

CIEE: How would you describe Texas culture, and how did you share that with your students? 

Tiffin: Having lived in many parts of North America and now living in Texas, Texas culture is unique, wonderful, enjoyable with great emphasis on things like freedom and activity, the West meeting the East. There are a lot of great things about Texas culture. 

I've talked to them about the different issues and how they're going to meet them from their culture to this culture, the community aspect versus the individualism, the whole concept of cowboys and cowboy hats and all of that. 

It's really interesting and fun to introduce them to this culture and to see them embrace it and enjoy it. 

CIEE: In what ways have your exchange students experienced Texas in a new way? 

Tiffin: I think the answer to that is just the way we live. 

They have been a part of our family, our extended family, both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas. 

They've been introduced to and played with by my grandchildren – who are all much younger than them – and those things have worked really well both for us and for them. 

And of course, there’s Mexican food and Tex-Mex food, a brand-new experience for both of them. 

CIEE: What has surprised you about having exchange students in your home? 

Tiffin: Having had a 16-year-old son – who is now out of the home with a family of his own – I kind of knew what to expect from two boys who were 16. 

But both of these guys have surprised me. They both have been so consistently helpful around the home, caring about me as I have tried to care about them. 

CIEE: What would you say to a family who's thinking about becoming a host family? 

Tiffin: From my experience, you won't regret it. 

I would encourage you to do it. Yes, it's extra work. Yes, you're feeding two 16-year-olds. But the interaction, the breadth of culture that you will learn and experience, the fun of having some great guys in your home – it's worth it. 

We have gained a lot. 

Just one exchange student could change your world. Learn how to become a host family – and start your own exchange student experience – with the CIEE BridgeUSA team.