From Leap of Faith to Global Family: What Hosting Really Looks Like — Carrie & Justin's Story

In this heartfelt episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Carrie and Justin Stiltner, a couple from Clyde, Ohio, who share their journey of hosting exchange students through YFU. What began as a leap of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic turned into a life-changing experience filled with laughter, learning, and love.Carrie and Justin reflect on their first student from Argentina, bonding over baking and art during lockdown, and how each student brought their culture into their home—from Norwegian national cakes to Thai noodles and Spanish tortillas. They share the emotional goodbyes, the joy of reunions, and their unforgettable trip to Argentina, where they were embraced by their exchange daughter’s family.Now preparing to host the younger sister of one of their former students, the Stiltners talk about how hosting has made them more adaptable, fearless, and open-hearted. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the power of cultural exchange and the joy of building a global family.Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, host family, exchange student, cultural exchange, international education, Argentina, Norway, Spain, Thailand, Carrie and Justin Stiltner, Life Exchanged podcastFor more info on YFU USA: ⁠https://yfuusa.org/Chapters:00:00 – Why They Chose to Host: A Path to Parenthood02:00 – Starting with a Semester Student During COVID05:30 – Picking the Right Student & First Impressions08:50 – Hosting During a Pandemic: Challenges & Resilience12:00 – Preparing the Home & Personal Touches14:45 – Sharing Culture Through Food & Traditions20:00 – Hosting Girls: Why It Became Their Pattern26:00 – What They Look for in Student Profiles29:55 – Challenges of Hosting & Setting Boundaries34:07 – Coping with Goodbyes & Staying Connected38:45 – Favorite American Foods Among Students41:00 – Visiting Argentina & Feeling the Love45:00 – Language Barriers & Emotional Connections47:01 – Students Calling Them “Mom and Dad”51:01 – Advice for First-Time Host Families54:40 – How Hosting Changed Them as a Couple57:21 – Favorite Memories & Milestones58:58 – What’s Next: Hosting a Sibling01:04:18 – Hosting in One Word: “Rewarding”01:05:10 – Final Reflections & FarewellHost & Producer: Kelsey RossEditor & Producer: Mel DyjakDirector: Megan Michels