It was a simple flyer, but it changed Frankie Green’s life.
“My husband saw a flyer about an exchange student program and wanted to host a student,” said Green, who was reluctant at first because she was too busy, but agreed for one school year – just one.
More than 20 years later, she and her family have hosted many students; she’s been a coordinator for Richmond and Columbia counties through PAX, the Program for Academic Exchange since 2001.
The deadline for new host families for fall in Richmond County is June 30 and Columbia County’s deadline already passed. Green said people who are interested can be thinking ahead for the spring semester or even the following academic year. Students attend public schools in Richmond and Columbia counties, and there are a limited number of slots available.
What Green has enjoyed most about the program is getting to know the students.
“We get to learn about another culture,” she said.
And the students get to learn about American culture. They often come with ideas of what American schools are like based on what they’ve seen on TV or in movies.
“A lot look forward to being able to get on a yellow school bus,” she said.
They like getting the chance to interact with their host families. They can help out some around the house. Green said she’s enjoyed cooking with some of her students. She remembers one exchange where she traded a lot of recipes with the mother of a German student.
The experience helped Green see her own community in a different light.
“Going to the rapids or the lake or other nearby places, it’s all new to them. You can see it again through different eyes,” she said.
Each year, PAX brings about 1,000 students between the ages of 15 and 18 into the country for either a semester or full academic year.
Host families are responsible for meals, a bed and quiet place to study, transportation to and from school activities. Some students participate in extra-curricular activities.
Students have their own full medical coverage and spending money. As the coordinator Green provides student support.
After they’ve left, Green has kept in contact with students and even gone to visit them.
“We’ve gone places we would not have thought of as tourists,” she said.
To learn more, contact Green at (706) 829-4646 or email GreenWay7371@aol.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
