Say hello to Marcella from Santa Barbara!

Marcella lives in beautiful Santa Barbara, California and places students in that school district.

As a Local Coordinator Marcella plans an activity every month and says “it’s a great way for everyone, including their host families, to get to know each other well.” Activities this year have included a welcome barbecue, haunted house tour, and a whale watching trip.

She became a host parent first when her son became friends with several international students and wanted to host one. The Young’s first international student, an Italian, still comes to visit every year.

​When she’s placing students Marcella looks first for families that are hosting for the right reason. “Then,” she says, “I choose families that have similar interests; for example, a  family and student may both like to ski, cook, like to go to movies, or enjoy traveling.”
​