Locals talk benefits of the International Student Exchange program

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – Amid plenty of talk surrounding immigration and travel visas, schools in South Central Kentucky forge ahead with International Student Exchange, which falls under the J-1 visa program.

17-year-old Hyung Jun Lee is one of those students. He arrived in the United States in January, coming all the way from South Korea.

“I think it’s a very good experience because you only live once, so it’s very good to experience many things,” he said.

He hasn’t noticed a huge difference between people in the U.S. and South Korea, only noting that back home, he had to wear a uniform at school, and there were no sports teams.

His host mom, Scottsville resident Tonya Alderman, echoed the same sentiment, finding it fascinating how similar people can be despite thousands of miles of difference.

“People aren’t that different, honestly, we’re all at the core pretty much the same, so giving yourself a chance to learn about other people and cultures, I think, is very beneficial.”

Alderman was eager to be a host. She was curious about the program since high school, but did not have access to it. After realizing she could be a host now, Jun Lee became the sixth member of her household.

In addition to showing Jun Lee the surrounding area, teaching him time management skills, and exposing him to new music like hip hop, they plan to take a quick trip up to Chicago to see more of the U.S.

Area ISE coordinator Kristin Taylor believes programs like these highlight a unique feature and strength in the States: its diversity.

“Our students, especially, have the opportunity to interact with students from another country that they have never been to, they may never go to, so it gives them a really rich insight into another culture,” she said.

While the Trump Administration has resumed student visa appointments, announcing an expanded social media review component, Taylor said that this has “already been taking place at consulates throughout the world before this announcement.”

The rigorous application process also requires proficiency in English, several different tests, interviews, and review of the student’s education record.

Once accepted, students can make an appointment at the consulate and apply for their visa.

Brad Bonds, a guidance counselor at Allen County-Scottsville High School, says it’s natural for international students to feel nervous. That’s why they encourage them to join plenty of school activities.

“The more that we can get them involved in, the better off they’re going to feel meeting different types of groups of people and just staying involved and learning about life here in Kentucky.”

Jun Lee plays baseball, football, and badminton during the school year. It’s a change of pace from his all-boys school in South Korea, where he says after-school activities feel more like class.

In addition to improving his English, learning how to overcome nerves and becoming more positive, Jun Lee has realized that he’d rather regret doing something than never trying it at all. But he definitely doesn’t regret his time in the U.S., which comes to an end in December. He said if he could stay in the States afterwards, he would.

Once he returns to South Korea and graduates from school, he hopes to become a pilot.

Taylor says ISE is always looking for host families. She says anyone in the surrounding South Central Kentucky counties who has a bed, love, and a willingness to learn about another culture is welcome to host for the one to two-semester program. They see hosts of all different kinds, from grandparents to single parents to families with little ones.

And Alderman wants people to know it’s not as complicated as you may think, and you have plenty of support from your ISE coordinator.

“You don’t have to travel all the time and do Disney Land and cruises or jet set around the United States to be a host parent,” she said. “You have to be willing to have another kid in your house and just make sure they feel welcome.”

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