Exchange Student Seeking A Host Home

By Kendra Bobowick

“She is the sweetest girl; she is a delight,” said Patti Calderara. “I would love to keep her forever and ever.”

Issyana (Inez) Indraswari, a 17-year-old student from Indonesia participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, has been living with Pattie and Bill Calderara since August. Despite their fondness for Inez, the Calderaras are among Newtown Rotary Club members who encourage her to meet and live with other families.

“It’s a wonderful experience for Inez and for the families especially with children,” said Rotary coordinator Chris Hoeffel. “We are looking for her to have multiple family experiences. Even a few months is not too short to adopt her for a time and share your life and activities.”

Spending time with more than one family “broadens her experience with her visit to America, and more of us have the opportunity to meet her,” said Mr Hoeffel.

He and the Calderaras hope residents are aware of the idea that an exchange student is in town through the end of this school year. The exchange program allows people of different countries to see “how similar we all are, but from different lands,” Mr Hoeffel said. The exchange program “goes beyond tolerance to acceptance. To celebration.”

Any family that would be willing to open its doors would have a lot of Rotarian support. Rotarians in town invite her” to different activities, like a day trip to New York City, for example. Some expenses could be covered by a small stipend provided through the Rotary.

 

About Inez

Inez is a serious student with a challenging workload, said Ms Calderara. She makes friends easily and is involved in extracurricular activities. Inez is “quiet, but not bashful. She is a model child,” she said. “So easy and fun.”

She wants the new experiences. Inez said, “I like new countries and to explore.” She also enjoys meeting American families, “and kids also.”

So far, Inez said, she has “really enjoyed the family I am with.”

The Newtown climate is a surprise compared to her native 90-degree weather.

“It’s very hot in Indonesia, all year,” she said. “I am not sure if I am ready for the cold!” She has seen snow before the flurries in recent weeks — and for the first time in the mountains in her country. “It’s a plane ride away and I never go.” She also saw snow during a visit to Australia in 2007.

She is also acclimating to a new high school routine.

“My high school is also public,” she said. The daily routine is different, however. “We stay with the same students each time we change [classes], but here, we meet different students.”

Newtown’s rural aspect appeals to Inez. “In my town, it’s crowded, so many people and traffic jams everyday. Here it is calm and quiet,” she said. “Sometimes I think that is better because we can enjoy the calm and don’t have to think about traffic jams.”

With her hopes set on becoming a doctor, Inez said, “It is my ambition since I was a child.”

Families interested in hosting Inez can contact Chris Hoeffel at 203-648-6518, or Rotary President Carrie Swan at 203-426-1230.