Great example of getting to know your LCC options before choosing an agency. I would be so shocked to receive these kinds of emails. If I wanted a high school babysitter in my home, I would call a neighbor.

Anonymous wrote:
"We've been getting bizarre guilt trips from our agency about the meaning of "host"

What does this mean? What agency?


Our LCC seems to think that we should treat our APs like high-schoolers on exchange programs -- like, full-on coddling, doting host-family for a teenager rather than a resourceful, independent adult. We have 3 very young kids and take the family aspect of the cultural exchange very seriously, but absolutely don't want - and can't handle - an extra child. I think when our kids are older we'll love having slightly younger, more dependent APs, but not right now. Soo ... our LCC sends month emails to her group reminding the host MOMS about all the things that MOMS do and that our AP is probably missing from home and can't we do XYZ. and then the comments like "Oh, the bus" Can't you drive her?" Like I said, we feel that we do a good job HOSTING our APs, but we really don't want to PARENT them (and ahem, we both have full-time jobs). I'm hoping to change up LCCs with our next AP.


Ummmm...no way. Contact your agency. That is incredibly unprofessional. Maybe this LCC was a SAHM who used program in a mothers helper capacity but that is not the norm. I was active duty in the Air Force at 22 years old so I have little tolerance for coddling young adults. Time to buck up buttercup.

Yes, a million ways to transport oneself to the airport. And I am very happy to and do brainstorm options and discuss ways to cut costs with AP. But, part of being a grown up and experiencing the US culture is navigating options, making choices, and budgeting your main. They are life skills.

Ummm, UBER!

Re transportation to/from the airport, we do usually drive our APs. And they drive us when we go on trips. It is a nice gesture. But I do agree that if it doesn't work for your family, you shouldn't have to do it. These are young adults and need to learn to make arrangements themselves. There are a lot of cheap options around here.

I had one AP that kept booking BWI Airport (we live in Bethesda), so she could get a cheaper flight. She didn't consider the costs to get to the airport would exceed the costs savings.

And the last time she booked a flight at 7 am! I learned that there is a very good and cheap ($7) express bus (very nice bus, seen it) from Shady Grove Metro to BWI. Goes the ICC and stops just a few places. Takes about 70 minutes max from door to door. So that is what my APs will be doing in the future, though I did drive here at 5:00 am to get the bus! Argh.

Is it seriously just addressed to the moms?? I would be contacting my agency so fast. That is ridiculous.