Exchange Student Experiences Battle Creek Academy

Hospitality involves lovingly and generously welcoming someone somewhere and making their stay comfortable and enjoyable. Typically, when we talk about the concept of hospitality, we think about someone visiting our homes.

Hospitality shouldn’t just apply to our houses, however, it is needed in our churches and schools as well. Battle Creek Academy (BCA) has been blessed with the opportunity to exercise hospitality by welcoming foreign exchange students into their school. Elisa Fabiocchi was one such student whose life was touched by BCA’s hospitality and by that of her host family for the program last school year.

Elisa originally heard of the foreign exchange student program at her school in Belgium, and it quickly caught her attention. Elisa had seen films depicting what American life was like, or might be like, and was excited to immerse herself in a different culture. With this motivation, she eagerly jumped on the opportunity. The program did not allow students to decide which school they would be attending, so even as Elisa was planning to travel to her host school, she and her family had no idea where she would be going. Looking back on the possible options for her placement, she is very thankful that Battle Creek was the school chosen for her.

Elisa recounts her experiences at BCA with fondness and a grateful heart. One of her favorite aspects of the academy was the musical influence it provided. A long-time lover of music, it was a treat for her to listen to the group and participate in the singing during worship services. Music was such a highlight of her time at BCA that even her host family, Buddy and Tina Houghtaling, mentioned that they would hear her joyfully singing around the house.

In addition to the music, Elisa notes that the Bible classes at BCA were interesting and informative. When asked what she enjoyed about the Bible study portion of the curriculum, she states “I am not an extremely religious. . . but the courses had lots of great information and were fun.” It’s worth noting that students attending BCA through the exchange program are not necessarily Adventist, so BCA’s participation in the program is an excellent witnessing opportunity. 

Making Connections

In addition to BCA, Elisa had another source of support. The exchange students are not only brought into the school, but also into the homes of those who have offered to board them. These host families provide lodging, food, transportation, and friendships. Elisa spoke highly of her host family and the people she met who made her time here a special and meaningful experience. “The best part was the connections,” she says, explaining her favorite part of her time in America.  

Buddy and Tina Houghtaling still have children at home, which creates an encouraging, friendly, and comfortable environment for students who stay with them. “[Elisa] became a part of our family,” Tina shares. Buddy and Tina state that their own appreciation and enjoyment of the program is largely due to the relationships which are created. In addition to feeling supported by their children and the students themselves, the Houghtalings mention the wonderful support resources provided by the school as well as the support of their personal friends. A friend of the Houghtalings participated by helping to provide transportation. Family friends created a way for more connections to grow in the students’ lives. 

This wasn’t the first year the Houghtalings participated in the program. The year before, the school did not have enough host families to meet the needs of the exchange program. Notice of the desperate need for a host family reached the Houghtalings. Even though they had never considered this before, the Houghtalings discovered several reasons they should participate. “The summer before, we had built an additional room in our basement,” says Buddy, “It would afford [the students] the privacy they needed, give us a chance to get to know someone, and really help the academy which we support.” Tina adds that their decision to participate in the program as a host family was one made with much prayer. The Houghtalings were able to take in two students the first year – one for the entire school year and one for a partial year. The Houghtalings were looking forward to taking in another student during the 2023-2024 school year. 

Buddy and Tina also talk about the ways in which their experiences with the students and school have been a blessing to them. “It encourages us to get out more…We have more family activities.” Elisa’s involvement and presence, as well as that of previous students they have hosted, was a catalyst for extra family time and outings for the Houghtaling household. They wanted to make sure their students had fun experiences to remember.

Elisa has returned to Belgium and carries with her the lessons and memories she learned while at BCA. The Houghtalings hope to keep in touch with Elisa as they have with the other full-year student whom they hosted. “The goodbyes are hard; no question about it,” says Buddy. Of course, the Houghtalings are eagerly awaiting their student for the 2024-2025 school year. “We are ready! Planning for [another student] this year.” 

The Apostle Paul describes what love in action looks like in Romans 12:13 telling the believers to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Not only have BCA and the host families been hospitable, but they have enjoyed sharing their homes and lives with the students. They have attended to their needs and been an example of how opening our hearts and homes can be a benefit to all involved—from the experiences, lessons, and exposure to Adventism and Biblical knowledge the student receives to the increased cultural knowledge, activity, and connectedness in the homes and school.