What Host Families Say
Judy Collins - Homestay mother for over 20 years
Judy and Bob Collins of Lynnwood have been hosting Edmonds College international students
since 1991. After their own children moved out, hosting helped them fill their five-bedroom
home and avoid empty nest syndrome.
“I tell the students, ‘You are a guest the first day, after that you are part of
the family,’” said Judy Collins. “And now, we have a large family overseas.”
The Collins’ have hosted students from countries including Japan, Hong Kong, Germany,
France, Russia, Spain, Brazil and Indonesia. Most students stay for a year or more
while they complete degrees in programs such as Hospitality and Tourism, Business
Management or Computer Information Systems. Other students come for a week or two
to learn English and live with an American family.
“We get to travel through our students without leaving home,” Collins said. “And
it’s fun to be a part of their lives and goals.”