Testimonials
I have hosted many international students in my home over the years. At first, I was a bit nervous, but I soon found that it was so much fun to meet and come to know teens from around the world. My family has been introduced many, new kinds of foods which we have enjoyed, and I have even tried cooking some of them. We love kimchi! My husband and I have become very attached to our students; we still keep in contact with many of them. Almost weekly, I have heard from one of my former students; we have enjoyed watching to see where their lives have taken them.
Because our students grow good relationships with us and with many of the students here at City Christian School, they talk to us more and learn better English. Our school offers a good support program for international students, and the American students look forward to their coming to our school as much as the staff does.
I have worked with All-Grace for two years. I worked with one of the agent while I hosted an international student from Taiwan. Working with her was very pleasant; she was kind, friendly, and very helpful. She was also a good cook! She dropped off a few wonderful meals that she prepared herself, and that was such a treat!
She has always been available to talk with if I had a question. She loves all of the students that she works with, and they love her! I recommend All-Grace highly because she sets a very high standard for being a great agent.
Because our students grow good relationships with us and with many of the students here at City Christian School, they talk to us more and learn better English. Our school offers a good support program for international students, and the American students look forward to their coming to our school as much as the staff does.
I have worked with All-Grace for two years. I worked with one of the agent while I hosted an international student from Taiwan. Working with her was very pleasant; she was kind, friendly, and very helpful. She was also a good cook! She dropped off a few wonderful meals that she prepared herself, and that was such a treat!
She has always been available to talk with if I had a question. She loves all of the students that she works with, and they love her! I recommend All-Grace highly because she sets a very high standard for being a great agent.
Mrs. Shelley BallHost Parent
Hi, my name is Lucas. I'm from Korea, and I've just finished my second year of studying in the USA. My first year, I lived in Michigan. My second year, I moved to City Christian High School in Portland, Oregon and met All-Grace. My day to day life at City Christian was different and I really loved it. I had a lot of memorable experiences, and what makes going to school here special is the people. Teachers, staff, and students at City Christian made a point to welcome me and make me feel at home. Even though my English was not the best when I started at City Christian School I felt that they showed me God's heart with their acceptance, kindness, patience, empathy, and community.
My agent from All-Grace also made a difference in my international study experience. She was nice, and you could tell that she was doing this because she really cared about you. She always went the extra mile- in her school visits, she would bring me food she cooked at home for me. Whenever I had questions or I needed help understanding the culture here, I knew I could rely on her to give me good advice, no matter the situation. When I had some problems adjusting, she was immediately on my side and helped me understand my situation and plan how things could get better, encouraging me and telling me I could do it the whole way through. I've never thought an agent could do so much for me, but she felt like my mother in America. She has a way of making you feel special, accomplished and going places- it's because she not only says that she'll do everything she can to make sure her students succeed, she does it.
My agent from All-Grace also made a difference in my international study experience. She was nice, and you could tell that she was doing this because she really cared about you. She always went the extra mile- in her school visits, she would bring me food she cooked at home for me. Whenever I had questions or I needed help understanding the culture here, I knew I could rely on her to give me good advice, no matter the situation. When I had some problems adjusting, she was immediately on my side and helped me understand my situation and plan how things could get better, encouraging me and telling me I could do it the whole way through. I've never thought an agent could do so much for me, but she felt like my mother in America. She has a way of making you feel special, accomplished and going places- it's because she not only says that she'll do everything she can to make sure her students succeed, she does it.
Lucas Heo HyeokStudent
I am Kristen Liu. I come from Taiwan. This was my first year in America, and I was very excited and nervous before I came. It was an unforgettable year at City Christian High School this year. The teachers in school are amazing. They care about their students, and because of the small class sizes, I had a really good relationships with my teachers and I felt that they had the time to focus on me and my progress. I also met a lot of good friends. Because of the small population in the school, I got so close with the classmates I had in freshman class. My host mom, Mrs. Ball, is also my English teacher. She is the kindest person I’ve ever met, not just as a host parent but also as a teacher. I'm lucky to have one of the agent from All-Grace. She visited me regularly at school and always listened and asked me if I had any problems. She would also often come and bring me food! She takes care of me like my mom would and has really made studying in America easier and more fulfilling!
Kristen LiuStudent
We wanted our daughter Kristen, came from Taiwan to have a safe learning environment in the USA, so we chose to send her to City Christian School in Portland, OR. All-Grace has been Kristen's agent. We really appreciate how well All-Grace took care of Kristen. She met with her at least once a month and texted her on a regular basis to make sure she was doing great and to understand her needs. We felt that she cared for our daughter not as an agent but more like a mom would.
We got monthly reports from her which helped us understand our daughter's academic progress and attendance, her social life, and how well she's getting along with her host family. Whenever I had questions or requests about our daughter's school, social life, or living arrangements, I usually communicated with our agent via Whatsapp, where I always got quick and thorough responses.
Having a responsible, caring, agent to make sure my child is successful while studying in America brought me great peace of mind. I'm glad I selected All-Grace and I was lucky to have All-Grace as my agent!
We got monthly reports from her which helped us understand our daughter's academic progress and attendance, her social life, and how well she's getting along with her host family. Whenever I had questions or requests about our daughter's school, social life, or living arrangements, I usually communicated with our agent via Whatsapp, where I always got quick and thorough responses.
Having a responsible, caring, agent to make sure my child is successful while studying in America brought me great peace of mind. I'm glad I selected All-Grace and I was lucky to have All-Grace as my agent!
Ivy ChenParent of Kristen Liu
Hello from a long time host parent,
I am especially happy to write a short note explaining my host parent experience and to commend All-Grace as a superior agent for international students. First, a little background about my wife and I . We have been host parents continuously for the past 25 years. My wife and I began our hosting activities while our two children were still in high school. We thought it a good idea to expose them to other cultures and we wanted to also open our home to those who maybe needed a “Mom and Dad”. When our children graduated high school and moved on to college my wife and I had so enjoyed the experience with the international students that we decided to continue on this journey of discovery. And believe me when I say that it has been a journey of discovery. We have met the most remarkable young people in the intervening years. We now have friends all over the world and still maintain contact with many of them as well as their families. We have been so blessed by the young people we have come in contact with. It has been an eye opener as well as a pleasure to learn about cultures we had only read about and probably will never personally visit. The customs and tradition, fabulous foods and music have been our “travel history” for several decades now. We do not need to read a world history book to learn about other cultures as we have living friends who can share what the world is all about. What a glorious experience it has been to open our hearts to others and invite them in. Most of our “kids” have done the same in return and my wife and I feel as if we have children all over this great planet. Some are having children of their own now so we are “host grandparents’ and loving it.
There is an extra blessing of hosting international students and that is my wife and I get to assist them in learning about this great country we live in. America has a lot to offer and the students want to find out what living as an American is all about. So taking the good with the bad we have the opportunity to share with some great kids what growing up in the Pacific Northwest is really like and what our American culture like. That is a very fulfilling experience and then we are able to assist the students in learning English better and helping with class assignments so they can actually learn from them and not just go through the routine of memorizing things out of a book. We get to help bring the lessons alive for them. But enough about the terrific experience my wife and I have had with our international kids. I want to tell you a little bit about All-Grace. As you can imagine, after hosting students for several decades we have come in contact with lots of different agents. I am happy to say that most have been very good and some really good. But All-Grace had risen to the top of the list of the agents my wife and I have had the pleasure of working with for over 25 years. She is simply superior. Her attention and care of her students is remarkable. The extra mile is common place with her and it is so obvious that she isn’t just doing a “job”. She is investing herself in lives and that shows in so many different ways. She maintains constant contact with us as host parents. She regularly visits her students not only at school but she comes to our home and also meets them in other places as they have time. She brings them food and other “goodies” and tries to make them feel at home when they are away from home. That takes a superior effort but more importantly it takes a superior person. I am so happy to say that All-Grace is both and if my child was going to attend a school overseas I would hope and pray our agent would have the character and compassion and work ethic that All-Grace has. You couldn’t place your child in more capable hands.
I am especially happy to write a short note explaining my host parent experience and to commend All-Grace as a superior agent for international students. First, a little background about my wife and I . We have been host parents continuously for the past 25 years. My wife and I began our hosting activities while our two children were still in high school. We thought it a good idea to expose them to other cultures and we wanted to also open our home to those who maybe needed a “Mom and Dad”. When our children graduated high school and moved on to college my wife and I had so enjoyed the experience with the international students that we decided to continue on this journey of discovery. And believe me when I say that it has been a journey of discovery. We have met the most remarkable young people in the intervening years. We now have friends all over the world and still maintain contact with many of them as well as their families. We have been so blessed by the young people we have come in contact with. It has been an eye opener as well as a pleasure to learn about cultures we had only read about and probably will never personally visit. The customs and tradition, fabulous foods and music have been our “travel history” for several decades now. We do not need to read a world history book to learn about other cultures as we have living friends who can share what the world is all about. What a glorious experience it has been to open our hearts to others and invite them in. Most of our “kids” have done the same in return and my wife and I feel as if we have children all over this great planet. Some are having children of their own now so we are “host grandparents’ and loving it.
There is an extra blessing of hosting international students and that is my wife and I get to assist them in learning about this great country we live in. America has a lot to offer and the students want to find out what living as an American is all about. So taking the good with the bad we have the opportunity to share with some great kids what growing up in the Pacific Northwest is really like and what our American culture like. That is a very fulfilling experience and then we are able to assist the students in learning English better and helping with class assignments so they can actually learn from them and not just go through the routine of memorizing things out of a book. We get to help bring the lessons alive for them. But enough about the terrific experience my wife and I have had with our international kids. I want to tell you a little bit about All-Grace. As you can imagine, after hosting students for several decades we have come in contact with lots of different agents. I am happy to say that most have been very good and some really good. But All-Grace had risen to the top of the list of the agents my wife and I have had the pleasure of working with for over 25 years. She is simply superior. Her attention and care of her students is remarkable. The extra mile is common place with her and it is so obvious that she isn’t just doing a “job”. She is investing herself in lives and that shows in so many different ways. She maintains constant contact with us as host parents. She regularly visits her students not only at school but she comes to our home and also meets them in other places as they have time. She brings them food and other “goodies” and tries to make them feel at home when they are away from home. That takes a superior effort but more importantly it takes a superior person. I am so happy to say that All-Grace is both and if my child was going to attend a school overseas I would hope and pray our agent would have the character and compassion and work ethic that All-Grace has. You couldn’t place your child in more capable hands.
Larry LawsonHigh School Supervisor (City Christian High School), host parent for over 25 years
Thank you so much for taking care of my son during his junior year, we can't tell you how happy we were to learn that you would take him in again for another year/his senior year. My son's been saying that he has the nicest and most diligent agent of all. And with that, we believe, he could finish last school year with good grades and memories with all the people around him.
While he was in Korea during summer vacation, we talked about his plans for his senior year and preparation for college. He is hoping to graduate with good grades and continue to play drums and soccer. Also ultimately, he is planning to attend a hotel management college in Switzerland. So he will do his best to achieve all the necessary criteria. He is, indeed, a lovable child. We trust that he will have another prosperous and joyful year. Please stand by him and guide him as you always have. Thank you again for everything, All-Grace!
While he was in Korea during summer vacation, we talked about his plans for his senior year and preparation for college. He is hoping to graduate with good grades and continue to play drums and soccer. Also ultimately, he is planning to attend a hotel management college in Switzerland. So he will do his best to achieve all the necessary criteria. He is, indeed, a lovable child. We trust that he will have another prosperous and joyful year. Please stand by him and guide him as you always have. Thank you again for everything, All-Grace!
Mrs Hye Sun ParkParent of Lucas Hyeok
In March 2015, my family and I welcomed a Korean high school student into our home. I had not had any experience hosting international students, but I was excited to act as a parent for the student living with me. God has really blessed me through the process because I am not just hosting but also doing ministry at the same time! God gives me wisdom, strength and joy. It has been a good experience to get to know the student and his family.
I’m also blessed to know All-Grace! They were very helpful, and really cared to the students and to me as a host parent. They were available for me if any issues came up, I feel free to call them any time, They are always find a way to solve any issues and to take care of them. I never felt that I am doing this job alone.
All-Grace is a great agency that you can trust for your child to study away from home, they always goes the extra mile to care of their students. I have every trust that they’ll match your student with a family that will take care of them because they are a very caring people!
I’m also blessed to know All-Grace! They were very helpful, and really cared to the students and to me as a host parent. They were available for me if any issues came up, I feel free to call them any time, They are always find a way to solve any issues and to take care of them. I never felt that I am doing this job alone.
All-Grace is a great agency that you can trust for your child to study away from home, they always goes the extra mile to care of their students. I have every trust that they’ll match your student with a family that will take care of them because they are a very caring people!
Tina LeowHost Parent
In March 2015, I got a sudden phone call from my son and found out that he had been suspended from school due to disciplinary issues. I also found out that his previous agent had decided to dismiss him from his program, and that if he wanted to continue studying in the states, he would have to find a new agent immediately. I was shocked to receive this news because there was no report of any kind previously from the previous agent, and he's been telling me how well he's been doing for the last two years, so I decided to fly to Portland two weeks after that.
I met the new agent from All-Grace for the first time at Portland International Airport. They offered me and my son to stay at their home a few days before checking into a hotel. We found out that my son had been dis-enrolled from his previous school, and I was worried. It is not always easy to find a new school in the middle of March/ second semester had started. We all spent a lot of time praying to ask for God’s favor in this situation.
They made numerous calls and visits to school, after their tireless effort, we found a new school for my son to enroll, but we still hadn’t matched him with a host family, so we checked into a hotel near their house. All-Grace worked very hard to meet, interview, and screen the right host family as if it were their own son, we finally met a warm, loving Christian mother that was a great fit for my son- she even cooked Asian food for my son, who was having trouble adjusting to the American food at his old host family. The situation ended up being ideal for my son, as his new host family was willing to be involved in my son’s academics, help monitor his behavior issue, and welcome him in despite his trouble past. And I believe this is all possible because of All-Grace's agent devotion and effort.
What really impressed me is that during our search for a host family, they would pick up my son from the hotel we were staying to send him to school every morning (an hour drive away), and they would even pack my son a lunch daily! They really went above and beyond to help out me and my son in this unique situation. My son said that if God exists, He'll be like them.
Every month, All-Grace sends me a report updating me on my son’s progress. In the report are my son's grades, his school life, medical issues, and various pictures. During their regular visit, she always brought a lot of delicious home cook food, and even she cooked my son's favorite tofu dish. I communicate with All-Grace often on Kakao Talk or Line to ask how my son is doing. Even though I’m far away from him, I have a complete confidence in them that they will take good care of him. Having compassionate and faithful partners like All-Grace agent enables that and makes a world of a difference.
When I looked back, I realize that it was God's blessing and His divine opportunity that I could met All-Grace so my son could get his new life, new school, new host family and new bright future.
All-Grace, you are the best. I trust that God will protect and guide you.
I met the new agent from All-Grace for the first time at Portland International Airport. They offered me and my son to stay at their home a few days before checking into a hotel. We found out that my son had been dis-enrolled from his previous school, and I was worried. It is not always easy to find a new school in the middle of March/ second semester had started. We all spent a lot of time praying to ask for God’s favor in this situation.
They made numerous calls and visits to school, after their tireless effort, we found a new school for my son to enroll, but we still hadn’t matched him with a host family, so we checked into a hotel near their house. All-Grace worked very hard to meet, interview, and screen the right host family as if it were their own son, we finally met a warm, loving Christian mother that was a great fit for my son- she even cooked Asian food for my son, who was having trouble adjusting to the American food at his old host family. The situation ended up being ideal for my son, as his new host family was willing to be involved in my son’s academics, help monitor his behavior issue, and welcome him in despite his trouble past. And I believe this is all possible because of All-Grace's agent devotion and effort.
What really impressed me is that during our search for a host family, they would pick up my son from the hotel we were staying to send him to school every morning (an hour drive away), and they would even pack my son a lunch daily! They really went above and beyond to help out me and my son in this unique situation. My son said that if God exists, He'll be like them.
Every month, All-Grace sends me a report updating me on my son’s progress. In the report are my son's grades, his school life, medical issues, and various pictures. During their regular visit, she always brought a lot of delicious home cook food, and even she cooked my son's favorite tofu dish. I communicate with All-Grace often on Kakao Talk or Line to ask how my son is doing. Even though I’m far away from him, I have a complete confidence in them that they will take good care of him. Having compassionate and faithful partners like All-Grace agent enables that and makes a world of a difference.
When I looked back, I realize that it was God's blessing and His divine opportunity that I could met All-Grace so my son could get his new life, new school, new host family and new bright future.
All-Grace, you are the best. I trust that God will protect and guide you.
Kyoung Sook LimParent of SJ Kim
I’m the mother of 9th grade Chinese student in Portland. My best friend introduced me to All-Grace, and it is because of this opportunity that my son was able to go the United States to study.
I felt immediately comfortable when I met the agent. She displayed warmth and kindness. It gave us confidence to entrust our son to her. She helped him find a great host family that's been very inclusive and has helped him to integrate into U.S. culture. Her regular visits helped him to adjust with the new environment smoothly, deal with homesick, and culture shock. She helped to explain to my son the practice, lifestyle, and culture of the people in America, and answered his questions when he had any. She encouraged him to be independent, strong and thrive in the US; When he was sick, she visited him with meals and vitamins C, she even showers him with occasional gifts and Chinese food. My son has now been in the U.S. for some time, and we feel completely at ease leaving him alone in a foreign country because he has such a responsible and trustworthy agent to watch over him.
I receive monthly reports from her. These reports enable me to understand his progress in school and his living conditions. She has been like a bridge between my son and I while he's studying in America. She really brings a parent's perspective to how she deals with her students, and I can say that in our case, she feels like another mother for my son while he's living in the U.S. Thanks, All-Grace, for helping my son adjust to the new culture and environment, for your continuous work encouraging him to continue to work hard on his academics and his English proficiency and for your generous giving spirit. I couldn't feel any better about having my son study in the U.S. because of you!
I felt immediately comfortable when I met the agent. She displayed warmth and kindness. It gave us confidence to entrust our son to her. She helped him find a great host family that's been very inclusive and has helped him to integrate into U.S. culture. Her regular visits helped him to adjust with the new environment smoothly, deal with homesick, and culture shock. She helped to explain to my son the practice, lifestyle, and culture of the people in America, and answered his questions when he had any. She encouraged him to be independent, strong and thrive in the US; When he was sick, she visited him with meals and vitamins C, she even showers him with occasional gifts and Chinese food. My son has now been in the U.S. for some time, and we feel completely at ease leaving him alone in a foreign country because he has such a responsible and trustworthy agent to watch over him.
I receive monthly reports from her. These reports enable me to understand his progress in school and his living conditions. She has been like a bridge between my son and I while he's studying in America. She really brings a parent's perspective to how she deals with her students, and I can say that in our case, she feels like another mother for my son while he's living in the U.S. Thanks, All-Grace, for helping my son adjust to the new culture and environment, for your continuous work encouraging him to continue to work hard on his academics and his English proficiency and for your generous giving spirit. I couldn't feel any better about having my son study in the U.S. because of you!
Mrs. Chun Zhen HuangParent of Jake Li
Our experience hosting students from other countries has been positive! We have gained so much life-enriching experience from hosting an exchange student. Over the years we have opened our home to many students who are studying abroad. This is a responsibility that we take on with great care. We know that we are hosting someone's precious child. We treat them as if they were our own family.
Our most recent experience has been extraordinary. Our agent from All-Grace is an all-star! She always has the best interest of the student and parents. There have been many times where a student needed help with schooling, cultural differences, or homesickness and she supported them. She is the most consistent agent we have ever worked with! Monthly she meets with students to check-in with them. The most impressive thing about the agent is her generosity. When she meets with students she not only gives of herself but in addition always has food or a gift for them.
We feel confident that our students have the best agent! There are many agencies to choose from but All-Grace exceeds all the expectations! My wife and I give a strong recommendation for All-Grace. They are truly exemplary.
Our most recent experience has been extraordinary. Our agent from All-Grace is an all-star! She always has the best interest of the student and parents. There have been many times where a student needed help with schooling, cultural differences, or homesickness and she supported them. She is the most consistent agent we have ever worked with! Monthly she meets with students to check-in with them. The most impressive thing about the agent is her generosity. When she meets with students she not only gives of herself but in addition always has food or a gift for them.
We feel confident that our students have the best agent! There are many agencies to choose from but All-Grace exceeds all the expectations! My wife and I give a strong recommendation for All-Grace. They are truly exemplary.
Craig and Jamie JamesHost Parents
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