Student exchange program looking for host families in El Paso

Greenheart Exchange has been placing foreign students in American homes for more than three decades and El Paso is no exception.

There are currently several students from around the world that are calling El Paso their temporary home.

Maov Kaing, 15, from Cambodia has been in the city for several months with his host family.

“When I was on the airplane and looked through the window and was like ‘where am I going– it’s all desert,” said Kaing.

Kaing said after being in El Paso for five months, he loves his host family and the Mexican food the most.

He’s a sophomore at Americas High School where he is also taking junior-level classes, and recently secured a spot on the soccer team.

While in the U.S., Kaing said he is trying to learn as much as possible, especially his English and grammar skills. He’s also interested in learning more about the country’s history.

“I want to graduate in the United States and I want to get a better job for me. I want to travel around the world,” Kaing said.

Kaing has also made an impact on his host mother, Zenaida Olivas, who has accepted him with open arms.

“He has brought so much joy to this house. I lost my husband and we never had children so this is my first experience as a mother and I couldn’t have picked a better kiddo,” Olivas said.

Olivas has a large extended family that has accepted Maov as their own and have dinners together every weekend.

“I love my family,” Kiang said.

He said he felt very welcome when started school and instantly made dozens of friends.

Greenheart Exchange is currently looking for more host families for the upcoming school year. A representative can help families match a student that will fit their home life.

To fill out an application and learn more about the student exchange program, click here.