CABOT, Ark – For many students, it’s once again time to head back to school, but for Emin Farmanyan it’s a new life.
The 15-year-old came from Armenia and now he’s gearing up for his first school year at Cabot High School.
“I don’t travel pretty much so it’s my first time getting outside the world,” Farmanyan said.
He said it was time to experience something new, being that he’s never been far away from his family.
Farmanyan said his parents were nervous and he was too, but despite their doubts, he made the move.
“I just explained that ‘Everything is ok. There is a host family. I’m living with them,’” Farmanyan said.
Diana Farrier and her husband took Farmanyan in as one of their own while raising their two kids. Diana said she was inspired after seeing a post on Facebook a year ago, with a woman looking for a host to help foreign exchange students earn a better education.
“You try not to treat them like a guest,” Farrier said. “You want them to be a part of your family, and you want them to fit in.”
She said she’ll be hosting Farmanyan this school year and hopes that others will open their doors as well to help other students get the same opportunities.
Families interested in hosting international exchange students can find more information at asse.com.