Hampshire Family Hosts Two International Students Through Homestay Program

Since 2018, Lucretia and Ian Barrera have opened their home to international exchange students. The couple was living in Rockford, Illinois, when they first decided to start hosting international high school students. 

“We have just absolutely loved participating in the program,” said Lucretia Barrera. “We’ve kept in contact with many of our exchange students through the years. Our first one we hosted back in 2018 has already come back to visit us, and we plan on visiting him in Spain.” 

After relocating to Hampshire, Illinois, the Barreras learned about Elgin Community College’s International Student Homestay Program. Through ECC, they are hosting their third and fourth students: Julia Bernardo Navarro from Brazil, who joined the family in spring 2025, and Aye Lyae Pyae Moe from Myanmar, who arrived for the fall 2025 semester.  

Moe was originally staying with a family friend in Naperville, but she realized that Naperville was too far from ECC and began looking for a host family. She came to ECC to study industrial engineering, but she has always wanted to study in the U.S. since she was young. 

“Ever since I was little, I’ve seen movies and the lifestyle through the TV, and I’m like, this is the lifestyle I want,” Moe said about the U.S. “I studied hard and thought one of these days I’m going to go to the States.” 

Bernardo Navarro is studying psychology and hopes to continue her education and obtain a bachelor’s degree. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2026 with her associate degree. 

Barrera said hosting students is second nature to her family now. 

“We’ve learned early on to be very clear with any type of household rules or expectations,” she said. “We set the bar with clear communication right from the get-go with all our students, and then as things progress, you develop a relationship with each student.” 

Barrera has encouraged the students to be involved in ECC events as much as possible. She adds that she has found that the students who have the best experiences are the ones who are involved in the school. 

“I want to [emphasize] to anyone interested in the program how enriching the [experience] is, especially since we have [hosted] at both the high school and college levels,” she said. “Both are enjoyable, but I will say that [hosting college students comes with] a level of independence.” 

ECC’s International Student Homestay Program is seeking host families who are interested in sharing their lifestyles and culture with students. Host families receive between $750-$950 per month to offset their expenses. Those interested in participating in the program can visit elgin.edu/homestay.