6/14/2025 - A Global Bond: DeVore Family’s Exchange Journey with Lowell High and Educatius

Vietnamese student, Anh, finds second home, lifelong memories through Lowell exchange program

Justin Scott – School News

What happens when curiosity, compassion, and global opportunity meet in one Lowell home? For the DeVore family—and their exchange student Anh—it meant a year of unforgettable moments, deep cultural exchange, and a shared journey that changed all their lives.

In partnership with international exchange organization Educatius and Lowell Area Schools, Mayor Mike DeVore, his son Brady, and their guest student Anh of Vietnam sat down for a candid conversation about their experience as a host family with the Lowell Ledger. Also joining us was Ashley Riley, Educatius' regional manager and driving force behind placing international students with local families.

“This is my first time as an exchange student, and this is the best host family,” Anh shared early in our discussion whose English was great. From the moment he arrived in Lowell, it was clear: this was a great match.

Anh, a Vietnamese high school student with a passion for technology particularly, joined the DeVore household just before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Despite a late placement after his original host family fell through, Riley worked quickly to match Anh with the DeVores—who had caught the opportunity through a school newsletter and jumped in with enthusiasm.
“We’re not your traditional family, and I wasn’t sure we’d qualify,” said Mike DeVore. “But when Brady brought up the idea, I called Ashley on the way to Detroit that weekend. One week later, we were approved.”

Brady, a now-graduated senior at Lowell High School, said hosting Anh has been “probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“It’s changed me for the better,” he said. “I’ve learned more about the world, and it’s made me a better teacher, a better friend, and honestly, a better person.”

Riley explained that Educatius has worked with Kent ISD and Lowell High School for more than a decade, bringing students from around the world into welcoming West Michigan homes. Students pay tuition to local schools and families receive a monthly stipend to help with expenses, so with Educatius it’s bringing in revenue to the school system which isn’t the case with other exchange programs.

The greatest impact isn’t financial though. “It’s about creating cross-cultural understanding,” Riley said. “In a world that really needs more empathy, this is one way to build it.”

Anh has shared his Vietnamese culture with the family and learned plenty about American life, from school spirit to a unique Midwestern experience… Culver’s. “My first American meal was a reuben at Culver’s with Mike and Brady,” he said, smiling. “It was so good, I keep going back.”
From football games to family meals, from learning to code in AP Computer Science to attending a Detroit Lions game, the DeVores have made it a point to immerse Anh in the full American experience.

“I told him we were going to a football game,” Mike laughed. “I think he expected soccer—but walking into Ford Field was a moment he’ll never forget.”

The experience has brought the DeVores closer together, even reawakening Brady’s social engagement after the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “They push each other academically, too,” Mike said. “I’m seeing fewer emails about missing assignments from Brady,” Mike said during the interview which took place in late April.

And Anh has thrived. “He’s doing great in school,” Riley confirmed. “Students are required to meet academic standards and pass English proficiency tests—and Anh’s been exceeding expectations.”

As the school year nears its end, both host and student are soaking in every moment. Brady and Anh attended prom together—Brady even footing the bill. “We’re making sure he gets the full senior year experience,” Mike said.

Anh spoke fondly of his teacher Ms. Fahrni, who teaches AP Computer Science. “She’s always there to help us and even brought snacks to class so we wouldn’t stress before the AP test,” he said.

He’s not the only exchange student thriving at Lowell this year. Riley noted that students from Vietnam, Spain, Brazil, Thailand, and France are currently placed in the district.

And there’s still one more opportunity. “We’re looking for a host family for Fabio, a student from Brazil who loves soccer and wants to experience life in an American school,” Riley said.
Asked why other families should consider hosting, Mike didn’t hesitate. “It’s not different at all—but it’s so different. You learn every day. It’s like gaining a new family member, and they’re always going to be part of your life.”

Riley echoed the sentiment: “Our host families come in all shapes and sizes. You just need to be at least 25, have a bedroom to offer, and most of all—be warm and supportive.”

Brady summed it up perfectly: “If you’ve never had siblings under the same roof, this is a way to learn what that’s like. He’s my brother now. This whole experience—it’s been the best.”