By Lexi MooreShelly Knobloch has been hosting exchange students for five years. Her experiences with the students led to her decision to begin placing students with host families in Iowa and Minnesota.She works with the Center for Cultural Interchange to place students within 150 miles of Hills.The Knobloch family has hosted students from Italy, Mexico, Germany, Belgium and most recently Ghana. Although their home sometimes feels like a revolving hotel, Knobloch says, "The family loves it. We have so much fun!"Both of her children enjoy having the students around and cherish having the opportunity to learn about other cultures.The Knobloch family hasn’t had an opportunity to visit any of the students they have hosted. But she says the relationships stay strong after the students head home. "We exchange pictures, cards and letters."Placing students with host familiesKnobloch has attended several educational seminars to help her improve her ability to place students with the perfect family. She also uses a website database to match family characteristics with those of the student.It is very easy for interested families to get involved with the program. The students have their own money for food and entertainment, so they’re not a financial burden on host families.The family is mainly there to provide emotional support while the students transition to American life.After an interested family contacts Knobloch, she asks them a series of questions, such as whether or not they have pets, smoke in the house or have other children.If the family has a nationality preference, the Center for Cultural Interchange will do its best to find a student from that country.Knobloch says that often a family background plays a big part in placements. "We really want a good fit. If it is a true fit, there are fewer problems."Host families commit to housing students for either five months or 10 months. Short-term summer placements are available, but interested families must commit to being involved in a variety of activities.Anyone interested in hosting a student can call Knobloch at 962-3772.