Two Chinese exchange students got to explore a different aspect of American culture when they spent some time with a Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic.

  • Students stayed for nearly three weeks with paramedic John Bishop
  • Stay included English classes, visits to fire station, museums
  • Exchanged facilitated by "Education First" program through Bishops' church

The exchange students -- Richard, 12, and Jack, 11 -- stayed in the home of John Bishop, a paramedic for Polk County Fire Rescue, and his wife, Sarah.

For nearly three weeks, Richard and Jack took English classes, attended vacation bible school, and visited museums across Central Florida. They also visited the fire station, where they got learn about a paramedic's job and all of the things stored in an ambulance.

The Bishops said that at first they were using Google Translate to communicate with the children constantly. As time passed, however, they didn't have to rely on it so heavily.

“[The boys'] English has improved tremendously," said Sarah.

The couple also communicated with the children's parents almost daily, using video chats and email. It's the children's first time in the United States.

“It’s very nice,” said Jack. “We eat steaks and spaghettis. It’s very good.”

“I like the food, sports," said Richard, who mentioned he loved playing soccer with the other kids.

This is also the Bishops' first experience being host parents. They learned about the Education First exchange program through their church.

“I think this is probably one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done outside of the other things that I do in my professional life," said John.

“We hug a lot in the United States. They bow," said Sarah. "And so we’ve learned some cultural things, so it’s been rewarding."

Both Sarah and John were impressed with how respectful the children were.

“We've learned there’s a lot of non-differences between kids in China and the United States, in how they behave and how they relate," said John. "What I found out with these boys is their parents have really trained them, and they’re very, very respectful and obedient, but they’re still kids."

With the visit nearing its end, the Bishops hope to stay in touch with the exchange students for years to come.

“We've grown really close to them in the last two weeks and it really is great to be able to contribute to them, and to show them love, and give them hugs at night,” said John.