Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jackie Willock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jackie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.
It is always very rewarding for me when my students tell me THANK YOU for finding their Host Family and also for doing a good match. The same goes for the Host Families when they tell me they are very happy with their students who quickly become like their own sons/daughters.
To accomplish this I ensure to always read the Student’s Application, I look for things such as: Are they an only child (it is a bit hard sometimes if an only child has to be placed with a Host Family that has many kids, because it can be a bit too overwhelming for a student that has never lived with other siblings), Does the student have any pet/food allergies or any health conditions (this is very important because if a Host Family has pets and a student is allergic that placement would not work, or if a Host Family stated on their application they are not ok hosting a student that has food allergies that would also not be a good match). I also check if a student has certain hobbies or likes a certain sport and I can try to find a Host Family with similar interests. It is also important to check if a student likes to travel or is more of a homebody.
I was once told by the agency that two students that would be placed with the same Host Family were ok sharing a bedroom, despite the application said they were ok sharing a room. Well, when the students arrived they both said they had requested to each have a private room! I immediately had to scramble to figure things out because the Host Family only had one bedroom to offer. One of the students changed their mind and said they were ok sharing a room, but the other one didn’t budge. In the end, the Host Family was asked to choose a student and the other student was rehomed. The student that was rehomed loved her new Host Family. Her Natural Parents came to visit and the Host Parents even went to the student’s country for a visit. Since then that student has been back to visit their Host Family twice! So, even when I do my due diligence sometimes problems can happen but I always strive to find a solution for everyone.
Jackie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have a Master’s of Business Degree (MBA) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Business Administration. I am happily married and we have two adult children who are thriving in their endeavors. In 2024, I retired from the federal government after working for a total of 36 years (23 years were at the National Park Service, Everglades National Park, and other years were with the U.S. Army, overseas in Panama and also in Miami, Florida). I am a happy-go-lucky person, who has an optimistic attitude in life. I enjoy mentoring youth both with the international high school student program and I also work with boys and girls in Scouting America, Troop 599-Miami (I am the troop’s Eagle Project Coach). My hobbies are going to the beach, music and dancing, performing arts (musicals, plays, etc.), watching movies, traveling, learning about different cultures, trying new restaurants and new foods, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
For the International High School Student Program, I;
– Recruit Host Families, mostly on social media platforms or by word of mouth. I then review the Host Family Applications and I see it through until the family is approved, including doing a Home Visit (Inspection), calling references to learn more about the families and answering any questions the families have. (Note: If you, or someone you know, is interested in information about hosting a student, please reach out to me.)
– Review Student Applications and I share it electronically with the potential Host Families and I suggest to each Family which students might be a good fit for them until they have chosen their student. Some families host 1 or 2 students every year and they trust my recommendations and many will ask me to choose the students for them.
– Go with the Host Families to the airport to welcome their students.
– Conduct a Host Family Orientation and also a Student Orientation to cover all the program rules (Do’s and Don’ts),
– Help Host Families, as needed, with guidance, appointments, etc. their students may need.
– Plan group activities once or twice a month for the Students and it is optional for the Host Families to participate.
– Prepare a monthly report that includes information provided to me by the student, the Host Parents and the school. It includes photos of activities the student participated in that month and also their grades in school. It also will briefly mention any issues or concerns they reported to me. This report is sent to the student’s international agency and ultimately to the Natural Parents. This way, they know how the student is doing from an official source.
For the volunteer work that I do with Scouting America, Troop 599-Miami, I:
– Provide guidance to scouts with the Life Rank on what is needed for them to do an Eagle Project. I also recommend projects they can do, often at local National Parks.
– I review their Eagle Project Workbook and final report to ensure everything is in order.
– I participate on the project work days, either for fundraising opportunities and also on the actual days when the project work is being done.
– I attend their Eagle Board of Review and their Eagle Scout Court of Honor where they receive the official Eagle Scout medal and certificate.
– I try to spread the word to help recruit new scouts into the troop. I help with the troop’s social media, with special events and with exposure to local news media.
For both programs what I think sets me apart from others is the legitimate tender loving care (TLC) and dedication I provide to the youth to ensure they will have the best experience possible, I want them to learn, grown and have fun at the same time.
What I am most proud of and what I want everyone to get to experience is my “red carpet customer service, with a smile” because I always go above and beyond for the youth and for their families and I also offer TLC to everyone.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The things that have helped to build my reputation within the international high school student and the scouting industry are the following skills:
Leadership & Mentorship:
Strong mentor for youth and families – by guiding students and Scouts through complex processes with patience and clarity.
Leadership development focus – I don’t just solve problems; I teach young people how to lead and make responsible decisions.
Positive role model – I model integrity, accountability, and community service.
Organization & Project Management:
Excellent project planning skills – because I am experienced in helping large service projects go from idea to completion.
Detail-oriented with documentation and compliance – by ensuring requirements, forms, and timelines are met correctly.
Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders – by interacting with parents, host families, schools, community leaders, and volunteers.
Cross-Cultural & Community Skills
Cultural sensitivity and global awareness – by supporting international students and helping host families understand cultural differences.
Strong community relationships – by interacting with trusted by schools, organizations, and families in your area.
Conflict resolution skills – by being able to mediate concerns and maintain positive relationships.
Reliability & Professionalism:
Highly dependable and responsive – families and students know they can reach me when they need guidance or support.
Ethical and trustworthy – I am trusted with the wellbeing of youth and the integrity of youth programs.
Safety-focused mindset – by always prioritizing student welfare and responsible supervision.
Personal Impact:
Committed to youth success – by being passionate about helping young people achieve milestones like international education experiences and earning the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout rank.
Long-term mentor – by continuing to supporting youth beyond the project or program.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I keep in touch with my clients to foster friendships and brand loyalty by:
1. Regular Personal Check-Ins:
Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins by phone or video call and sometimes in person.
Send quick “just checking in” texts to students, families, or Scouts.
Ask about school, projects, and personal goals—not just program requirements.
2. Celebrate Milestones:
Congratulate students on birthdays, graduations, and achievements, attend sport games or special events at school.
Recognize Scouts when they complete major steps in their Eagle projects.
Send handwritten congratulatory notes or small cards.
3. Create a Communication Group:
Maintain a WhatsApp group chat to provide quick updates.
Share reminders, encouragement, and important deadlines.
Occasionally share positive news or success stories.
4. Share Helpful Resources:
Send links or information about:
College preparation
Scholarships
Leadership opportunities
Community service opportunities
Provide guides or checklists that help them stay organized.
5. Host Informal Gatherings:
Organize small gatherings (activities and events) for host families or Scouts.
6. Be Accessible and Responsive:
Respond promptly when someone has a question or concern.
Let them know you are available when they need guidance.
7. Maintain Long-Term Connections:
Stay connected with former students and Scouts through social media like LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
Occasionally check in even after their program or project is complete.
8. Ask for Feedback:
Periodically ask families or Scouts:
What worked well?
How can I support them better?
People feel valued when their opinions matter.
9. Show Genuine Appreciation:
Thank host families for their commitment.
Recognize volunteers and community partners publicly.
A sincere thank-you message goes a long way in building loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BeAheroHostanIntlStudent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeAHeroHostAnInternationalStudent/ or https://www.facebook.com/jackie.willock.3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-willock-042402189
- Other: HOW TO REQUEST INFO ABOUT HOSTING:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xbxd3359nyA9V484oDZrWGJHmlI0t7Q5OOUxyoj1KbY/editICES (INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE SERVICES):https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/https://www.facebook.com/ICES.Oregon/videos/2145176799052292/
EDUCATIUS:
https://www.educatius.org/become-a-host-familyABC EDUCATION GROUP:
https://www.abceducationgroup.com/hostEXCHANGEMATE:
https://exchangemate.org/host-family/MY 2024-2025 Students::
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGoYx5XKJI/NTJjxSW1thrt-xlsSXFY6Q/editNEWSLETTER FEATURING MY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT MIAMI PALMETTO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL:
https://www.thepalmettopanther.com/the-change-in-exchange-how-foreign-exchange-students-learn-and-grow-in-a-different-environment/SCOUTING AMERICA, TROOP 599-MIAMI:
Austin’s Eagle Project:
https://www.local10.com/news/florida/2021/11/25/efforts-underway-to-preserve-and-restore-floridas-coral-reefs/?__vfz=medium%3DsharebarThe Comas Twins (The Knotty Twins) Nicholas and Joseph:
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/10/22/twin-boy-scouts-turn-merit-badge-into-altruistic-enterprise/VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY:
https://www.local10.com/features/2021/04/01/south-florida-woman-loses-her-speech-following-surgery/
