Newark couple’s extended family encircles the globe

Members of Bill and Judy Vaughn’s everexpanding “clan” reside in more than 12 countries, on three continents. Having served as a homestay family since 1994, this energetic couple considers the ELI students who have lived with them truly “part of the family.”

“We make sure that students know this is their home, not just a rented room,” explained Judy.

Bill and Judy Vaughn with homestay students Sophia Kim (Korea '94) and Mami Osler (Japan '94)

The Vaughns initially served as a host family, extending friendship and occasional hospitality to students from Korea and Japan, where Bill had served in the military during the 1950s. They enjoyed their international guests so much that in 1994 they decided to become homestay parents, offering ELI students not only comfortable living accommodations but also a genuine experience of being part of an American family.

“It’s been fun,” Bill said. “Since our own children have grown up, these young people keep us energized.”

The homestay experience has been overwhelmingly positive for both the Vaughns and their student guests. Bill and Judy remain in touch with dozens of ELI graduates, and receive emails, phone calls and holiday cards from them throughout the year. Many of their homestay guests have returned for visits, and a few have even come back to live with the Vaughns when they returned to the ELI for additional study.

The warm relationships that the Vaughns have built with ELI students have had some unexpected results. One of the first students they hosted, a young Japanese woman, became engaged to an American. Since her parents were unable to come to the United States for the wedding, Bill acted as her substitute “father” and walked down the aisle with her in the wedding ceremony.

The Vaughns exemplify the goals of the ELI homestay family program, providing the flexible support which students not only need but thrive on. They see themselves, however, as not only providers but recipients of cultural enrichment.

“We learn as much as they do,” Judy said.  • GW

Editor’s note; In 2008, 100 homestay families opened their homes to 450 ELI students in both the regular intensive program and special programs; another 250 students were “adopted” by 75 host families. For more information on both the Homestay and Host Family program contact Nancy Purcell at