St. Stephen’s parents symbolically adopt international students, strengthening Spartans’ sense of belonging and connection with the school.

The spring Host Family Program gratitude picnic brings together international students and their state side host families as a way to say ‘thank you’ for all the ways families have made international students feel special being miles away from their home.

“As a foreigner, having someone in your corner who is willing to support you can really make an impact on your experience in the country. I saw this firsthand with Eva and came to appreciate what a meaningful role and connection that filled in her life,” said Luke.

Host parents Luke and Eva McCage P ’32, who have a 6th grade son at St. Stephen's and two younger daughters spent many meaningful hours together off campus with their host students Raveesh Umapathy ’28 from Saudi Arabia and Jeff Wang ’29 from China. Sophia Maibaum ’29 from Germany has also joined their family for regular Sunday brunch at the McCage’s home, where Eva prepared homemade breakfast favorites, and shared a long weekend at their family ranch in Fredericksburg, exploring the town’s historic German charm.

The McCage family jumped at the chance to join the program to “pay it forward.” Eva, who moved to the United States from Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean for college, was deeply impacted by her own host family — a relationship she maintains today.

“It has been really special for our children, including our younger ones, to spend time with such wonderful, smart, intelligent and talented teenagers from around the world at St. Stephen’s,” said Luke. “As a family, we truly enjoyed learning from them and it has been an honor getting to know them this year.”

The Host Family Program, now more than 20 years old, pairs international students with local families based on shared interests and compatibility and is operated in the school’s International Office. This year, the office supported 108 families of Middle and Upper School day students who welcomed 118 international students into their homes and hearts. The bond and relationships provide students and families with a sense of belonging. The experience is transformative and exemplifies a core value of the school, promoting an inclusive and equitable school community that respects and celebrates the unique individuality and dignity of every human. 

There are times when families go above and beyond. For example, this past spring break several host families stepped in to house Saudi Arabia-based students when political conflict barred them from returning home — a reflection of the community’s commitment to care in times of need.

“Sharing family life and home culture is incredibly meaningful,” said Liza Ayres ’14, Assistant Director of International Programs. “It creates a genuine exchange of cultural perspectives, especially for students experiencing life in the United States for the first time.”

Host parents Chris and Heidi Murphy P ’30, ’22, ’20 said they have loved welcoming Bryan Yoo ’26, a boarding student from Seoul, South Korea.

“He is such a nice, wonderful kid (and we do not say that lightly!),” said Chris. “We have thoroughly enjoyed showing him what Austin is about.”

Their time together has included touring The University of Texas at Austin campus, watching movies at Alamo Drafthouse and hanging out at their house playing games and grilling fajitas in their backyard. Beyond the activities, the relationship has deepened their understanding of Korean culture.

“We are very appreciative of what our family has learned from Bryan about Korean culture, including where he lives, the food and meeting his family,” said Chis. “We hope to always keep in touch with him through his life's journeys!”

Jorge and Andrea Moo-Young Bermudez P ’27 explain the experience has felt like an extension of family. They welcomed Juanjo Castillo Espinosa de los Monteros Jr. ’26, Tahj Potter ’26 and Izzy Stiebel ’26 into their home.

“Discovering the diverse boarding community at St. Stephen’s was one of the deciding factors in our move to Austin,” said Andrea. “Joining the host family program was a natural extension of our desire to provide a “home away from home.”

They built connections through shared interests such as soccer, tennis and language, and strengthened those bonds through family dinners, celebrations, outings and academic support during exam periods. Their home has also become a gathering place for many international students beyond their assigned group.

“Our home has been enriched by students from Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe,” said Andrea. “This has been an incredibly meaningful experience for us, and we have even built lasting friendships with the student’s families who communicate and visit often.”