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WEST CHESTER TWP. — Foreign exchange students visiting the United States can encounter difficulties ranging from homesickness to cultural and language differences,

In Butler County, these students have an experienced ally who can help guide them through the uneasiness of visiting a foreign country.

Kathy Bruckert of West Chester Twp. has worked with the Massachusetts-based Education First Foundation for Foreign Study for the past 25 years.

"She always has a great sense of responsibility," said EF director of program support Ellen Manz. "You know when you call up asking her to help a student, she doesn't pause."

The company placed an estimated 3,000 foreign exchange students in American high schools this school year. Of those students, about 100 are living and going to school in southern Ohio, and eight are expected to call Butler County home through July.

Bruckert serves as area representative for EF's exchange students in southern Ohio. Along with reviewing student and host family applications to determine good matches, she oversees 21 coordinators who identify potential host families. Bruckert said she first got involved when a friend mentioned a Swedish student needed a host family in the Beckett Ridge area.

"It was really by chance," Bruckert said. "We made the decision in the middle of July, and in two-and-a-half weeks, she was here."

Bruckert said that her family has hosted eight more students since then. Manz said experience makes Bruckert an effective asset to exchange students in Ohio.

"She can really trust her gut when listening to problems a student is having," Manz said. "Her experience makes the students' experience much better, because she can resolve problems pretty quickly."