April 7, 2025
MPA parent Erika Beernink shares her family’s experience hosting MPA international student Baiquan (Michael) Mao ’27.
Why did you decide to host an international student?
We wanted to learn more about different cultures and experiences, including having our own children learn to appreciate these differences.
How has hosting an international student impacted or changed your family?
Positively! We have learned and experienced so much that we would not have otherwise had access to.
Share a special or memorable moment you’ve experienced while hosting your student.
The “firsts” are the best—ice skating, carving pumpkins, watching the US Pond Hockey Championships outside when it is -10 degrees, building a snowman, and trying new foods.
What would you tell another family considering hosting an MPA international student?
It is a wonderful experience, you really are adding another child to your family, and it comes with all the experiences you would expect from parenting someone else’s teenager.
Tell us about your family including your professions and education.
Hans (dad) has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is a business unit leader at Bio-Techne. Erika (mom) has a J.D. and previously practiced law in California; currently, she is volunteering at MPA. Hayden (oldest child) has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oregon and is currently job hunting. Pim (youngest child) is currently in eighth grade at MPA. Michael (our international student) is currently in tenth grade at MPA.
