Our first foreign exchange student experience was actually with two unrelated Asian 12-year old boys. One of them was very shy and wanted to stay in the same home with someone he knew. Had we thought this through, we would have separated the children into different families, but as this was our first experience, we were eager to go with it.
We put the boys together in the same room and soon they became comfortable with us and our home; however, in an odd sort of way, it felt like “them” against “us.” We had rules that they followed, they joined us for meals, got ready for school and other activities as they should (for the most part they were very well-behaved), but free time at home was spent in their room talking their native tongue together and becoming closer friends. The purpose of their visit to become immersed in American culture, language, and “the American way” was defeated by having them so close in age and proximity. We had a good time together, but it will not be a lasting relationship for our family and the exchange students.
Our next foreign exchange student experience couldn't have been more different than the first. We agreed to have one female student. From the moment we met at the airport, our daughter and the exchange student were mesmerized with each other! The girls got along great from day one. They decided to share a room even though we had a separate bedroom available. Our daughter helped her with English skills and the exchange student did very well in school and we all had fun with extracurricular activities. We have some wonderful memories and are still very fond of our exchange student.
It was sad for all of us to take her to the airport and say goodbye at the end of the stay. We have kept in contact via Skype, email and letters. We hope it will a long-lasting friendship between two girls from entirely different backgrounds and countries –which is what I think exchange programs should aspire to be.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What to do with your Exchange Student
Make your exchange student feel welcome and part of your family. The exchange student should have chores to do around the house just like your own family members do. They can help prepare meals, set the table or clean up after meals, keep their room clean, take care of pets, and treat all family members with respect.
Most countries have the same fast food chains, restaurants, and many of the same stores we have. Don’t point out everything in town unless it’s a specific point of interest. Let them ask questions and talk about their interests so you can take them to a specific museum, store, sporting event, or other location if it is of particular interest to them. Spend time with your exchange student. Include them in conversations, family meetings, and meal time. Take them to places your family would normally go. If you have season tickets to a sporting event, let the student accompany you on occasion. Provide opportunities to see your town, the neighboring towns, and specific points of interest. If you plan a family vacation during this time period, bring your exchange student with you. Let them experience all the same things your family does during vacation time, weekends, and quiet time at home. Treat them as you would your own son or daughter. They might have different interests and not like football games, but maybe your exchangestudent could teach you something about tennis. Have an open mind. Your student is just as scared as you are in this first venture. Take the time to get to know them. It could turn out to be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences you’ve had and you just might make a new life-long friend from another country.
Most countries have the same fast food chains, restaurants, and many of the same stores we have. Don’t point out everything in town unless it’s a specific point of interest. Let them ask questions and talk about their interests so you can take them to a specific museum, store, sporting event, or other location if it is of particular interest to them. Spend time with your exchange student. Include them in conversations, family meetings, and meal time. Take them to places your family would normally go. If you have season tickets to a sporting event, let the student accompany you on occasion. Provide opportunities to see your town, the neighboring towns, and specific points of interest. If you plan a family vacation during this time period, bring your exchange student with you. Let them experience all the same things your family does during vacation time, weekends, and quiet time at home. Treat them as you would your own son or daughter. They might have different interests and not like football games, but maybe your exchangestudent could teach you something about tennis. Have an open mind. Your student is just as scared as you are in this first venture. Take the time to get to know them. It could turn out to be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences you’ve had and you just might make a new life-long friend from another country.
Getting Started
You might think you need a separate bedroom, but this isn’t always necessary. Some students will feel more comfortable with their own room and space, but younger students often prefer to room with a family member close to their own age (same sex, of course). If sharing rooms, clear some closet space and a few drawers for the exchange student. Empty a shelf or drawer in the bathroom for their personal items. If you do have a separate bedroom, provide clean, comfortable linens, pillows and blankets, a few empty drawers, some closet space and hangars.
Learn a little about the country they are from. If possible, communicate with them prior to their arrival via email to learn their likes and dislikes. Some students might have food allergies or food preferences, pet allergies, or some other issue the host family should know ahead of time. Sometimes foreign exchange students wish to use a more American name while they are in this country, so it would be helpful to know this in advance. Learn about their culture and perhaps a couple of words in their native tongue. English is the language they are in the U.S. to learn, so make sure they have plenty of opportunities to use it.
If you pick them up from the airport, have a sign written with their name on it and perhaps the word “welcome” in their native language. This helps them to easily find you in a crowded airport or gathering area. Introduce your student to your family and friends and provide future opportunities for them to get to know one another during their stay. Make the initial meeting a happy and positive experience.
Learn a little about the country they are from. If possible, communicate with them prior to their arrival via email to learn their likes and dislikes. Some students might have food allergies or food preferences, pet allergies, or some other issue the host family should know ahead of time. Sometimes foreign exchange students wish to use a more American name while they are in this country, so it would be helpful to know this in advance. Learn about their culture and perhaps a couple of words in their native tongue. English is the language they are in the U.S. to learn, so make sure they have plenty of opportunities to use it.
If you pick them up from the airport, have a sign written with their name on it and perhaps the word “welcome” in their native language. This helps them to easily find you in a crowded airport or gathering area. Introduce your student to your family and friends and provide future opportunities for them to get to know one another during their stay. Make the initial meeting a happy and positive experience.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Have fun while hosting a foreign exchange student
There are plenty of foreign students wishing to experience the American way. Open your home for as little as a few weeks to a whole school year. Some pay is involved, but a lot of satisfaction is gained in getting to know these students and helping them learn the American way. All you need is a bed, meals and transportation to/from school.
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