10 Unique Benefits of Being a Host Family You Never Knew

10 Unique Benefits of Being a Host Family You Never Knew

If you are getting ready for your first experience as a host family, we have something to share with you. You and your family are about to embark on the most rewarding, growth producing, eye-opening experience. It will be unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Your mind and heart will be stretched to new dimensions as never before, and you will realize the joy of loving and knowing people in more than one part of the world. For anyone unsure about what the experience of being a host family could bring, we have got you covered. This article is for current host families, host families to be, and those just considering the possibilities.

What Does Being a Host Family Entail?

Overview

Each host family’s experience is different based on the individual dynamic of that family. Some host families have children while others are single-parent households or empty nesters. There is no one-size-fits-all measuring stick for host families, and this is the beautiful thing about the experience.

Most of the time, host families host a foreign exchange student from abroad, but this is not always the case. Host families do not receive monetary compensation for hosting exchange students. However, some exchange companies offer a stipend to help cover the cost of living for the student.

If you are considering hosting an exchange student, know that each exchange organization performs detailed checks to confirm your candidacy to become a host. Most application processes begin with a home visit to speak with your family, look at the environment of the home, and ensure it is the right fit for an exchange student.

The exchange organization does a significant amount of the legwork, maintaining constant contact with the exchange student. This responsibility often requires them to be in touch with the student’s school or family, depending on the situation. The exchange organization also offers continuous support and resources for host families.

Typical Responsibilities

As a host family, you will have some distinct responsibilities for the duration of the exchange student’s stay. The most apparent responsibilities are things like providing the student a bed to sleep in, meals, a quiet study area, and transportation. He or she will handle the rest of the costs associated with their visit directly.

Besides having a copacetic, healthy home environment, host families must be willing to dedicate plenty of time to spend together with the exchange student. Engaging in fun family activities, having mealtimes together, and going on excursions is essential to enrich the exchange student’s experience and make them feel truly welcomed to the family.

The exchange student should feel like another member of the family. That said, family arguments or contentious situations are not circumstances in which the exchange student should be involved. This type of behavior is not only inappropriate, but it will make them feel uncomfortable.

Of course, every family experiences friction from time to time. However, big family blowouts should be kept a private matter and not involve the exchange student.

Host families must always bear the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the exchange student. The same safety measures you put in place for your own children, like curfews, apply here.

10 Unique Benefits of Being a Host Family You Never Knew

Grow Your Family to a Global Scale

The first unique benefit of being a host family is that you will grow your family to a global scale. This opportunity is the reason many host families embark on this adventure in the first place.

When you become a host family, you have the chance to add a new member to your family. That person has their own unique cultural heritage, beliefs, food, language, and country.

If your children are grown, the new addition to your family will bring that youthful joy back to your home once more. Many host families build lifelong relationships with exchange students, with some even traveling abroad to visit the exchange student’s home country.

Give Your Children the Gift of Extended Family

Along the same lines, another huge benefit of becoming a host family is that you will give your children the gift of extended family in a different country. Many small families or hosts with only one child open their home to different exchange students for years at a time.

This experience enables their children to experience the joy of having siblings. As your children grow up and maintain these deep relationships with their exchange siblings, they will have the opportunity to visit and stay connected with individuals all over the world.

If you want your children to have an open mind and curiosity about the world around them, there is no better way to do it than by becoming a host family. By hosting exchange students from around the world, your children will have a newfound interest in and appreciation for other cultures. This exposure helps them to engage with the world around them on a whole new level as they near adulthood.

Soak up a Different Culture

An incredible benefit host families enjoy is the chance to soak up a different culture. Exchange students often bring with them a desire for adventure and a deep curiosity about the culture of their host family, but they also bring with them their own cultural habits and characteristics.

Exchange students come from every corner of the world, so their unique language, habits, beliefs, food, music, and other cultural affectations are truly boundless. This one of a kind cultural experience is mutually enriching. As your exchange student engages with and soaks up your culture, your family will learn about their culture too.

Redemption from a Former Exchange Experience

If you have ever been a host family before, chances are it was a wonderful experience. Sometimes, however, the exchange experience does not take off quite as you hoped, or you do not bond with the student as much as you would like.

Becoming a host family again is the perfect way to transition from a former exchange experience. Each exchange experience is different in its own unique way. By staying open to the possibilities and letting another exchange student into your home, you will create positive memories to last a lifetime.

Provide a Support Network for Your Exchange Student

Have you ever considered hosting two exchange students at the same time? While it may not be the choice you automatically think of, doing so can provide an unparalleled support network for your exchange student. Host families also enjoy this shared hosting experience in a few key ways.

For one, you will have a heightened cultural experience. Second, the exchange students will have an automatic support network for one another, which will only contribute to a more stable, peaceful home environment all around. Plus, if you have kids at home, they will enjoy the benefit of 2 more siblings and a larger global family in other parts of the world.

Open Your Eyes to New Possibilities

It is often so easy to get caught up in the stress of day-to-day life you forget the vast world surrounding you. One unique benefit of being a host family is that the experience opens your eyes to new possibilities. Life goes by so quickly, and before you know it, days have become months, and months have become years.

When you host an exchange student, they will open your eyes to the world in new ways through their experiences and culture. They will challenge your entire family to look beyond the mundane of everyday life and reflect on the possibilities that await in this fascinating world.

Open Your Mind

The enriching experience host families enjoy also serves to open their minds and those of their children. With modern technology, the world is more connected than ever before. The effects of globalization make it paramount to foster a sense of understanding and acceptance of other cultures in your children.

Your family’s perspective will be shifted and expanded by hosting an exchange student, whether through something as simple as eating a meal together or going on a group outing. Your family will share your values and beliefs just as your exchange student will offer their own.

The Power of Mentorship

If you have young children, becoming a host family to an older exchange student could help them experience the power of mentorship. The exchange experience as a whole challenges your views and mindset as never before, and your children will benefit from this enrichment.

Alternatively, your own children could serve as a host sibling mentor, connecting with the exchange student on a deep level. There’s no rule that says you can only have older kids to make your exchange student’s experience a rewarding one. Younger children can be incredible hosts too, ready and willing to bond with their new, older exchange sibling and share their culture.

Lifelong Connections

By becoming a host family, you can form lifelong connections with your exchange student, and even their family back in their home country. More often than not, host families maintain the relationship with their exchange student long after the program ends.

These lifelong connections bridge the gap between different countries and cultures. The continuing relationship offers your family the chance to have extended “family” in just about any corner of the world.

The Gift of Laughter

While this benefit of being a host family may surprise you, get ready to be blessed with the gift of laughter. Exchange students do not need tons of gifts or fancy outings thrown at them to make their experience a good one.

The student needs care and support. They need to feel safe and secure in your family environment and to feel that they have a second home. They need to relax, have fun, and enjoy themselves. Before you know it, your family and your exchange student will laugh at the joy and adventure of navigating this new experience together.

Things to Consider Before Becoming a Host Family

Accept the Differences

If you want to become a host family, there are a few things to consider before you get started. For one, it is essential to accept the differences between each exchange experience.

You will get a sense of how compatible your family is with the student from the exchange organization’s questionnaires. However, each student is unique in their own way, and it is best to remember this so everyone can get the most out of the exchange experience.

If you have hosted before, try not to let that occurrence form your assumptions for another exchange student. Stay open to the possibilities and work on developing a new relationship with the next exchange student.

Set Boundaries

You always need to set clear boundaries in your home as the host family. If you had a previous exchange experience with a student who stuck to the rules entirely, it might feel unnecessary to restate those boundaries for a new exchange student.

Remember, every person is different. You always need to set your exchange student up for success. Get your hosting experience off to a strong start, and kindly, but firmly state the boundaries your family has in place so that the student is aware. This clear communication will help avoid unnecessary confusion down the line and aid in ensuring the exchange student transitions seamlessly into your family unit.

Stay Positive and Open Your Heart

Finally, stay positive and open your heart to the hosting experience ahead. It is normal to feel nervous about hosting an exchange student, particularly if you have never done so before.

Even if you have hosted an exchange student previously, you might be nervous that this new experience will not be on par with the last. Just remember that it is impossible to compare hosting experiences because each one is unique in its own way.

Conclusion

There are so many benefits to being a host family. The few we shared are merely the tip of the iceberg. It is nearly impossible to measure adequately the extent of the personal enrichment your family can enjoy through the hosting experience. Embrace the differences, stay positive, and open your heart to the newest member of your family.

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Your First Week as a Host Family

Your First Week as a Host Family

Deciding to become a host family is a big decision. You’ve thought about it, discussed the pros and cons and you’ve decided to open your doors and home to an exchange student or au pair. You are about to embark on an exciting and rewarding adventure. Below are a few ways to prepare and some things you can expect as you grow your household.

Preparing for Your First Week as a Host Family

Make a list of the things you would like to discuss with your exchange student or au pair before they arrive. Setting the right boundaries and expectations from the start will make the experience more successful for everyone.

It is helpful to write down your family’s routine, and any customs or traditions you have. The more you communicate with your exchange student or au pair, the more comfortable they will feel. Look at the space you have provided for them. Will they have privacy? Make sure you offer an alarm clock, blankets and a place for them to put their belongings.

What to Expect the First Week

Now is the time to be patient and open-minded. Your new exchange student or au pair has just traveled a long distance to a new country with unfamiliar practices and customs. Give them time to adjust. Remember, traveling can be tiring.

What to Expect from Your New Exchange Student or Au Pair

Your new exchange student or au pair might not be themselves yet. Consider they may be tired, overwhelmed or even homesick. They might be in a new time zone. Show them around your home and give them time to relax. Offer something to eat and drink as they may be hungry.

What to Expect for Your Family

Opening your doors as a host family means you and others in your home need to adjust just as much as the new exchange student or au pair. Take time to get to know each other. Ask questions about their family and traditions and let them ask you questions.

Show your new exchange student or au pair how things work in your home. It will be easier for everyone if they know how to use the appliances. Don’t forget to discuss chores and helping around the house. This will allow both the host family and the exchange student or au pair to feel comfortable.

The Welcoming Host Family’s First Week Checklist

  • Double check their room is ready with everything they will need
  • Give the new exchange student or au pair a complete tour of your home
  • Write down and discuss boundaries and expectations
  • Go over the host family’s daily routine
  • Discuss safety concerns in your home
  • Talk about transportation
  • Show how all the appliances work, think laundry and kitchen

Common Fears for New Host Family (and How to Move Past Them)

You are about to embark on a new adventure and you may have fears but that’s okay. Here are a few common fears the host family may have and ways to move past them.

What About Behavioral Issues?

Don’t be afraid to set boundaries right from the start and discuss your expectations. When there is open communication, it can make behavior discussions easier. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from veteran families or your representative from the exchange or au pair program. They will be able to provide recommendations for how to handle situations.

What if the Exchange Student or Au Pair Doesn’t Like Me?

Doesn’t everyone have this fear? Keep an open mind and embrace learning about a new culture and your new exchange student or au pair will likely follow your lead. Remember they need to adjust, just like you do. It is an exciting and different time for everyone so don’t over think your relationship. It doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be rewarding.

What if the Exchange Student or Au Pair Doesn’t Like the Area?

After they arrive and have had time to settle in, give them a tour of your neighborhood and town. Visit areas around your community. Your new exchange student or au pair will be learning and observing a different culture and will be immersed in a new experience. Just because you may think you live in a small town or a boring area, doesn’t mean they won’t think it’s exciting.

Conclusion

As a host family, you can expect your new adventure to be an exciting one. Don’t forget to give yourself time and to give your new exchange student or au pair the time and space they need to adjust. Before you know it, the rewards will start pouring in.

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Foreign Exchange Students – What is Involved?

Foreign Exchange Students – What is Involved?

Are you interested in spending time abroad as an exchange student? Would you like to embark on this exciting adventure, but are not sure what it really involves?

Living abroad as a foreign exchange student is one the most enriching and rewarding experiences you might imagine. Not only does it open your mind and grow you as an individual, but the thrill and fascination of observing another culture firsthand, is unmeasurable.

What is a Foreign Exchange Student?

General Information

A foreign exchange student is someone in high school or college who moves abroad temporarily through an exchange program. While part of the program, the foreign exchange student stays with a local host family, goes to classes at a school or university, and may even learn the country’s language.

Host families are ordinary families living in your chosen city that will offer you room and board for the duration of your stay. An exchange student must achieve good grades, live according to the house rules of the host family, and honor the laws and customs of the country. In return, you will have the freedom to experience and explore your new home city and country, meet new people, and potentially travel to surrounding cities or countries during your time abroad.

Exchange programs are typically run by companies, charities, and schools. It can cost up to $5000 to enroll in a foreign exchange program and spend a year living abroad. Host families rarely receive payment for hosting a student. Rather, they are looking to experience meeting someone from a new country, share their culture, and open their world to new possibilities. A few programs offer a small allowance to host families to cover the additional costs incurred by adding a new member to their household.

The experience is designed to offer cultural immersion, allowing the exchange student to observe the day-to-day machinations of life in a foreign place with new eyes. Becoming a foreign exchange student is an enlightening experience that will grow you as never before and instill a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Age Parameters

A foreign exchange student is typically high school age and could stay with the host family for as long as a year. Some programs, however, are as short as a few weeks. Some exchange students stay with multiple host families during their time abroad while others live with one family for the duration of the program.

However, there are a number of foreign exchange programs for older students. A considerable number of universities have study agreements with other countries which allows you to live abroad for a year and enroll at a foreign university. Most of these programs place college students in Western Europe, but there are opportunities in other parts of the world as well.

Reasons to Become a Foreign Exchange Student

Become a World Traveler

One of the main reasons anyone becomes a foreign exchange student is to fuel their wanderlust and travel the world. This may sound cliche, but becoming an exchange student allows you to do just that. You will witness, first-hand, the culture and customs of another country, drink in the sights and architecture, and eat the local food.

As a foreign exchange student, you will have the chance to see new topography and geographic sites, enjoy fascinating museums, and visit historical landmarks. One of the best parts of being a foreign exchange student is the fact that travel to nearby countries is at your fingertips. For instance, if you become an exchange student in Western Europe, a plethora of countries and cultures are only a short plane ride away. In being so close to these neighboring countries, you will see far more than you might think at a considerably lower cost than if you were visiting from your home country.

Experience Another Culture

Observing another culture, including the associated norms and traditions, is one of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a foreign exchange student. You can read about these things in books or watch a documentary, but nothing beats the ability to witness them with a bird’s-eye view.

You will be delightfully overwhelmed with new sounds, smells, foods, and people, ensconced in centuries-old traditions and social customs deeply embedded in the country’s unique culture.

Impressive Education and Career Options

If you are looking to expand your educational opportunities, there is no better way to do this than as a foreign exchange student. For example, if you are in college, you will glean far more experience and knowledge from your major by achieving part of it in a foreign country.

The difference in professors, classroom approaches, and concepts taught will enrich your learning experience and give you a broader view of your chosen course of study. You will gain a far greater understanding of your fellow man and the world around you and be learning with students from all over the globe.

Once you graduate from college, you will find that employers look favorably on individuals who took part in exchange programs. This shows you are well educated, highly adaptable, open, and potentially bi-lingual. All of these qualities will boost your employability considerably.

Language Development 

If it interests you to learn another language, there is no better way to do it than by complete immersion as a foreign exchange student. All the classroom practice and writing exercises in the world still do not offer you the same experience as studying a language in its native land does. While studying abroad, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills with your host family, locals, and fellow students alike.

Personal Growth

In studying abroad as a foreign exchange student, inevitably, you will grow and stretch yourself as an individual. You may find talents and interests you never knew you had as you take part in exciting activities popular in your host country. You will enjoy different music, theater, and films, opening your mind to new styles and types of recreational activities.

You will experience an independent and open mind as never before. Your curiosity and interest in other people and cultures will be piqued. You may find yourself chatting animatedly with the local grocer or introducing yourself to a new friend at your favorite coffee shop. You will be forming connections that will leave an indelible impression on you for life. Plus, you will have amazing stories to share for years to come.

Incredible Friendships

Becoming a foreign exchange student will allow you to form lasting friendships with individuals from all over the world. Often, the connections you make while abroad will be some of the deepest of your life, lasting many years after your exchange has concluded.

Dos and Don’ts of Staying With a Host Family

Do Communicate

There are some fundamental dos and don’ts to remember when studying abroad as a foreign exchange student that will ease your life greatly and help you enjoy your experience in full. When you are applying to an exchange program, be sure to communicate any needs you have relevant to your host family placement.

If you have certain types of allergies or dietary restrictions, for example, include these on your application. The more information you provide to the exchange organization, the better your match with your host family will be.

Maintaining open lines of communication with your exchange program is also important in the event that your host family is not an ideal match. If you continuously experience issues or frustrations with your host family, the organization can help to resolve these differences or move you to another home if necessary. Alternatively, if you love your host family, let the exchange program know, so they will continue to match students with them.

Do Socialize 

Be sure to socialize with your host family while living abroad as a foreign exchange student. Most exchange programs include your meals, offering an excellent opportunity to get to know your host family while enjoying delectable local dishes.

Do Show Your Appreciation 

One of the best ways to break the ice and endear yourself to your host family from the start is by bringing a gift for them upon arrival. Bring something unique to your home country and try to customize it to the family you will stay with. The host family is opening their home to a complete stranger, so offering a token of your appreciation for their hospitality to open the initial bond of friendship is invaluable.

Do Honor Cultural Differences

Depending on where you live as a foreign exchange student, you might experience some significant cultural differences and diverging norms. Read up on the customs and expectations of your host country before departing, making sure to adhere to any dress code obligations.

Respect the differences in religion and culture even if they differ vastly from your personally held beliefs. Adjust your habits and approach if necessary and you will make the most out of your stay abroad.  

Do Not Make a Mess

This may seem like an obvious point, but it bears touching upon. As a foreign exchange student staying with your host family, be sure to keep the areas of the house you manage organized and tidy at all times. Do not leave clothes all over your bedroom or let the trash bin overflow.

Treat the host home as if it were your own, with care and consideration. If you feel it is appropriate, make the extra effort to cook your host family a meal, do chores, or grab their groceries. This will go a long way in endearing yourself to your host family and speak volumes for your respect of the time and effort they are making to host you.

Do Not Be Overly Demanding

Along the same lines, avoid being overly demanding of your host family, complaining about small or unnecessary things like not being able to find your favorite snack or disliking a particular meal. Depending on the country you are studying in, the normal quality of life may differ considerably from that of your home country. Learn to discern between situations that warrant speaking up and those in which it would be rude to demand more.

Do Not Forget to Stand Up for Yourself 

With that being said, there may be an occasion where you must stand up for yourself. Most host families are kind and considerate, and may well become lifelong friends. On rare occasions, however, hosts do not put in the effort to make your experience a pleasant one and may be very difficult. In the event this were to happen, say something. Try to keep the lines of communication open and resolve the issue in a mature manner.

If the situation is bad enough, you may need to speak to your exchange program to see if they can transition you to a different host home. Even if you leave on less than positive terms, always remain respectful and polite when speaking with your host family.

Do Not Avoid Conversation

One of the most intimidating things about moving to the foreign country is the inability to communicate easily with the people around you due to the obvious language barrier. While it may be easier initially to remain silent rather than practicing the language and making mistakes, this will inhibit your ability to connect with your host family and others around you.

Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Your host family will probably appreciate the efforts you are making to learn their language and help you out rather than judging you for your mistakes.

Do Not Become a Hermit

While your host family may be incredible, you want to be sure to explore outside the house and make new friends when living abroad as a foreign exchange student. Try to find a balance between downtime with your host family and socializing with new people. A combination of the two will enhance your time abroad considerably.

Do Not Forget to Express Your Thanks

Finally, when your fantastic experience as a foreign exchange student has ended, do not forget to express your thanks to your host family for all they have done. Letting a complete stranger into your home to live for up to a year is no small feat.

Your host family will have shared their lives, experiences, food, and culture with you, giving you an invaluable gift you will carry with you always. Take the time to let them know you appreciate their efforts. Write a note or give your hosts a small gift to say thank you. If you developed a close relationship during your stay, keep in touch. There is nothing so wonderful as having a second family in a foreign land that suddenly does not seem foreign anymore.

Conclusion

Moving abroad as a foreign exchange student will open your mind and heart to the endless possibilities the world has to offer. Your time living abroad will awaken a sense of adventure and fierce independence you might not have known you possessed.

While it may be scary to take the leap at first to become an exchange student, when your time abroad has finally come to a close, you will treasure immensely the memories of the people you met, the experiences you had, and the places you have seen. In short, your life will be changed forever. 

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Picking Your Host Family | The Ultimate Guide

Picking Your Host Family | The Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning to travel, study, or intern abroad, you have an exciting and enriching time ahead. But there’s a lot of planning to be done beforehand to make sure everything is in place once you get there. Finding a place to live is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. One choice you will have for accommodation is to opt for a homestay with a host family. This is one of the best ways to learn about a new culture, from a secure and comfortable base. You will make new friends, experience a different way of life, and perhaps learn a new language.

Choosing the right host family can play an important part in your entire experience. All host families are carefully chosen and vetted to ensure that your homestay will be safe and comfortable. However, there are a few more things that you have to consider when choosing your family. You will want to know about everyone living in the house and their interests. It’s a good idea to make sure you are compatible, and that this will be a good base for your visit or study abroad. For au pairs, there may be questions about the work you will do and the expectations on both sides.

The Homestay Experience 

Students of all ages travel abroad for study, work, internships and language programs. Amid all the planning for travel and setting up your study or work programs, you’ll also be trying to find a place to stay. Many programs offer the choice of a homestay with a host family. For many reasons, this can be one of the best ways to enhance your study, work or travel abroad experience. It’s a convenient option, and In addition, you’ll get a more close look at another culture.

Homestays place exchange students and au pairs with a family that will provide a home, along with all other basic necessities like food and other domestic needs. For many people, this is a better choice than the impersonality of a dorm or an apartment suite. It also offers the convenience of not having to set up your housekeeping. You won’t have tp worry about paying bills or whether the heating works. But a homestay with a local host family offers much more than just convenience.

Staying with a family gives you the best possible introduction to a new culture. It gives you a safe and secure base from which to exposer your surroundings, learn the language, and take part in local activities. When visiting a foreign country for the first time, you will be faced with many unfamiliar, strange and even disorienting things and experiences. Having a secure home base and friends that you can count on will help you gain the most from your travel.

Your Host Family: What to Expect
You’re looking forward to your exchange student or au pair homestay experience. The good news is that your prospective host family are just as excited about your visit. They have been especially chosen by your homestay program for their ability to provide you with a safe and comfortable home for your stay in a foreign country. They volunteered to be part of the program which means that they are keen to host a foreign student or au pair.

They may have children of their own or their kids may have grown up and left home, and they would enjoy having a home full of young people again. They may have experience of hosting other international visitors before and may have traveled aboard themselves. They will be eager to learn about you and your culture and to share their lives with you. You can also be sure that they have been carefully chosen and vetted by your program.

You will still have to choose your ideal host family from the scores of possibilities. There are some steps you can take to make sure that you find the family that is the best match for you. It’s a good idea to communicate with them beforehand, to be sure that expectations on both sides are clearly defined. If you will be an au pair, you should know what work you will be doing, how many hours a day, how many days you can take off, etc.

How to Choose Your Host Family 

Once you have a short list of host families, you can try to narrow it down for the best match. Some ways to choose your ideal host family are discussed below. You will have a chance to talk to them beforehand, and they may be able to send you pictures of their family and home. You may also find reviews from exchange students and au pairs who have stayed with the family before.

Shared interests in culture, sports or other activities are a good starting point to determine if it will be a good fit. Do they have kids your age? What are their hobbies and interests? Will you have opportunities to do things together, such as attending cultural events and music festivals, participating in sports and outdoors activities, and taking trips to nearby cultural and historical sites?

The best way to get to know your potential hosts is through communication. This could be via email, phone, or Skype. Email and Skype offer different potential types of communication, so it’s a good idea to use both. Try to find out about everyone who will be living in the house, including pets. It’s also a good idea to find out everyone’s daily routine and make sure you will fit in.

While you can use these basic guidelines to find a compatible family, keep in mind that you may discover that people who are completely unlike you have a lot to teach you and you may become fast friends. The whole purpose of your travel and stay abroad is to learn about new ways of life and of looking at the world. You have a lot to learn, and a lot to teach as well.

Some Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Host Family 

Good communication is the key to finding the best match for your homestay. A family’s communication style will also tell you a lot about what to expect. Make a list of all questions you might have and try to get answers to them via emails, phone calls or Skype conversations. If possible, have at least a few Skype conversations with all family members.

You will want to know about the family and household, the location, and how to get around. You may even have questions about the weather and what kind of clothing you should bring or expect to buy once you get there. Your potential host family may have local connections with schools, colleges, employers and cultural institutions. These introductions will help you settle in.  

The Family and the Setting 

If possible, talk to all family members and any others who will be staying there. If there are children your age or if you have shared interests, you may be able to do many activities together, such as visiting museums and historical sites, playing sports, attending concerts or even hiking and camping.

You will also want to know if there are any pets in the household. Many people are uncomfortable around smokers and if you are among their number, you should look for a non-smoking household. If you have any food restrictions or allergies, make sure that your host family can accommodate these.

You will also want to know about the location where you will be staying, whether there is transportation, and how to get around. Will you need an international driving license? How much should you budget for local transportation? Can your host family drive you to places you need to go? 

Specific Questions 

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may have specific questions about your homestay. If you will be an au pair, you will want to know ahead of time what the expectations are from you, how many children you will be looking after, etc. if you’re going to be an exchange student, you may want to find out about having a quiet study space and even homework help if it’s needed. If you’re visiting for an internship, you should make sure that your daily routine will fit with everyone else in the household.

If the purpose of your visit is to study the language, make sure that your host family understands that, and that someone is willing to spend time helping you to improve your conversational skills. They may also be willing to accompany you on trips to local sights and cultural events and to treat these trips as language study field trips.

Some host families treat exchange students and au pairs as family members. They may ask you to join in holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and to celebrate your birthday with them. If you prefer to spend your free time on your own, this may not work for you. On the other hand, you may be happy to join them and find that you have acquired a second family, and created a lifelong bond.

For au pairs 

The homestay experience for au pairs is a little different because they will be working for the family. Their tasks might include babysitting, helping with housework, perhaps driving the kids to school and after-school activities. You will want to ask about the kind of work they expect you to do, what your daily schedule will look like, and what your hours will be. In some countries, au pair hours are defined by law.  

You should also ask about weekends and days off, and whether you will accompany the family on trips and vacations. It will help to know about the parents’ schedules, and also if there are any medical problems that you should be aware of and what to do in case of any problems. It’s a good idea to agree upon a monthly stipend in advance, and whether you will need to pay for an insurance policy.

In choosing an au pair situation, you may also want to know why the family decided to host an au pair, and whether they have done so before. They may be able to put you in touch with their previous au pairs, via email, phone or social media, to learn about their experience with the family. You will also want to know if you will the only au pair or if there will be others with you.

And Finally

Once you’ve done all the spadework, you’ll be in a better position to choose the best host family. When making a decision, you should go with your instinct, which will guide you. If something feels wrong, you can refuse the situation. And on the other hand, if something feels right, go ahead and trust that instinct too. You won’t find a family that’s a clone of your own, but that’s not your purpose. You’re looking for a new experience that will help you to learn and grow.

Finally, keep in mind that however carefully you choose, you may encounter problems, large and small. In traveling and living aboard, as in life generally, it helps to have a sense of humor and an optimistic attitude. Be flexible and be prepared to roll with the punches. When you’ve put so much thought and care into choosing your host family, it should all work out. Just in case it doesn’t, you can change families with no hard feelings. 

Conclusion

The purpose of travel abroad is to learn about people and ways of life that are different from your own. The best way to do this is to keep an open mind and enjoy yourself, whatever adventures come your way. By doing your spadework and finding the right host family, you’ve created a secure base from which to go out to explore a new and exciting place. And you may find that in the process you’ve gained a second family in another country. 

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Au Pair | The Ultimate Guide

Au Pair | The Ultimate Guide

The time period after high school or college can be both exciting and frustrating. When you’re not tied to a career or your own family, you may feel like you want to spread your wings and explore the world. But this may seem impossible for those who, like most, do not have the money or resources to go abroad.

What many don’t realize is there are affordable ways to travel in exchange for fair work; one such option is to become an au pair.

What Is an Au Pair?

An au pair is a single young adult, typically a woman, between the ages of 18 and 26 who travels internationally as part of a cultural exchange program and provides childcare for her host family. Au pairs have the goal of learning more about another culture and improving their skills in a foreign language.

Au pairs live with a host family, and they participate in their regular activities as if they are a member of the family. They provide basic childcare and housekeeping duties in exchange for room and board and a small stipend for fun activities in their new city.

“Au pair” is a French term meaning “on par” or “equal to.” As such, it is important to note that an au pair is not a subservient role, but a familial one.

Why Become an Au Pair?

Becoming an au pair is an ideal option for a young person who wishes to travel but doesn’t have the funds to do so. Some benefits of being an au pair include…

Financial Benefits

  • Weekly or monthly stipend for extracurricular activities and exploring their new city
  • Room and board provided, including meals
  • Paid vacation time (required by most agencies/countries)
  • Educational opportunities to take language and other cultural courses
  • Paid airfare (through some au pair agencies)
  • Insurance in case of accident or illness

Personal Benefits

  • Improvement of foreign language skills
  • Travel opportunities, including vacationing with host family
  • Make new friends and meet new people
  • Learn more about a new culture through firsthand experience
  • Gain valuable international work experience

Benefits for Host Family

Host families typically choose to house au pairs not only because they are an affordable means of childcare, but also because they want to enrich their children’s lives with new cultural experiences. And the best way for host families to get the most out of au pairs is to treat them as part of the family. In other words, this cultural exchange program benefits all parties.

Knowing a foreign language essential skill for people of all ages, and since children are best at acquiring new language skills, many parents want their kids to be familiarized with new languages as early as possible. By talking to the host family’s children in the au pair’s native language, she is providing them with a skill they will carry with them their entire lives.

Food is another way au pairs expose the host family to a new culture. While au pairs are not expected to be professional chefs, they will likely be expected to prepare meals for the children during the day, where they can bring their own cultural flair to the table.

Other ways an au pair can share her culture with her host family is through her self-expression – clothing, taste in music, art and knowledge of history. Through day-to-day interactions, the host family will get to learn more and more about the home country of their au pair.

In fact, the way au pairs and host families are matched up is often by the languages and cultures each desires to learn about. For example, an American au pair who wants to continue her Spanish language studies post-college would make a good match for a host family in Spain who wants their children to learn English.

History of Au Pairs

Au pairs became popular in Europe after WWII, and they served both a financial and educational role. During that time, a surge of middle-class women needed work to support themselves due to the changing economic and social structures.

Upper class girls were able to live off the support of their fathers until they were married. Middle class girls, however, were expected to work any of the few unskilled jobs offered to women at the time. Middle class families typically could not afford to send their daughters off to get a formal education, so girls needed to figure out ways to educate themselves in a world that more and more began to place value on foreign studies and cultural experiences.

At the same time, the number of domestic workers for hire decreased – in part due to increased stigma around being a “servant” – skyrocketing the cost of live-in help. Only upper families could afford domestic labor, and middle class families struggled to find childcare while they worked.

Thus the position of “au pair” was born. The role of an au pair met both the needs of women struggling to find work and middle class families struggling to afford childcare. Unlike domestic servants, au pairs truly were “on par” – they not only lived with their host families, but joined them for meals, vacations and other activities while being provided an allowance.

Today, European counsel recommends contracts between au pairs and host families guaranteeing personal time to study and socialize. Some countries also place limits on the number of hours au pairs can work. Nowadays au pairs can also be male, although the majority remain female.

Duties of an Au Pair

Aside from educating children about a new culture and language, there are certain key duties most au pairs are responsible for, although these can vary slightly country-to-country or household-to-household. During the match-up progress and throughout the first days after meeting, expectations should be set not only by the host family, but also the au pair herself.

Childcare

Typically au pairs will work no more than 45 hours a week. Au pairs are primarily responsible for childcare during the day while the parents are at work – sort of like a live-in babysitter, but with more autonomy. Some au pairs are knowledgeable in infant care and can assist with feeding, changing and bathing babies either by themselves or while parents are home spending time with their other children. Most au pairs are experienced in caring for multiple children within a variety of age groups.

Other duties au pairs perform to help with childcare include:

  • Morning routines such as waking children up, making breakfast and getting them ready for school
  • Playing games and doing crafts
  • Taking children on outings such as to the park
  • Assisting the children with keeping their rooms tidy and their beds made
  • Helping with homework (although host families know au pairs are not expected to be subject experts for tutoring)
  • Transporting children to and from school and extracurricular activities (while most au pairs are licensed drivers, not all are required to be)
  • Evening routines such as bathing, brushing teeth and tucking children into bed

Traveling Assistant

Vacations should be relaxing, but they can also be stressful at times, especially when children are involved. Au pairs typically join families on vacation so they can watch the children while the adults do other activities or relax. However, the same standard applies to au pairs on vacation as at the host’s home: she needs time alone for her studies, socialization and to just unwind.

Light Cooking

As stated earlier, au pairs are not expected to be professional chefs. However, part of taking care of children is making sure they are fed. Au pairs can be expected to prepare meals while the parents are away as well as clean up after themselves in the kitchen. Au pairs may also use this as an opportunity to teach older kids essential skills by having them help prep food, cook and clean.

Laundry/Housekeeping

Remember, and au pair is not a maid! However, like any other member of the family, she can and should be expected to help with household chores including hers and the children’s laundry. Host families do not need to do laundry for the whole household, nor should they be expected to clean areas of the house such as the host parents’ bedroom.

In short, an au pair is not expected to perform any more household duties than any other member of the family.

Au Pair vs. Nanny: What’s the Difference?

Below are some other key differences between au pairs and nannies:

  • The key differentiation between an au pair and a nanny is that a nanny is treated as an employee while an au pair is treated as a member of the family.
  • Au pairs are always international while nannies are often local.
  • Au pairs always live with the host family; nannies may or may not.
  • Au pairs have age restrictions depending on the country (typically between ages 18 and 26) while nannies come in all ages.
  • Au pairs have a maximum number of working hours each week while nannies can work as often as the country’s labor laws permit.
  • Au pairs receive small allowances so they can explore the city and participate in extracurricular activities while nannies are paid a salary they use to live off of.
  • Au pairs may require an au pair visa while nannies require a separate work permit if they are international.
  • Au pair duties are limited to childcare and light household chores while nannies and other domestic caregivers may include housekeeping and cooking duties.
  • Au pairs require a commitment period – anywhere between a month and a year of service – while nannies are at-will employees.
  • Au pairs are not a financial burden for most families, as many in the middle-class already have spare bedrooms to house them. Nannies must be paid a salary that is at least minimum wage, but often is more.
  • Au pairs are unmarried and do not have children, so they rarely have much responsibility outside being an au pair. Nannies may be married and have their own children, meaning they are more likely to need to take personal days off in case of emergency to care for their own child.
  • And of course, nannies provide rich cultural experiences for host families. Nannies may bring personal spice to the host’s household, but there is no expectation of cultural exchange though shared experiences.

Becoming an Au Pair

Some of the requirements for being an au pair have already been mentioned, like being between the ages of 18 and 26. However, there are others to keep in mind if you’re thinking about applying for an au pair program:

  • You must have some experience caring for children, although you need not be a professional caretaker
  • You must actively enjoy spending time with kids
  • You must have completed at least high school, though some families may prefer additional certifications
  • You must be able to commit to an extended stay abroad (timeline depends on country, host family and au pair program)
  • In most cases, you must have a driver’s license
  • You must be in good health both physically and mentally
  • You must be able to pass a background check
  • You must provide both personal and professional references attesting to your character and work ethic
  • You must be unmarried and have no children
  • You must be able to meet language requirements to communicate with your host family (language requirements depend on country)
  • Sometimes, you must be able to pay your own travel expenses to and from the host family’s country

Most countries require au pairs to go through an agency and possess an au pair visa. While there are many options for au pair programs online, you should do your research to ensure you choose an organization that will match you up with the best host family for you.

At Host Family, we take the time to get to know each of our au pairs and hosts on a personal level to ensure the best match for everybody. We also provide services around the globe for those seeking international internships, study abroad opportunities, volunteer programs and more.

Whether you want to become an au pair or host one, visit www.hostfamily.com to meet your perfect match.

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Becoming a Foreign Exchange Student | The Ultimate Guide

Becoming a Foreign Exchange Student | The Ultimate Guide

Just the thought of becoming a foreign exchange student can send your mind flying in a myriad of directions, all exciting, all promising of new knowledge and adventures. You may start envisioning yourself in exotic lands, visiting unique places, learning foreign words or even mastering a new language, understanding different cultures, and lifestyles or trying new delicacies to excite your palate.

Where Would You Like To Go? For How Long?

There needs to be a degree of compatibility between who you are and the place where you want to spend your stint abroad. Take the time to do some introspection and truly admit to yourself what kind of experience you are looking to live. Is your current home in a big city and are you looking to experience life in a quieter, more bucolic, less hectic location? Or do you want to experience life in a huge metropolis and maintain a hectic pace? Are you willing to move to a city or town where you do not speak or barely understand the language? You have to face how easy it is for you to learn a foreign language and whether you are willing to feel frustrated every time you try to buy something to eat for lunch.

Consider as well the time you want to spend abroad. Although the easy answer may be just one semester, think about the time and effort involved in getting there and what you will feel when you have to turn around and fly back home just a couple of months later. Would a full year abroad result in a more enriching experience? When will you have this kind of opportunity to be abroad in the future? Probably not too soon, particularly once you graduate and start your professional life.

Keep in mind, some of the above questions may not be easy to answer right now. If that is your case, give yourself credit for having an adventurous spirit and be willing to take a risk and allow yourself the joy of experiencing something that is not familiar to you at all.

You may be tempted to ask someone for references on a program, and that is always a good thing to do. However, when analyzing the replies, don’t forget to take into account who the person is giving you this rating is. Do they focus on the same things you would? Are they truly a good reference point considering the differences in your personalities? Can you conclude anything about the location or the program based on what this person is telling you? Do your viewpoints on other subjects generally coincide or is this some friend-of-a-friend you barely know? Don’t let some stranger’s opinion cloud what could truly be an outstanding experience for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Foreign Exchange Student?

Besides acquiring new knowledge and immersing yourself in a foreign culture, there are additional and considerable benefits to studying away from your home country.

Improve Your Language Skills

The best way to really learn a second (or third) language is full immersion. And the best way to achieve that is by living in a country where everyone around you speaks the language you are trying to learn. Which forces you to use that language in order to effectively communicate with everyone around you. You also end up learning the language in a more natural way, incorporating idioms and expressions that the locals use.

Enjoy A New Cultural Experience

Studying and living in a foreign place will most likely take you out of your comfort zone at the beginning. You will learn to try out a new way of life which includes new customs, new traditions, and celebrations, new ways to eat and new flavors. At the end of your time abroad you may feel you have been transformed into somebody new, with a broader view of the world.

Up Your Chances Of Getting Hired Faster Once You Graduate

Finally, going abroad may end up implying benefits towards your professional future. Depending on your area of study, employers today are definitely stressing the importance of international cooperation and understanding. Therefore, students who have foreign experience, know another culture and can speak in more than language, have a decisive advantage.

Foreign Exchange Student: Educational Options

When are you looking to go abroad? You may think about going abroad during:

  • High School
  • Gap year
  • College
  • Graduate school

Let’s take a look at the programs available to you:

Academic Year Or Semester

Full academic years or semesters are the longest study-abroad options. These types of programs are best suited for those students that are looking to have a truly immersive global experience. The length of time implies additional costs so that these programs may not be accessible to everyone unless scholarship or other financial alternatives are available.

Intersession Program

These are definitely much shorter than other study abroad options. They last from one to eight weeks and may happen at any time during the year. They are mostly introductory courses that can help any student intent on gaining international experience but cannot afford a lengthier program.

Summer Program

These programs encompass three or four months and may be more suitable for those students who have a smaller budget or are more hesitant to commit to going abroad for a longer period of time.

Internships

Internships are an interesting option because they offer students the possibility of combining study and work. As a result, they give students a more complete panorama of their professional path. Also, gaining global work experience helps these students become better candidates when it comes to facing the job market. Yet, these types of opportunities tend to be more intense and time-consuming than other educational programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

These types of programs are geared towards community service projects as they incorporate them into a study abroad experience. If this catches your fancy, know that you will most likely end up working with local people which will reward you by offering you a better understanding of native life, culture, and customs. The length of these program varies, depending on location and what the project is about.

Teach Abroad

Teaching others not only gives you the pleasure of helping them but also translates into the development of interpersonal skills and leadership qualities that will help you become a better educator. In general terms, these programs involve teaching English to foreign students of different ages. They range from six months up to two years in length.

Where Will You Live While You Are A Foreign Exchange Student?

There are several options available to you as a foreign exchange student. Let’s see the good and bad of each of them to help you make a more informed decision:

Living With A Host Family

Undoubtedly this course of action will give you many rewards. As a foreign exchange student, you will have the opportunity of living with a local family, thus enhancing your language skills and getting to know and understand their culture better and in a more authentic way. These relationships will probably endure for years to come. In some cases, food and other basic needs are provided by the host family.

On the other hand, you have to take into account that you are living in someone else’s home where other rules and curfews may exist. Depending on the space you are giving within that home you may feel you don’t enjoy as much privacy as you do at home or that the standards of living are not what you are used to.

Living In A Dorm

If you are going abroad after living in a dorm at your own college or university, selecting to live in a college dorm abroad will not result in a terribly different experience for you. Most likely, our location will be convenient when trying to reach your new classrooms and other school facilities. The Resident Advisors will be there to provide additional support in both academic and social matters.

On the other hand, you have to remember, dorms are not quiet places and living in close quarters with so many of your friends may result in you not being able to concentrate when it comes to your studies. Your bedroom may not be very spacious, and you may have to look into the available meal plans offered, if any, besides paying the housing fees.

Renting A House Or Apartment

This may be the most expensive option, and you will be handling all responsibilities relating to meals, bills, laundry, and cleaning. Transportation to school (which may be far away) will add to the expenses.

On the other hand, this option gives you the freedom of choosing where and with whom to live. It also offers you the opportunity of renting with a group of friends or going it alone.

How Much Will A Foreign Exchange Student Have To Pay While Abroad?

Location

Besides the obvious expenses of tuition and housing, one of the main considerations when planning your budget is the place where you want to go. In general terms, cities and towns in Australia and New Zealand, East Asia and Western Europe will result in higher expenses, while if you plan on going to a location in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe or Central and South America, you will spend less.

Airfare

The distance between your hometown and your home abroad also plays a role in how much to budget for. Considerations such as whether you plan to travel home for year-end vacations, for Thanksgiving or for a variety of family obligations, also add up.

Local Transportation

Learning to take the bus or subway, ride a bicycle or use a scooter can result in savings when you think of more expensive transportation methods such as renting a car or riding taxis. Learn to do what the locals do and save some money in the process.

Weekend Travel

You will definitely want to get to know your host country, and even neighboring ones, when you have a long weekend or other time-off periods. Look for accommodations in youth hostels rather than opting for a hotel. Take advantage of slower seasons and travel during less expensive times.

Socializing

As a foreign exchange student, you want to have a great time and socialize with both the friends who are abroad with you and the new acquaintances you make there. Still, it is a good idea to stick to a fixed meal budget. If you are planning on taking a credit card with you, first find out the card’s policies regarding foreign transaction fees which can quickly add up. Paying with cash may work better for you and help keep you on budget. Look for free functions and other activities where locals gather, instead of falling for the usual bar scene that can really drain a budget.

Before You Go

You have filled out your application to become a foreign exchange student and been accepted to the program of your choice. Before leaving home make sure you are prepared with:

Passports And Visas

Make sure you have a valid passport before setting off. If yours is about to expire or you need a brand new one, give yourself enough time to get your passport mailed to you with plenty of time. And speaking of time, find out what type of visa will be required depending on the length of your stay and the type of program you will be attending. Some visas require several months to be processed.

Airline Tickets

Get your flight booked as soon as you know your departure date. This way you can really shop around and get the best price for your ticket. Find out how many bags your airline will allow you to carry and if there are any additional costs for extra bags.

Communication

Have you found out from your cell phone provider whether calls from a foreign country are included in your plan? If they are not, prepare a plan before leaving. Otherwise, those long-distance calls will add up and may completely unbalance even the tightest budget.
And remember, this is a unique experience that may come around only once in your life, get ready to enjoy it and make the most of every day you are there.

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Why You Should Host a Foreign Exchange Student

Why You Should Host a Foreign Exchange Student

There are many reasons people become host parents to foreign exchange students.  It could be to help source out facts from fiction of today’s era of deceptive headlines and political divisions.  Especially if it relates to the learning of another culture or its value. 

Most people are delighted to become host parents since it is a simple act of kindness. It enables the growth of new perspectives and helps to build bridges of friendship among people of different cultures. 
Being a host family is for sure a rewarding and life-changing experience for the whole family. It not only creates a unique chance to experience cultures but also establishes lifelong bonds. These homestay arrangements help a lot in knowing what is true and what is false. 
Hence, you can learn the difference between a harmful stereotype and a fair generalization. It also includes shedding light on what the two have in common. As a host parent, you get the chance to make someone’s dream come true. The dream of most international students is to experience the life and culture of your country. 
Here are the top ten reasons to host a foreign exchange student.

1. Share and Learn New Cultural Customs

Hosting exchange students gives you an opportunity to learn another country’s language, customs, and culture without leaving your home. These students are ready to learn more about the new culture during their stay. They are also willing to share with their host family about the aspects of their own countries and cultures. 

A hallmark of student exchange has always been cultural interaction. “Relationship” is the best antidote to breaking down prejudices and creating understanding. Inviting exchange students to sit at our tables, to share in our schools and play on our teams, we welcome a new perspective. These kinds of interactions enable the sharing of what is sacred to us. 
In return we also learn what is foreign, leading to new layers of understanding and empathy. As a host family, you get to ask questions about customs and traditions directly through the eyes of a native. You understand more about the joys of festivals from another culture including sharing about your own community’s celebrations. The sharing of these festivals with people from other country’s help reveal a lot about one’s history and culture. 
Also, to gain an expanded worldview for both you and your children.  

2. Look at Your Surroundings in Greater Detail

It is common how most people settle down into specific routines in life. You may shop in the same places, eat at the same places or you may stop going on fun outings. When you become a host family, chances are you will want to show the student best places in your surrounding. 

You get the chance to see your environment with new eyes. You discover that the day-to-day activities you may have taken for granted immediately take on new life. The international student discovers exciting areas of your surrounding the first time. You rediscover those fun parts of your surrounding you may have forgotten.  That also includes those places you never knew before. 
These excursions and sightseeing adventures make good memories and help the new family to bond together through the shared experiences. The event attractions bring new energy to your family, community, and school. Hence making them a significant highlight for the host families and the student.

3. You Will Earn Extra Income for Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student

You will receive a monthly stipend as a host family. Although not everyone cares about the money, to some people they are glad to get a little extra financial aid. The best host families do not offer a home to students for the sake of monetary compensation. However, those programs that provide a stipend are more attractive to potential hosts. 

The compensation will help to ease the constraints of adding an extra member to the household. If you have school going kids, this compensation will help provide a margin of extra money for you. It is because, you already incur school transportation costs, for your children and you cook large meals for your family. 
Therefore, it is easy enough to add an extra student to the routine. It is reasonable to use and enjoy the extra money that comes along with hosting a student. However, providing the most nurturing and caring environment for a foreign exchange student should be the biggest motivation for any host family. {Remember that not every organization pays, so ensure you check that on our FAQ’s}.

4. Lifelong Acquaintances

We all love making new friends!  It is normal though for people to get nervous about making new friends. However, you will end up with a lifelong friend once you get through the awkwardness. Having someone else to stay with you helps your relationship to grow and deepen. 

At the end of the study abroad student’s term, most students, hosts, and families keep the long-term friendship. In many occasions, host families have reported a continued relationship with their exchange student. The students stay in touch regularly with the host families after their program ends.
It is not a surprise that host families have been traveling to their exchange student’s home county to visit. They get the chance to meet their families and to experience their culture firsthand when they visit. It is due to the fantastic relationship between the host and student’s family that enables them to stay connected for life. 
These family connections are essential parts that excite the student exchange since the host parents are expanding their family throughout the continents.

5. Enhance Your Communication Skills

Today, our world is redefined by globalization. Hence, learning a foreign language is a faster-growing asset in the world of business. Hosting an exchange student is a door to learning a new language which benefits the student, host, and family. 
In fact, the best way to learn a new language is by practicing it with a native speaker. Most exchange students from different parts of the continent get the chance to improve and expand on their English capabilities. They not only think in their foreign language but also in English. 
The interaction also helps them to learn about various things that do not translate from one language to another. Beyond promoting direct, conversational opportunities, hosting exposes your children to international students. It helps the children understand the simplicity and the fun of learning a new language. 
They also learn to appreciate the beauty of foreign languages. Since communication goes way more profound than that, it enhances your children’s ability to collaborate, communicate and collaborate with others.

6. You Adopt a Mentor for Your Children

Most people believe host families ought to have either a teen daughter or son in the home. However, that is a mere misconception. It is because the exchange critically shapes the perspective of children’s of all ages. It impacts them with a long-lasting relationship with the rest of the world. 

Your teen children will love the opportunity to help a student get plugged into high school. The younger children are excellent hosts too. In most cases, the younger ones are open enough, and they bond more efficiently with their new “big sister” or “big brother.” If you only have younger kids, then they will have someone to look up to as elder siblings. 
Through the exchange students, your kids will also learn about some related cultural values and virtues in life. The knowledge will help mold and shape them to have a different world-view of everything. You may host a foreign exchange student with fluency in two or more foreign languages. It’s a motivation for your children since they will get inspired to be fluent in the foreign language they are pursuing.


7. Learn The Virtue of Sharing

By hosting an exchange student, you get the experience of sharing resources. Having a new family member means that the whole family will have to learn to stretch. Exchange students must have their bed. However, if you don’t own a spare room, it is okay for them to share a room with your children. 
Having to share a room with a new member is an excellent way to teach your children a good virtue. Also, there is a lot of other everyday things that everyone in the house will have to share. For example, if you own just a single computer and internet, everyone should have an equal chance to use it.

8. A Chance to Try New Foods

One of the most exciting parts of hosting students is that you get to try different new foods. Most exchange students would cook their traditional meals for the family at some point or another. 

Some will teach you how to prepare such types of traditional foods such as Swedish meatballs or Chinese dumplings. Food is a fundamental way of learning about another person’s upbringing and heritage. It is also amazing to experience that element of culture through your five senses.

9. Invest in the Life of a Foreign Exchange Student

As it may seem, the period spent studying abroad as an exchange student is full of potential and is exciting. But also, it can be a very challenging and lonely period. For example, in the beginning, when the student is trying to make friends, meet people and acclimate to their new culture. 
As a host parent, you are the student’s first line of guidance and help. Encouraging and nurturing your student in their new experience. You can act as a gentle push they require to help them step out of their comfort zones. Help them engage more with your family, make new friends, meet new people, to join a school team or club. 

It will enable them to get more out of their experience. Also, you have the chance to encourage them in their studies. It is by helping them attain the educational goals they set out to achieve. As a host parent, it is good to invest time and care you in your foreign exchange student. 
It is because you get satisfied to see the investment yield excellent results as the semester progresses. You genuinely feel proud of your role of helping a student reach their potential.

10. Develop Understanding

Most people assume that people from other countries differ entirely from them. If you host an international exchange student, you learn that we have a lot in common. 
Ones you allow an international student with a different culture into your lives, you cultivate an appreciation for some facts. That despite speaking different languages, living thousands of miles away, entertaining ourselves in various ways, following different sports, it is possible we all have the capabilities of maintaining a meaningful, genuine relationship with each other.

Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student – Final Thoughts

Hosting a foreign exchange student is a hugely rewarding experience for both you and the whole family. You learn a new language and culture even without leaving your own home or country. Inviting a new family member promotes a lifelong friendship with your new daughter or son. 

Once the term ends, and it’s time for your student to go home, you will have a friend in a foreign country. Hosting an exchange student makes your family members feel more close to one another. Supposing you have children, they will develop a broad perspective on the world. It is by learning more about international cultures and their enhancing communication skills. 
Also, they discover the virtue of sharing and promoting understanding. Younger children will benefit by having a big sister or brother from another country. You are also making a someone’s dream come true. Dreams come true when giving your student a gift to experience a new way of life. 
Last, as a host, you act as a great citizen diplomat. It is because you are breaking stereotypes, creating positive impressions about your county and the people of your country. You are also fostering respect mutual and understanding.
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Oh the Places You Can Go | Being a Foreign Exchange Student

Oh the Places You Can Go | Being a Foreign Exchange Student

Hit the Beach While Studying Abroad

If you are a prospective foreign exchange student who wants to travel abroad for a year of study, why not select a program near a beach? Of course, you’ll need to attend your scheduled classes and take part in all the other required activities connected to your academic travel. But during the off hours, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the option of spending some time at the beach? Here are eight of the better-known international destinations where a foreign exchange student can enjoy every weekend at the beach, weather permitting.

France: Nice

While most people seek out Paris as their destination for international study in France, Nice is the best-kept secret in the world of foreign exchange coursework. Offering some of the world’s most beautiful beach access year-round, you have the advantage of studying at one of several universities in the city and spending your free time on the warmest, cleanest, and most festive sands in the entire nation.

Spain: Grenada

You can learn Spanish in a U.S. classroom or spend a year in one of the gorgeous cities in Spain, only a few minutes away are some of the most scenic beaches in Southern Europe. Grenada’s universities are world famous, offering programs in management, language, and religious studies. You can also take all your courses in English if you prefer, or challenge yourself and choose one or two classes taught in Spanish. Students who have spent a year in Grenada report that the city is one of the friendliest on earth, and the locals are extremely supportive of foreign exchange students.

South Africa: Cape Town

It’s a long, long way from the U.S. to South Africa, and many students don’t even have the country on their “radar” as a place to spend a year abroad. However, Cape Town is a wonderful destination for those who want to spend their academic year abroad in an English-speaking nation that has some of the globe’s most awesome beaches. Situated, as it is, on the southernmost point of the African continent, Cape Town has for decades been a travel destination for people who want to spend time on the sunny, warm sands of Southern Africa.

Costa Rica: Monteverde

Costa Rica is already internationally famous for its beaches, but what many people don’t know is that it has some of the best foreign exchange programs in the world. Whether you want to study Spanish, science, business, or architecture, there’s no better place to have the luxury of top-notch international beaches nearby.

Greece: Thessaloniki

For foreign exchange students who want to see where all those postcards of breathtaking beaches come from, Thessaloniki is the place to go. With at least a half-dozen respected academic programs in the city, students can have their choice of major fields of study. At the same time, the region is one of the most famous on the continent for scenic, warm beaches.

Australia: Sydney

Sydney is perhaps the top destination for foreign exchange students. One reason is the city’s thriving cultural life, wonderful people, and incredible beaches. With the exception of New York, Los Angeles, and London, Sydney is said to be the most popular choice for year-abroad students. You’ll have your choice among more than 20 local beaches, and others are just a short drive away. Australia is one of the world’s most attractive continents for all sorts of reasons, their beaches being at the top of the list.

Indonesia: Bali

No “beach study” list would be complete without the inclusion of Bali, Indonesia’s jewel. Perhaps no other place on earth is renowned for its beautiful scenery, on land and sea, as is Indonesia. Not only is the local culture thriving and welcoming to all travelers, but foreign exchange students who travel to Bali for coursework always come home with glowing reports about the year. Whether you choose to study the local language or to take all your courses in English, Bali is an ideal location to learn about another culture and spend relaxing weekends at the beach.

Make sure the program you choose offers coursework that interests you and fits into your major field of study. There are dozens of international academic programs that include the option to visit a beach regularly, so don’t feel limited by our brief listing above. Being able to relax near the calming ocean waters, and enjoy sports like scuba diving, swimming, surfing, and boating will only enhance your overall experience as a foreign exchange student. Academic travel need not be all about books and tests. There’s fun to be had, and you have a right to seek it out!

Immerse Yourself in Culture with a German Host Family

There are plenty of books, DVDs, audio programs and online lessons available for anyone wanting to learn German, but there is no real substitute for actually immersing yourself in the language. One of the best ways to do that is to date someone who speaks the language, or if that isn’t an option, to stay with a host family. It is true that German, with its logical order of words, and little assimilation of foreign words, is one of the easiest languages to learn, but it will be easier still if you are living and working in the country.

Think about it – by staying with a German host family, you are forced to speak German just to get by. Whether you are trying to decipher a restaurant menu, asking for directions, or making sense of the local television news, learning the language is so much easier if you are surrounded by people speaking it constantly. And not only speaking it, but speaking it fluently, pronouncing words correctly, using slang and colloquialisms, and using real everyday phrases – not like the phrases that you might find in an English/German phrasebook.

Having to speak the language just to get by and to make yourself understood is one of the best ways there is of becoming fluent – or at least proficient – in another language. There is a world of difference between simply repeating ‘Can you tell me the way to the railway station?’ in German, and actually being in a German town and asking that same question. More than one study has indicated that the most effective way to learn a foreign language is to surround yourself with people who speak that language – or better still to go and live in the country for a few months.

Of course, you can simply visit Germany and spend a couple of weeks in the country, and there is no doubt that you would pick up something of the language. However, staying with a host family gives you far more opportunity to listen, to practice and to really learn the language, rather than simply a few key phrases here and there.

Even watching the television or sitting around the dinner table chatting can help you to brush up your German, something that reading a book or listening to a recording just can’t do. Many people find that they become firm and lifelong friends with their host family, and that can be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

And staying with a German host family is about so much more than simply learning the language. It’s also about meeting new people, perhaps even making lifelong friends, experiencing a new culture and traditions, and having the opportunity for German travel. Staying with a family in a foreign country means that just about every experience is exciting and challenging, whether it’s ordering a beer in the bar, mailing a letter in the post office, or attending a sporting event.

Germany is a large country, and one of your biggest challenges may be deciding where in the country you want to stay with a host family. Berlin is one of Europe’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities, famous for its nightlife, museums, and reminders of the Cold War. Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf are all large cities, offering all the cultural options that you might expect, while Munich is considered by many to be Germany’s most charming large city. And Germany has no shortage of towns that look as if they belong in a fairly tale, complete with castles, half-timbered houses, and narrow, cobbled streets, including Lubeck, Heidelberg, and Rothenberg.

And if you do go to stay with a host family to learn German, exploring the rest of the country is easy, thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure. Like most other large European cities, German towns and cities have comprehensive bus, tram and subway networks and the German rail system can speed you to the furthest reaches of the country in just a few hours. Staying with a host family in Germany also means you are well placed to explore the best of Europe, including France, the Alps, Italy and the Czech Republic.

If you are struggling to master the German language, staying with a host family can not only improve your German, but can also provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Contact hostfamily.com to find out more and to take the first step towards finding the family that is perfect for you.

How to Overcome Homesickness as a Foreign Exchange Student

Being a host family is one of the most satisfying and rewarding things you can do in life. And of course, the experience is just as exciting for the foreign exchange student who is sharing your home and your life for the next few months, or perhaps longer. However, homesickness is one of the most common problems faced by many students; think about the first time you left home, whether to go to college, travel or work overseas or perhaps join the military. Those feelings can be just as real for a foreign student.

Homesickness Is Inevitable

If you are a foreign exchange student preparing for your first trip away from home, it’s important to understand that being homesick is a normal part of the process. Over time, the feelings really will pass, and it’s important to remain positive and focused. Remember, this is only a temporary situation. And we all know just how important it can be to acknowledge and talk about our feelings, rather than keep them bottled up inside – talk to your host family and tell them how you feel. It isn’t anything to be ashamed about. Most feelings of homesickness will diminish after a few days or a few weeks, as you adjust to your new surroundings, become more comfortable with your host family and of course, are occupied with work for much of the day.

Keeping Busy

Keeping yourself busy is one of the most effective remedies there is if you are missing home, and although you may not believe it at first, the busier you are, the less time you have to even think about home. Of course, you are with your host family to work, but even when you aren’t working, being active, interacting with others and finding ways to pass the time can all help.

There are plenty of opportunities to find something that you enjoy and will keep you busy, including a local sports groups, joining a gym or fitness center, and outings to the theater or cinema. A temporary membership at the local library or YMCA can be a wonderful way to not only pass the time, but to make new friends too, and many places such as schools, hospitals, and churches are in desperate need of volunteers for a few hours a week.

Of course, most students need some time to simply relax and do nothing, but putting yourself out there and keeping busy really is an effective antidote to homesickness.

Bringing Home to You

Bringing some touches of home into your new environment is also a wonderful way to fight being homesick. Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with home, and you can get a taste of home by finding radio stations and TV programs from your home country.

Shopping for the ingredients for a meal you might cook at home, and then preparing it and sharing it with the host family is also something you can do to fight those feelings of being homesick. It’s also easy to video chat with loved ones back home, although be careful of spending too much time chatting with friends and family back home, which can actually make you miss home even more. Remember that as a student you aren’t alone; just about everyone gets homesick to some extent, and there may be other students in the area who you can talk to, perhaps even someone from the same country.

Host Families Can Help

As a host family, part of your responsibility is to make sure your foreign exchange student feels safe and welcome. It isn’t too difficult to recognize the signs of homesickness, although many students may be ashamed or reluctant to admit that they are missing home. Encouraging your student to acknowledge their feelings is important, and as we all know, simply talking about what’s bothering us can go a long way to making the situation better.

Your student needs their alone time, but if you sense they are homesick, make an effort to include them in family activities, helping to prepare a meal or cookout, taking them to a school or sporting event.

The hosting experience is exciting for both the exchange student and the host family, although it can have its challenges. Being away from home for the first time is something that we all face sooner or later, although like many of life’s experiences it really isn’t that bad! Acknowledging the feelings, keeping busy, remaining focused and maintaining those reminders of home can all help to minimize homesickness.

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Keys to Make Your Foreign Exchange Student Feel Welcome

Keys to Make Your Foreign Exchange Student Feel Welcome

Keys to Make Your Foreign Exchange Student Feel Welcome

Being a host family is one of the most exciting things that you can do, and welcoming a foreign exchange student into your home is a chance for you and your family to become familiar with another culture and learn about another country. Many families report that the experience is life-changing and many hosts remain firm and lifelong friends with the student placed in their home. Although the experience can be a positive one for the host family, it should also be an enjoyable learning experience for the visiting student, and making them feel welcome is one of the most critical aspects of any host student program.

Your home may be very different from the one they left to come to the US as a foreign exchange student. Take the time to show your student where things are and how they work, such as the television, shower and kitchen appliances. Introduce them to the members of the household – including pets if you have any – although you should keep in mind that they are probably tired, anxious and perhaps jet-lagged. More in-depth introductions are perhaps best left until they have had a good night’s sleep, although the important thing is that when you tell them to make themselves at home, you really mean it.

Although you want your foreign exchange student to feel at home, it’s also important that they understand and respect any house rules. If you insist that shoes are left at the front door, or that meals are eaten together, those rules should apply to your student too. Remember that they want to be treated as a member of the family and may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed if rules don’t apply to them, or they are treated differently. You should expect your exchange student to carry out the same chores as your children are required to carry out.

Few things make a foreign exchange student feel instantly at home than having a meal cooked that they are used to, and preparing their favorite food or meal can be the ideal way of putting them at ease. And of course, as the host family, it’s also a wonderful opportunity for you to perhaps step out of your comfort zone and prepare and eat something that you normally wouldn’t eat. Most students are happy to help to prepare a meal, and this interaction can also help to make an anxious student feel more relaxed and at home.

The Internet has made it simple to keep in touch with home and to communicate, and the days when you would have to ask the operator to place an overseas call are long gone. It’s easy to find television programs and movies online from just about any country in the world, and of course, chatting via one of the photo chat applications is a wonderful way to make a homesick student suddenly feel better.

A word about religious differences, as it is easy to see why these might cause a problem. As a host family, your approach should be to respect their religion, even if it is very different from yours. Allowing them to attend a local temple or church of their choice is an obvious way to make someone feel at home.

Most foreign exchange students are only too happy to talk about where they are from, their traditions and culture, what they like to eat and what the differences are between the US and their home country. Ask to look at pictures of their parents, family or friends, or their home or school. If you don’t speak their language, it’s easy enough to communicate in sign language, and of course, your overseas student is only too happy to practice their English.

At the same time, keep in mind that one of the reasons they chose to stay with a host family is to experience as much as they can of life in the United States. The events and activities that you take for granted are probably new and exciting to them, such as watching the local baseball or football team, firing up the backyard grill, or enjoying an ice cream or a milkshake at your local hang out place. Even shopping for groceries or dropping the kids off at school can be exciting to a first time visitor to the United States.

Making your foreign exchange student feel welcome is one of the most important steps you can take as a host family, and can help to ensure a positive experience for all.

Gifts for Welcoming Your Foreign Exchange Student

There are several gifts you can give to a foreign exchange student. As a host family, you must be able to make the student feel welcomed — and part of the family as well. Whether for internships or international study programs, students will always feel excited and nervous about entering this new phase in their lives. For one, there is almost a language and communications barrier for most international students.

So how about a book or publication that helps these kids learn more about their new countries and traditions? While books may seem outdated, they are still the perfect resource for students that want to learn more about the countries they will be living and studying in. However, it is important to get books that are in their native languages –but with English translations as well.

Gift Ideas for Foreign Exchange Students

There are so many gift ideas available for foreign exchange travel students. In fact, you can check the Web for sites and blogs that offer many suggestions and options. From elegant and lavish flower arrangements to clothing and even wireless electronics — your choices as a host family is simply unlimited. However, since the student is here to learn and study –how about something he or she can use towards their education? Here are a few top ideas for gifts, as well as suggested ways to find the right items for exchange students:

  • Scientific calculators, educational books, resources, and materials that will help foreign exchange students in their new schools.
  • Gift cards for students to buy electronics, clothing, food, and anything he or she needs.
  • Ask the exchange student what they love the most? Computer games, video games, movies, clothes, footwear, wireless electronics, or other items might be what they are interested in.
  • You can also arrange a huge dinner at home — or at a local restaurant — to welcome the foreign exchange student to your home and country.

Sports is Universal

As a host family for foreign exchange students, you should know that many of these kids love sports. This includes basketball, football and especially soccer. In fact, the latter is the world’s most watched sport — and continues to soar in global popularity. If your student loves soccer — how about some tickets for a local game? From MLS to International Champions Cup, there are so many games being played across the nation. In fact, 2017 has been dubbed “The Year in Soccer” as fans and teams anxiously await the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

You can simply ask your student if he or she loves soccer and take it from there. However, if they do not like soccer — you can always introduce them to popular sporting events in America. This includes baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey and much more. Nothing is greater than spending quality time with loved ones and friends at local or professional sporting events!

Ceramics and Accessories

Since foreign exchange students will probably have their own rooms, how about trimming up these areas with cool accessories and ceramics? In fact, you can visit any local gifts store for some great figurines, toys, ceramics, and artwork. It should be up to you and the student to see what kinds of hobbies he or she likes? For example, the student may love to cook appetizers and entrees. Therefore, how about some cool ceramics like chefs, chef hats, and things having to do with culinary themes? Similarly, the student may love science fiction or the latest comic book movie adaptations. With this in mind, you can buy him or her the latest comic book action figures, novel, or even tickets to movies and/or Comic-Con events in your area.

Gifts from their Countries

While most foreign exchange students want to learn about their new homes, it may take a while for some of them. After all, this is a new cultural experience and lifestyle change for exchange students. With this in mind, maybe you can purchase some gifts that they like and are aware of. For example: how about a sari or garment for students coming from India? Similarly, how about some clothing items for students visiting from Africa or other parts of the world?

You can also purchase these items for you and your family, which is a great way to show students that you want to learn more about their cultures and traditions as well.

With so many items available — as long it comes from the heart — that is all that matters. For more information on gifts for foreign exchange students, simply check our blog or the Web today.

Tips to Have A Great Host Family Experience

To study or work overseas is one of the most exciting and rewarding things there is in life. If you are an overseas student planning to study in the US, or an au pair looking for work, one of your priorities is probably to find just the right family. It is important to know how to find a host family that will be a perfect match – or as close to perfect as you can get, and the right family can go a long way towards making a memorable, pleasant and rewarding experience. Many host families and visiting students become firm friends and keep in touch over the years, and it isn’t uncommon for the host student to return the favor one day and put up the family who hosted them all those years ago.

However, if you are a host family about to welcome your first visiting overseas student, or an au pair to help out around the home, there are steps that you can and should take to ensure a positive experience all around. Although there are no particular requirements to be a host family, most families who host a foreign student tend to be close, have a sense of fun and adventure, love to travel and meet new people, and don’t mind having a complete stranger living with them for several weeks or months. Of course, you also have to have a home that is large enough to accommodate an overseas student in his or her own bedroom.

One of the most important things is to treat your overseas student or au pair as part of the family. Of course, your student is in the US to work or study, but they also want to feel welcome, and feel as though they are not intruding, or overstepping cultural boundaries. Many overseas students haven’t left their home country before and are understandably apprehensive about embracing a new culture and meeting a house full of new people. Doing everything you can to put your new guest at their ease and making them feel comfortable is just as important as providing them with a room, bed, and meals.

Treating your overseas student as part of the family also means that they should follow any household rules that apply to everyone else. If eating at the table is mandatory, and taking shoes off at the front door is enforced absolutely, it’s acceptable to make sure your visiting student follows these rules. In fact, they wouldn’t expect anything else, and certainly, don’t want any special treatment. Most students are as anxious to please their host as they are to keep up with their studies and do well at college. If the same rules apply to everyone in the house, your kids will generally cope with the experience better, and it allows you to maintain structure and treat everyone fairly.

However, you may have to strike a balance between enforcing the rules and making allowances of the language barrier, and any religious or cultural differences. Achieving this balance is not always easy, but can go a long way towards having a great host family experience, and making your student feel welcome, secure and accepted. As we all know, religious differences, in particular, can be a thorny subject, and anticipating any such issues is always recommended the more you understand about someone’s culture and beliefs, the easier it is to interact successfully with them.

Involving your host student in your daily activities can also help to ensure an unforgettable host family experience. Decorating the house for Christmas or Halloween, cheering the home team at a baseball game, or helping to cook burgers on the grill can all be fascinating to someone who hasn’t visited the United States before. However, involving your foreign exchange student in the simplest of activities can also help to create a great experience – cooking a meal, doing the weekly shopping, picking up the kids from school. Remember, what is routine to you may be new and exciting for them.

Whether your spare bedroom is going to be home to an au pair who is looking after your kids, or a student who lugs their books to the library each day, try to remember that they are part of the family – at least for as long as they are in your home. Remember that your student is probably homesick, nervous and overwhelmed when they first step into your hallway. And not only that – they probably can’t figure out how to work the shower either.

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Tips for a Host Family – Hosting Your First Foreign Exchange Student

Tips for a Host Family – Hosting Your First Foreign Exchange Student

So you’ve taken that leap of faith and decided to become a host family. And now you’re wondering what on earth you’ve gotten yourself into. If this sounds familiar, first of all, don’t panic. It is entirely normal to have some jitters about this new adventure… and the good news is that these jitters are no indication of just how amazing your experience is going to be with your foreign exchange student as a new part of your family.

Helpful Hints When Hosting an Exchange Student

1. Be upfront about expectations and house rules.

You may not think that you have a lot of strict rules in your home, but sit for a moment and think about anything that would disrupt your home life in any way. For most families, a curfew is a vital part of host family success. Be sure to go over house rules and expectations in interviews with students. This will help to ensure that there isn’t any unnecessary friction once they arrive at your door. It can also help you to make certain that you find the best fit for your family.

2. Stay in touch with your new family member before their arrival.

Let’s face it – this experience is going to be a little uncomfortable for both of you for the first week. You can lessen that feeling of the unfamiliar by staying in touch with your student before they arrive. This will not only help you to feel more at ease with welcoming a stranger into your home, but it will also help them to feel less nervous about traveling alone to a distant country.

3. Let your children know a little of what to expect.

This may be difficult if you yourself don’t know exactly what to expect, (don’t worry – we have tons of articles to help you out)… however, it is important to speak with your children about the changes that will take place in your home. This will help them to get more comfortable with the thought of having someone new around to help to provide them with care.

4. Go ahead and figure out the taxation on their pay.

It can be a little confusing to try to figure out how to pay taxes on the pay of your au pair. For this reason, it is a good idea to speak with a tax expert ahead of time to help get the ins and outs settled before your student’s arrival. This will help to keep you out of hot water with the IRS, and it also will prevent any unnecessary headaches in the future.

5. Know the limits of labor.

Before your student arrives, go ahead and become familiar with the limits on au pair labor. (Bet you didn’t think about that, right?) In the U.S., for example, an au pair can be required to work for up to 10 hours a day, but no more than 45 hours per week.

6. Read up on the student’s home country.

While you are bound to learn a great deal about the student’s home country once they have been in your home for a while, it can help make their travel easier if you take time to learn about where they are from. Knowing the customs in their country can help you to connect with your foreign exchange student.

7. Ask your au pair about allergies and other important details.

Is your new family member allergic to shellfish? Do they rash out at the mere thought of peanuts? Do they get hives when they ingest ham? These are all great things to know ahead of time. This will help your exchange student to feel more at ease trying new foods that may be foreign to them. (This is especially important as many students will only search “how to find a host family”… not how to stay safe in a new country.)

You will also want to learn any other important medical information that you may need to know to ensure the health of your au pair. Learn about these health concerns by doing a little research.

8. Be Open to Learning

As the host family, it’s up to you to make your foreign exchange student feel welcomed and comfortable in his or her new situation. You’ll find this much easier if you are tolerant of your guest’s feelings, culture, traditions, and norms. Hosting a foreign student can be a two-way exchange. You can learn just as much from your guest as he or she learns from you. By learning to appreciate cultural differences and norms, you can develop long lasting friendships that continue long after the foreign exchange program is done.

9. Help Make Things Happen!

If your student comes from a totally distinct cultural environment, he or she may desire to partake in local activities and events not offered back home. As the host family, you can help make things happen, giving your student happy memories of his or her time in the U.S. For many students, visiting the U.S. on a foreign exchange program is a dream come true. Any effort you make to give your student an enriching experience will leave him or her with a positive impression to share with others back home.

10. Make the Best of All Situations

Hosting a foreign exchange student comes with its share of challenges. Things may not always go as you hope or plan. By staying positive and making the best of all situations, you can overcome “snags” that threaten to put a damper on your venture. Look for solutions to difficulties as opposed to placing the blame. When problems arise, your student will look to you for help and guidance. By showing you care about his or her welfare as a parent, you can often diffuse difficult situations before they get out of hand.

11. Set Ground Rules

Every household has rules, whether you’re hosting a foreign student or not. Be sure your student knows the rules and is willing to abide by them. Having boundaries may even help your foreign exchange student feel more secure in a strange, new place. If you have teens at home, your family may have strict rules about meals (i.e., timings, use of devices, cleanup, etc.) that can help your student integrate easier into your household. For older college-age students, you may need to adopt some rules to accommodate a more independent lifestyle. By being willing to give and take, you can make your situation work without compromising your family’s standards.

12. Be Prepared to Deal with Homesickness

At some point in time, your foreign exchange student may begin to miss home. Homesickness shouldn’t put a damper on this adventure of a lifetime. There are various ways to battle homesickness so your student can continue to enjoy his or her time with your family. Sometimes incorporating local cuisine or customs from your student’s home country into your household helps them feel more at ease. Show interest in learning more about your student’s family and friends back home and encourage him or her to stay in touch with loved ones, so he or she doesn’t feel completely cut off.

13. Give Your Student Space

No matter how eager your foreign exchange student is to get involved in his or her new situation, there will be times when he or she simply needs to be alone. If your student doesn’t have his or her own room, try to create a quiet place in the home or yard where your student can have some “down time” on his or her own. Young people naturally value their privacy – how much more so when living in a foreign country among strangers for the first time. Having a quiet place will make it easier for your foreign exchange student to catch his or her breath when necessary and adjust to all that’s going on.

Here’s an anecdote of how powerful a foreign exchange student can really be.

Foreign Exchange Students Bring Message of Hope

Tachikawa and San Bernardino exchange students show their solidarity with the rest of the world in praying for a stop to all the hate, anger and hopelessness that is pervasive in real life and even more so in social media.

Japanese foreign exchange students Aina Kobayashi, Kaho Moriyama and Miku Takahashi, all from Tachikawa, Japan, and Jake Tivey, a native of San Bernardino were at the Humane Society facility in San Bernardino on Wednesday to paint stars of hope. The three girls are student ambassadors from the San Bernardino-Tachikawa Sisters City foreign exchange student program, a program that allows senior students from both cities to exchange places and learn about each other’s culture and way of life through immersion. Jake has just returned from Tachikawa and is also currently hosting a Japanese exchange student.

Stars of Hope in San Bernardino

Lynn Hildebrand, who teaches at the humane society and a passionate supporter of the Stars of Hope program, says that the message of the Stars of Hope is amazing. “These little pieces of wood can change a life,” she has said. According to her, with all the hate and negativity that seems to surround the world, these 12-inch wooden stars are a surprisingly effective antidote, melting hostility, anger, and rage so that love, compassion, faith and respect can flourish in their place.

Kaho decorated her star with painted flowers on a pale blue background, along with the Japanese word for ‘love.’ Aina decorated her star with swirls of yellow, orange and pink, while Miku chose the Japanese word for ‘smile’ to decorate her star. Tivey chose to paint his star to look like earth, complete with blue oceans and green landscapes. Painting these stars hold a special meaning for the Japanese exchange students since they also learned that Kansas kids painted Stars of Hope that brightened Kesennuma on the first anniversary of the tsunami.

From Japan to San Bernardino and Back: Compassion without Borders

These stars have been shining brightly all over the world, over countless places that have experienced destruction and loss. The stars shone brightly even amidst the destruction in Kesennuma after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan.

Japanese schoolchildren who survived the tsunami passed on the message of goodwill, hope, and compassion by painting stars that eventually made their way to other places, like Breezy Point, NY. Children from Breezy Point who survived Hurricane Sandy painted Stars of Hope that made their way to Newtown, Connecticut. Countless other stories of stars created by children from various cities around the world lighting up places visited by terror and destruction, natural or man-made, speak of the power of these simple, wooden stars to give light, hope, and love in places that desperately need them.

Stars of Hope is a project of the New York Says Thank You Foundation and has done countless projects in Japan. Suzanne Bernier was delivering stars in Japan when news of the London terror attack broke. Because she had some blank stars with her, she made a quick detour to London before making her way back to San Bernardo, her way of bringing back hope full circle.

About Stars of Hope

The Stars of Hope project started with the Parness and the Groesbeck families. The Parness family lived in New York City and thought of the project as a way to pay forward all the love that the city received after 9/11. The Groesbecks from Texas thought of the project to pay forward the support they received from New York Says Thank You, volunteers, who helped rebuild their home after a devastating tornado.

Graphic designer and artistic director Fran Sheff-Mauer remembers the first time she came to San Bernardino to hang painted Stars of Hope on the memorial at the corner of Orange Show and Waterman after the attacks on December 2, 2015.

One of the best things that the stars create, according to her, are the connections forged between children all over the world who have experienced loss, tragedy and pain, and the chance to share kindness, compassion, encouragement, and goodness, from San Bernardino to Palestine to Israel. Another volunteer said this of the wooden, 12-inch stars: they bring out a sense of calm after the storm. They stand out against destruction, showing the precious goodness of humanity.

Through the San Bernardino-Tachikawa student exchange program, the Stars for Hope brings the message of hope, courage, and compassion back full circle to the city, as these Japanese students paint stars that will shine a light to other cities that need them.

There’s nothing like hosting a foreign exchange student to expand your horizons and give your family a taste of the world around them. As a host family, you have a wonderful opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young people from countries all over the world. By planning ahead, you can make this a truly memorable experience for everyone.

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