you read these host family guidelines, you're preparing to welcome a
foreign exchange student! It is essential that you treat your student as a full-fledged
member of the family from the outset, with the same rights and privileges,
as well as similar expectations and responsibilities.
The First Few Days
Differences and Adjustment
Coping with Culture Shock
Suggestions for The First Few Days
Many Students arrive shy, exhausted, or even overwhelmed by the fact that they are really here after
all those long months of preparation. Meeting you is the moment
of truth. It is an experience that few ever forget.
Imagine yourself in your Student's place, arriving in a foreign
country after a long trip and expected to speak a language you've never
spoken outside the classroom. You would probably be tired and a little
apprehensive. Keep this in mind as you
plan the student's welcome.
- Just be yourselves. Keep your hospitality
simple and spontaneous.
- Make clear what you
would like to be called.
- Don't plan anything too ambitious for
the first few days.
- Quietly introduce your Student to life as it
really is in your home. Save the welcome party for a few days later.
- Immediately discuss important family rules.
- Try to give your Student several days to
rest from the trip and settle into your home.
- Make time for quiet
conversations to get to know one another.
- Be patient. Do what you can to make your Student feel like a
member of the family.
Donít be surprised if your Student is
quiet, even withdrawn, at first. They may feel homesick and overwhelmed
by so much that is new and different. And, of course, the ever-present
need to speak English is tiring, if not frightening, in the beginning.
your exchange student to the same standards as your own children. This
promotes harmony and assimilation. Bear
in mind that communication gaps are inevitable as your student struggles
to comprehend English delivered at top speed.
to speak slowly and give clear instructions.
rules can help avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
the first few weeks comprehension improves dramatically. Take
time to clarify your familyís expectations and lifestyle.
- Does everyone eat together at certain
- Do family members get their own breakfast and clean up after
- Who makes bag lunches?
- What food items are for snacking?
- Where do family members put dirty laundry?
- Do you expect your Student to take care of his or her own laundry?
If so, show them how to run appliances.
- What about curfews and bedtimes?
- Explain as much as possible about day-to-day living in your household.
Do not be surprised to discover that your student is accustomed to
domestic help. It is entirely
possible that vacuum cleaners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers are all foreign objects! Orient
your student to these appliances. A
clean room and a daily chore should be required for participation in
family and school activities.
cards are a good idea for international students. They eliminate host
family bill collecting or overseas collect calls.
early on, establish rules for telephone
courtesy and a procedure for paying telephone bills. Not unexpectedly, telephone calls home will be frequent at
first, but should rapidly decrease to about twice per month, barring
Things go smoothly if you make expectations
from the very beginning regarding room neatness, television viewing, curfew, and so forth.
for example, should be the same as it is for your own children - early
enough on school nights to allow adequate time for homework and sleep.