We’ve reached a milestone today! We have published our new e-book: We Would Love to Host an Exchange Student, But …
Thousands of teenagers from other countries spend one or more years studying in the U.S. They come from countries all over the world. In each case the students, parents back home, and host families are taking a big leap. Many students have great experiences during their time in the U.S., improving critical language skills and forming life-long relationships. But many 
stumble along the way. Some change host families or schools while in the U.S.; some return home early. Many simply have a less rewarding time than could have been the case. Often it comes down to one problem: communications!
Better problem-solving skills and communications could help avoid these situations — communications between student and host parents, student and parents back home, student and siblings in a host family, and even host parents and natural parents back home. There can never be too much communication when it comes to teenagers and adults, not to mention the added challenge of inter-cultural expectations and misunderstandings.
In this book, you will learn about many of the opportunities for miscommunication in the context of students studying in the U.S., and how to solve problems when issues do arise. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer, but “communicate early and often” is pretty close. Host parents, parents back home, and students themselves are making a big investment when it comes to any high school study abroad option. This book can help make that investment a success.
This is a “first” for us! We welcome your comments — and your corrections! You can download a sample or buy the book here at Smashwords.com. We should be on Amazon and other retailers soon!
Studying abroad is an experience that would be extremely valuable for the majority of students, so it’s easier to talk about who should think twice before studying abroad. In my opinion, the most important issue is the popular confusion between living abroad and traveling abroad, because expectations (and ultimately the overall experience) hinges on initial motivations. Break out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with uncommon experiences that make you reconsider (or strengthen) your values. Get a better sense of who you are and what’s important.