Send Us Your Exchange Stories
Dear friends, We would like to include on this website from time to time people’s own stories about cultural exchange, both from students’ and families’ point of view. We’re not just looking for families and students to tell us this was the best experience they have ever had. We know you can get that elsewhere, […]
Host Family Tips: Before Your Student Arrives
June and July are strange times for those of us working with international students. Our students who have been here for a semester or school year are returning to their home countries — yet at the same time, we’re looking for host families for the coming school year and beginning to reach out to our […]
Thought for Today: Sharing is How You Make it Work
Tip of the day for host families and students… Sharing about what’s going on in your life is a great way to begin to get to know each other. What can you share with each other about your day? It doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering or jaw-dropping story … just the little things. Did […]
Dear Host Parents, This is Why I Call Every Month: A Note From Your Exchange Coordinator
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – George Bernard Shaw Today’s post describes a not-uncommon situation many coordinators face with new host families. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear New Host Parents, As you know, I am the local representative for your exchange student program. I know you are excited to […]
Getting Ready for the New Exchange Year: What If We Don’t Like Each Other?
I read this statement recently in a blog post: On August 12, 2016, I arrived in California. I still remember when I got off the plane, seeing unfamiliar faces holding a sign that has my name on it. I was nervous and terrified that they wouldn’t like me; I thought it would feel awkward to live with a family that […]
We Had a Bad Hosting Experience . . . Why Should We Host Again?
From an email we received during the last school year: We are currently hosting an exchange student. We are not enjoying it. The student is not as she described herself in her application. Our student is lazy, grumpy, and moody. Our home has felt awkward for months and we are anxious for her to leave. […]
Hosting If You Don’t Have Children: Why Not?
An acquaintance asked me recently, “what is it like to host an exchange student if you don’t have any children in the home?” It’s a question we get sometimes. People worry that perhaps they are not qualified to be a host family if they don’t have children living at home. What’s the answer? Well, it’s […]
Should I or Shouldn’t I: Why Should I Tell the Exchange Program Anything This Personal?
Students’ families back home clearly make some decisions about what to disclose when they fill out their applications for an exchange year in the U.S. In theory, anything relevant — personal interests, family situations, allergies, and medical issues — should be disclosed through the application and interview process. The exchange world is full of stories, […]