Making your exchange student feel at home

It’s important to treat your student like a family member, not a guest. They should be expected to follow the rules and help out with household chores. Make sure to explain to your student why you’ve set certain rules in your home. Due to different cultural and family backgrounds, your student may not automatically understand why certain guidelines are in place. Knowing the reasons behind your rules will help your student appreciate your guidance and make them more committed to fitting into your home. It may also be important to demonstrate how to do a particular chore, as it might be different from what your student does at home. In some cultures, parents’ rules are more negotiable, so don’t be surprised if your student questions your rules at first, or even asks for adjustments.

Think of some family customs and traditions that are important to you or are a part of your regular routine. Does your family sit down together for dinner in your assigned seats at the table and share stories? Do you have a regular family game night at home? Do you follow a sports team and wear their team colours on game day? Do you do anything special to celebrate holidays? Whatever your traditions, share them with your student, express why they’re important to you and make sure to include your student at every turn. Incorporating your student into your routine is a great way to make them feel part of the family.