What’s one of the biggest challenges for exchange students? Making friends in a brand-new environment. As a host family, you have the power to make that process smoother and more enjoyable. By guiding your student through their social journey, you’re not only helping them feel more at home but also enriching their overall exchange experience.
Here are 10 practical ways you can support your exchange student as they start building friendships and navigating their new social world.
1. Help Them Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are the heart of high school social life. From sports teams to clubs, these activities offer regular opportunities for students to bond over shared interests. Help your exchange student explore different options and encourage them to join something they enjoy or try something new.
2. Find Them a Buddy
Learning you way around a new school can be overwhelming, and having a buddy can make a big difference. Reach out to the school counselor to find a peer who can help your student navigate school life, from finding classrooms to understanding lunchroom dynamics. A buddy provides a familiar face and eases their transition.
3. Attend Sporting Events Together
Many exchange students enjoy the cultural experience of attending high school sports events, even if they don’t fully understand the games. Join your student at a football or basketball game for a fun, low-pressure way to meet their peers and soak up some school spirit.
4. Teach Them Some Conversation Starters
For shy students or those still building English skills, starting conversations can be intimidating. Practice conversation starters at home so they feel more confident. Phrases like “What do you like to do for fun?” can help break the ice and get conversations going.
5. Address Concerns Gently
Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. If your student has habits that might be off-putting to their peers, gently explain the cultural norms here and help them adjust. Small shifts, like maintaining eye contact during conversations, can make a big difference.
6. Suggest Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the community. It's also a mainstay of American culture that students enjoy experiencing. Encourage your student to participate in local projects or school service clubs. It’s a meaningful way to connect with others while giving back.
7. Encourage Them to Host an Event
Hosting a casual event like a barbecue or game night can help your student bond with new friends in a relaxed setting. To make it easier, plan a specific activity in advance—whether it’s a board game, movie marathon, or backyard sports. This takes the pressure off your student to figure out what to do and ensures there’s a clear focus for the gathering. With a planned activity, it’s easier for everyone to engage and have fun, making the event feel more natural and less awkward.
8. Offer Plenty of Emotional Support
Starting at a new school in a foreign country can be tough. Your student may feel isolated at times, and your encouragement can make a world of difference. Be patient and offer emotional support as they navigate social challenges.
9. Explore Ways to Share Their Culture
Encourage your student to share their culture with their peers. Whether it’s through joining an international club or teaching friends about their favorite foods, sharing what makes them unique can be a great conversation starter and build connections.
10. Model and Discuss Friendliness
Friendliness is a valued trait in American culture, and modeling it for your student can help them adjust. Encourage them to say hello to people they meet and engage in small talk. These small gestures can help them build rapport and start friendships.
Helping your exchange student make friends takes time and patience, but your support can make the process easier.
To further support your exchange student, encourage them to check out our post, The Exchange Student’s Guide to Making Friends. It’s packed with helpful tips designed just for them!
