The summer months are the perfect time to start getting to know this fascinating teenager that will soon become part of your family. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 100 questions designed to spur conversation that will grow your relationship with your student and start the exchange off right. We're betting you will learn some interesting, surprising, and maybe even funny things about your student.
You might choose a question each day and take turns answering via text message or WhatsApp. Or maybe you prefer to have an occasional Zoom call to talk about some of these in more detail. However you choose to use this list, remember the important part is to have fun!
Tell Me About YOU
- Do you have a nickname?
- What are your hobbies and how often do you participate in them?
- How do you usually spend your weekends?
- What is your favorite vacation spot?
- How many languages do you speak?
- How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
- If you had a free day to do anything you want, what would you do?
- What role does religion play in your life?
- What kind of movies do you like?
- How much time do you spend on social media?
- Do you like to dance?
- How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
- Are you clean, messy, or a little of both?
- What makes you laugh?
- What’s the most adventuresome thing you’ve ever done?
- Would you describe yourself as optimistic, pessimistic, or realistic?
- Do you collect anything?
- Do you like or dislike surprises? Why?
- What is your proudest accomplishment?
- To relax and recharge, do you prefer to be alone or around people?
- Do you prefer to have a lot of casual friends or a few close friends?
- What kind of exercise do you enjoy?
School Life
- What time does your school day start & end?
- When does your school year start and end?
- What do you wear to school?
- What subjects do you take?
- What is your favorite subject?
- What subject is hardest for you?
- How many students are in your school?
- How many years must you attend school to graduate in your country?
- What activities does your school offer?
- How far is your school from your home?
- How do you get to and from school?
- Do you change classes for each subject or do the teachers change?
- Do you eat lunch at school or at home?
Country & Culture
- What language(s) are spoken in your country?
- What holidays do you celebrate and how do you celebrate them?
- Who is the leader of your country and what is their title?
- What kind of government does your country have?
- What kind of music is popular in your country?
- What is the currency in your country and what does it look like?
- In your country, are teens considered adults or children?
- How well do you stay informed of politics and current events?
- What is the size of your city?
- What is the main religion(s) in your country?
- What do you like most about your country?
Food
- What is your favorite food?
- What is your least favorite food?
- What’s your favorite dessert or snack?
- What are some typical foods or dishes in your country?
- What time do you usually eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
- What dishes do you know how to cook?
- Do you usually eat alone or with your family?
- How often do you eat out?
- How do you feel about fast food?
- What dish(es) do you hope to share with your host family?
Family & Home Life
- Describe your parents
- Do you have siblings?
- Who is the funniest person in your family?
- Which family member do you go to for advice?
- What family member are you closest to?
- How much time do you spend with your family?
- What do you like best about your family?
- Do you have any pets?
- Do you have extended family that you are close to?
- What activities does your family enjoy doing together?
- How does your family handle disagreements?
- What are your responsibilities in your family?
Teen Culture
- How old must you be to drive in your country?
- What do teens in your country do for fun?
- What rules do teens typically have?
- What music is popular with teens in your country?
- How common is it for teens to drink alcohol in your country?
- Is it common for teens in your country to be friends with people who are older/younger?
- Do teens in your country have a curfew, and if so, what is it?
- What apps do teens in your country use to communicate?
- Where do teens typically hang out together?
Going on Exchange
- Why did you become an exchange student?
- What “American experience” are you most looking forward to?
- What do you hope to learn during your exchange?
- Is there anything about your exchange that scares or worries you?
- What activities do you hope to participate in during your exchange?
- What aspects of your culture are you most excited to share?
- What would you like to call your host parents?
Future Plans & Ambitions
- What do you think is the perfect career for you?
- What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
- Where would you like to live as an adult?
- How do you envision your future family?
- What are some places you hope to visit?
- Do you have life goals, and if so, what are they?
Just for Fun
- What’s your favorite color?
- Do you have a funny or unusual skill or talent?
- If you could visit anyplace in the world, where would you go?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
- Who is your hero?
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
- Is it better to be honest and hurt someone’s feelings or lie to protect them?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
- What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
- If a movie were made about your life, who would play you?
The fun of getting to know your student has just begun! We join you in looking forward to the fun and adventure of hosting in the upcoming school year.
We're sure you have some great questions of your own. Share them by commenting below!
If you haven't selected a student to host yet, there's still time! Click here to meet students who are still waiting for a host family.