Hosting a high school foreign exchange student is a unique and rewarding experience. But to truly make the most of it, it's important to engage actively in the journey. Here are twelve practical ways to maximize your hosting experience and create lasting memories for both your family and your student.
1. Have an Open Mind
Your student may be different than you expected, and that's part of the adventure. They might have different habits, interests, or even communication styles than you imagined. Embrace these differences with an open heart and view them as opportunities to learn and grow together.
The Kelly family welcomed a student from Japan, expecting her to be shy and reserved. Instead, she was full of energy and laughter. “We were caught off guard at first, but we quickly realized that by staying open-minded, we gained a deeper, more rewarding relationship,” they shared.
2. Build a Routine
Establishing routines can bring comfort and help your student feel like a part of your family, and they are good for mental health. Simple rituals, like weekly game nights, evening walks, or Saturday morning coffee, can become special bonding moments. These routines provide stability in a new environment, which your student will likely appreciate.
Host mom Julia shared how their nightly walks became a calming ritual where their student felt more connected. “It wasn’t just about the walk—it was about having uninterrupted time to chat and decompress.”
3. See Yourself as a Teacher
As a host, you’re more than just a caretaker—you’re a cultural ambassador. Teach your student about both the obvious and subtle aspects of American life, from big holidays to why we say “thank you” so often. The little lessons about daily life will help your student adapt and understand more about your culture.
The Perkins' Thanksgiving tradition of expressing gratitude sparked a deeper conversation with their student. “We had never thought to explain it before, but when we did, it gave us a fresh perspective on why it’s so meaningful to us.”
4. Get Involved in Their School Life
Take an active role in your student’s school experience. Whether it’s attending their soccer game or going to a school concert, your involvement shows them that they are valued as part of your family. Plus, it’s a great way to support them as they navigate American high school.
Host mom Betsy recalled attending her student’s school musical and seeing how much it meant to him. “He told us later that having us there made him feel like he had a real family cheering him on.”
5. Cook Together
Cooking together offers an easy--and fun!--way to bond and share cultures. Teach your student how to make some of your favorite family recipes, and encourage them to teach you how to cook traditional dishes from their home country. Sharing food brings people together in a meaningful way.
The Johnson family turned their kitchen into a space for cultural exchange. “We had so much fun teaching our student how to make our family’s chili, and in return, we learned how to make Chinese dumplings—it became a weekly tradition.”
6. Explore New Places Together
Use this hosting opportunity as a reason to explore your local area or take short trips. Whether it’s a local park, a museum, or a weekend getaway, these adventures will create shared memories and give your student a broader view of American life.
The Jenkins family shared how a spontaneous weekend trip to a nearby beach became one of the highlights of their year together. “It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was something new for all of us.”
7. Go Deeper with Cultural Sharing
Go beyond the surface when discussing cultural differences. Talk about the deeper values behind your traditions and customs, and encourage your student to do the same. These conversations can deepen your bond and provide valuable insights into each other’s worldviews.
Host dad Travis shared how an ordinary conversation about American work culture led to a fascinating exchange about how their student’s home country views success and career goals.
8. Communicate Openly
Good communication is the foundation of a successful hosting experience, especially when it comes to addressing things that bother you. Remember, your student won’t know to do things differently unless you tell them. If there’s something they’re doing that doesn’t sit right with you—whether it’s how they handle chores or how much time they spend on their phone—bring it up kindly but directly. This helps prevent misunderstandings and creates an environment where both sides feel comfortable expressing their needs.
Host mom Carly shared how their student’s habit of leaving the lights on drove them crazy, but they didn’t say anything at first. “We assumed she’d figure it out, but when we finally brought it up, she was totally unaware and fixed it right away. We realized that she needed clear guidance to adjust to how we do things.”
9. Celebrate Milestones
Every milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a birthday, a good grade, or simply getting through the first month of school, these celebrations make your student feel appreciated and help them feel more at home.
The Martinez family threw a small party when their student got an A on a difficult exam. “It wasn’t a big deal to us, but it meant the world to her. It made her feel like she was part of the family.”
10. Be Patient
Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming, and your student might face challenges like homesickness or culture shock. Patience is key during these moments. Understand that they’re going through a lot, and your support can make a huge difference.
The Hoosco family noticed that their student struggled to make friends during the first few weeks of school, but by being patient and offering reassurance, they helped her build confidence.
11. Document the Journey
Don’t forget to take photos and journal your experience. These memories will be cherished for years to come, for both your family and your student. Encourage your student to document their journey as well—it’s a way to capture all the special moments.
12. Utilize Available Support
Remember that you’re not in this alone. Your Local Coordinator and ICES are there to provide support whenever needed. Whether it’s advice on cultural differences or handling a tricky situation, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Host mom Lydia shared how their Local Coordinator provided guidance when their student was feeling homesick. “Just having that support helped us feel more confident in how to handle things.”
Hosting a foreign exchange student can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. By keeping an open mind, building a routine, and staying engaged in your student’s life, you’ll create a meaningful and enriching year for both you and your student. Embrace the journey, celebrate the milestones, and remember—you have a whole support system behind you. Happy hosting!
