Hosting a high school exchange student can feel like inviting someone from another planet into your home. There will be culture shock. And that’s okay! It means your student is struggling to adapt to a brand new life – with you. And then, culture shock fades, and real connection begins. Here’s how you’ll know it’s happening.
1. From “Weird” to “Interesting”
What surprises students Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Poland and Thailand? Click a link to see!
At first, your student might think American lunch boxes, school buses and so much more are bizarre. Give it time. Curiosity replaces judgment, and they begin asking thoughtful questions. And then little by little, "strange" becomes “normal”.
2. From “I Miss Home” to “I Like It Here Too”
Homesickness is normal. But eventually, they start appreciating little things: your pancakes, your dog, or the way your family jokes at the dinner table. Then, one day, “your family” becomes “our family”.
3. From Confusion to Confidence
They’ll go from “Wait, we have to do chores?” to folding towels like a pro. With your help, routines, roles and rules all become familiar. This is when you get to witness your student transforming like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
4. From “My Room” to “Our Home”
The day they grab the mail on their way in the door, or offer to help make dinner—you’ll feel the shift. At first, your home is foreign to this new person, but little by little, you will notice that it becomes their home sweet home too.
5. From Silence to Laughter
Their first joke in English? Magic. Shared laughter is a sign they’re comfortable and feeling part of the family. But give it time. Humor is the most difficult skill to master when you are learning a new language. One more reason to enjoy that first smile (or laugh) even more!
6. From Guest to Family Member
They stop asking, “Can I get a snack?” and just grab one. That’s progress. There are many ways that you can nurture this leap from guest to “real family member”. Explain, train and give feedback. Then watch this child slowly become just like one of your own.
7. From Culture Shock to Cultural Connection
They might even start defending American peanut butter or embracing Thanksgiving with real enthusiasm. This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey you take – together – one step at a time. This is the time to celebrate!
Final Tip:
It may not always be easy, but it will get easier. And it's worth it!
Culture shock fades with time, patience, and plenty of shared meals, laughs, and life lessons. Trust the process. Stick with it. And before long, you’ll look back and smile at how far you’ve both come.
