Experiencing American Culture Through Volunteering

Your exchange student is already diving headfirst into American culture - attending school, learning slang, and discovering how many foods really do taste better with ranch dressing. Volunteering is one of the best ways for your exchange students to immerse themselves in American culture. They will experience American values like community building, generosity, and teamwork firsthand while positively impacting their local community. Keep reading to learn how volunteering can enrich your exchange student's experience in the United States!  

Developing a Sense of Belonging

Integrating into a new culture can be challenging. Volunteering offers a structured environment for your exchange student to connect with community members who share a common goal. This will help them develop a sense of belonging, making them feel more connected to your community.

Experiencing American Values

Volunteering provides tangible examples of American values like community involvement, civic responsibility, and helping those in need. Your student will see firsthand how people come together to make a difference, whether at a local food bank, an animal shelter, a community garden, or a neighborhood cleanup.

Feeling Empowered to Make a Difference

Volunteering will empower your exchange student to participate more actively in their community. They will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing they are helping others, and working with other volunteers will encourage them to build deeper connections in their community. They'll see that they have the power to make a difference in their community and that active participation is valued.

Interacting with Diverse Groups of People

Volunteer settings often bring together people from all walks of life. Depending on the volunteer opportunity, your student could work alongside retirees, high school students, stay-at-home parents, professionals, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. It's an excellent way for them to interact with people they might not encounter in their daily school routines and experience the true diversity of your community.

Understanding Local Issues

Volunteering often addresses specific needs within your town or city, such as food insecurity, animal welfare, or environmental concerns. By participating, your exchange student will be exposed to your community's local issues and gain a deeper understanding of them and how the community addresses them locally.

Talk to your exchange student about their interests to find out what kind of volunteer activities are the best fit for them. Then, do some online digging together to learn more about opportunities in your local area.

Some ideas for volunteer activities include:

• Community Cleanups: Grab gloves and garbage bags, and spend a morning beautifying a local park or neighborhood.
• Charity Runs/Walks: Participate in a local charity race or walk together.
• Animal Shelters: Spend time helping out at a nearby animal shelter or humane society.
• Food Drives: Volunteer at a food bank or organize a food collection for those in need. 
• School or Library Events: Help out with a school fundraiser, book fair, or literacy program.
• Senior Centers: Engage with elderly residents through activities or conversation.
• Tutoring Programs: Offer academic support to younger students.
• Community Gardens: Plant, weed, and harvest fresh produce.
• Local Events: Volunteer at community festivals or fundraising events.

As a host family, you play a crucial role in shaping exchange students’ perspectives on American culture. By incorporating volunteering into your exchange student's experience, you'll give them a deeper understanding of what it means to be an active participant in their community. They'll get to experience American values firsthand and hopefully be inspired to volunteer more in their home countries!