Your student is here—or maybe they’re landing any day now. Either way, this fall kicks off a life-changing adventure for your family. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll probably scratch your head a few times—and that’s all part of the magic of hosting.
To make the ride smoother (and a lot more fun), we’ve rounded up ten of our must-read blog posts. These are packed with practical tips, funny real-life lessons, and “aha!” moments that will help you start strong and enjoy every step of the journey.
1. Starting the Exchange on the Right Track
Think of this as your “boarding pass” for a great exchange year. From first-day traditions to setting simple family routines, this post shows how a few small steps early on can set the stage for a year full of connection and growth.
2. How to Be an Awesome Host Family
Want to know the secret sauce of hosting? (Hint: it’s not perfection!) This post dishes up the little things that make a big impact—like being flexible, having fun, and welcoming your student into your family quirks. Because awesome isn’t about fancy—it’s about heart.
3. 10 Ways to Create Connection Between Exchange Students & Host Siblings
Siblings: the built-in best friends… or built-in rivals. This post gives you 10 creative ideas to turn sibling dynamics into a win—think movie nights, team sports, shared chores, and just enough friendly competition to keep things lively.
4. 10 Ways to Help Your Exchange Student Make Friends
Remember the first day of high school nerves? Multiply that by “new country” and “new language,” and you’ve got your student’s first week! This post is full of clever ways to help them find their crowd, from joining clubs to hosting a game night.
5. Don’t Make My Mistake
Sometimes the best lessons come from “oops” moments. In this honest, heartfelt story, one host shares what went wrong—and how it turned into something right. Spoiler: you’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you might even see your own family in the story.
6. Helping Your Exchange Student Through Homesickness
Tears happen. And when they do, this post is your toolkit. From comfort food to creative distractions to simply listening, you’ll learn gentle, effective ways to help your student find their smile again. (Bonus: you might discover new family traditions in the process!)
7. Contact with Home: Helpful or Harmful?
Daily FaceTime or once-a-week check-ins? Striking the balance can be tricky. This post gives you smart tips to help your student stay connected to home—without living in two time zones.
8. What’s the Best Way to Give Feedback to a Foreigner
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“Was I too blunt? Did they understand what I meant?” Giving feedback across cultures can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. This post shows you how to share guidance with kindness, clarity, and respect—so your student learns and grows without feeling criticized.
9. Lost in Translation: Unraveling Cultural Misunderstandings
Why did your student nod but then not do what you asked? Or laugh at something that didn’t seem funny? Welcome to the world of cultural mix-ups! This post unpacks the funny, confusing, and head-scratching moments and turns them into light-bulb learning experiences.
10. What If Things Get Awkward? Tips for Navigating Early Misunderstandings
Awkward silences, mismatched expectations, or those “umm…” moments—we’ve all been there. This post arms you with practical (and sometimes humorous) ways to smooth things over and keep the good vibes rolling.
Final Thoughts
Hosting is one of the most rewarding adventures your family will ever take on. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, opening your home, and learning together. These blog posts are here to guide, inspire, and remind you that every challenge is really just another chance to connect.
And remember, ICES is here to help and support you every step of the way.
Happy hosting!
