As summer winds down and school starts back up, you might also be getting excited for all things fall. Whether it’s watching the leaves change colors, putting on a cozy sweater, or enjoying pumpkin soup, check out our top 10 fall favorites to share with your exchange student.
1. Get cozy with fall sweaters, flannels, and scarves
The time has come to trade out your summer bathing suits, tank tops, and shorts for comfy sweaters, flannels, and scarves. If your exchange student doesn’t have an appropriate fall wardrobe, go shopping together to pick out a couple new fall fashion statements.
2. Go apple picking
Sara Cecconello (Italy) and Carlota Julia (Spain) enjoying their visit to an apple farm in Michigan
Depending on where you’re located, September and October are typically prime picking time for apples! This could be a fun day adventure to enjoy with your exchange student and any friends. It doesn’t get better than being outside, spending time in nature, and hand-picking crisp apples. You might even want to make a classic American apple pie once you return home.
3. Make s’mores
Giulia Battista (Italy) enjoying fall in Laingsburg, Michigan
Other cultures around the world have certainly experimented with the vast and delicious potential of marshmallows, however the U.S. will forever be home to the “s’more.” This unique American treat composed of a golden brown roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers is something you’ll always want “some more” of. Invite some friends from school over and have fun around the fire putting together this heavenly American sweet.
4. Enjoy a warm beverage
Eve Bram (France) trying pumpkin coffee with teammates after swim practice
Time to prepare your favorite fall beverage! Ask your exchange student whether he/she prefers hot cocoa with marshmallows on top or a pumpkin spice latte with whip cream. You can even make your warm beverages together then cozy up with a blanket and a movie.
5. Go for a picnic in the park
Fall is one of the nicest times of year to spend time outdoors in weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold. Not to mention, we get to look up adoringly at the leaves changing to various shades of crimson and burnt orange. Why not make an afternoon of it? Pack up your go-to fall soup in a thermos along with any other fall favorite bites to eat. Don’t forget your picnic blanket!
6. Have fun at homecoming!
Andrea Monterro Gimeno (Spain) enjoying homecoming in Michigan
Homecoming is a classic American tradition where your exchange student can cheer on the school's football team then get dressed up for one of the most fun events of high school. Encourage your exchange student to get together with classmates to enjoy the weekend. You might even want to take some time to explain the game of football to your exchange student and take him/her shopping to find the perfect outfit for the dance.
7. Head to a pumpkin patch
Leolie Guionnet from Bordeaux, France
Did someone say photo opp? Venture out to a pumpkin patch– the perfect fall backdrop for your exchange student to capture a few pics to send home. You might also want to pick out a couple pumpkins to decorate your house with or carve jack o’ lanterns to get into the Halloween spirit!
8. Get lost in a corn maze
Izzy (Australia) and Daniele (Italy) make their way through a corn maze in Oregon
As someone who admittedly is hopeless in situations where careful navigation is required, corn mazes help bring some light-heartedness and joy to not knowing where I’m going. Corn mazes have become a popular fall activity in the U.S. where people come from far and near to get lost and have fun while doing so. Work together with your exchange student to journey to the end of the maze!
9. Halloween
Students in California have fun dressing up for Halloween
What is fall without this widely celebrated holiday of dressing up as anything you want to be? Spend some time with your exchange student making home-made Halloween costumes, prepping the house to receive trick-or-treaters, or even put on a Halloween movie such as Disney’s Hocus Pocus.
10. Give thanks
Thanksgiving is coming up just around the corner. This time of year is a great opportunity to pause and give thanks for all that you are grateful for in your life. One way to do this is to write thank you or gratitude cards to individuals closest to you. This will not only help your exchange student with his/her written English skills, but will spread the energy of gratitude to those around you.
As you adventure through our list of fall activities in the U.S., be sure to ask your exchange student what kind of fall activities they enjoy doing in their home country as well. Comment below any other American or global fall favorites to add to the list!
