How to Host an Exchange for College Students

Hosting a college exchange students can be rewarding--students from overseas are eager to come and learn about the county and are gaining a different experience by living in an American home. Although there may be a language barrier, most families who host a student find themselves doing it again and again.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a program that facilitates home stay in for study abroad. Study abroad programs differ. Some only set up an exchange where students live in dorms or off-campus apartments. Others programs will look for homes for the students to stay in. You can start by going to your local community college or university to see whether their program offers these services--if that school does not have an exchange program, staff may be able to direct you to a school that does.

    • 2

      Fill out an application and waiver. Some programs have an application process and a waiver outlining the terms of liability. Most will come to the home to make sure that it is livable--that the student will have a place to sleep and that the home is suitable for company.

    • 3

      Prepare for a long stay. Some programs last anywhere from three months to a full school year. This would include coming up with ideas of places to take the student such as amusement parks, museums and even restaurants that may give her a taste of America. Also, remember that for three months to a year, keep family trips and out-of-town visits to a minimum. An out-of-town trip either means leaving the student in the house alone, or taking her with you. Some programs require that the student notify the program if such actions occur.

    • 4

      Meet all of the program's requirements. Some programs require that you feed the student breakfast and dinner--sometimes only breakfast. Other necessary actions may include showing the student how to use public transit to get to and from school, as well as smaller more obvious necessities, such as teaching him the value of the currency.

    • 5

      Make the rules of the home clear. This is encouraged by all programs. The student understands that this is not his home and he is in a different country, so rules are expected.

    • 6

      Have fun. Start learning about each other. Take him to see the sights and enjoy each others company. The student will only be there for a limited amount of time, so make sure that you attempt to go to the places he requests. Although this is not required it will help make his experience more enjoyable.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved