By on February 8th, 2016
Your Parents Are Hosting an International Student…Now What?
When your parents have decided to host an international student or guest in your home, you may have many different reactions all at once. It can be an exciting thing to consider, or it may make you wonder if you’re about to have your privacy invaded or lose some of the attention and luxuries you enjoy now. It is totally normal to worry that a new person in the house might cause some uncomfortable changes. There are a few things you can do now, and when your guest arrives, to make it easier for you and your family.
It sounds corny, but communication really is the key to making this experience work for you. Before your new guest arrives, sit down with your parents and discuss any fears that you may have about hosting an international student. Where will they sleep? How will this affect your school, sports, or other hobby’s schedule? What kind of household chores or activities will the guest be expected to participate in? Don’t be afraid to ask really tough questions, like what will happen if the family simply can’t get along with the new student. A good host family should be prepared for these situations, so your questions are helping ensure everyone will have a great experience.
- Remember the benefits.
There are a lot of great things you can get out of hosting an international student. As a host sibling, you’ll get a chance to introduce someone to your favorite things about American culture, like music, movies, and games. And you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from them about their home, which isn’t just interesting, it can also help you with your education and future career goals. First-hand exposure to an entirely different culture, language, and lifestyle is a huge bonus that will help prepare you for the diverse college campus or work place you will probably end up in after high school. Finally, you’ll gain a new friend. Just because your guest is leaving eventually doesn’t mean your friendship will end. With the Internet, letters, and phone calls, you can stay in touch for years after. Maybe you’ll be able to visit them in their home during your own college experience!
- Remind yourself that this is only temporary.
If things aren’t going well, or the changes in your daily routine are hard to deal with, remind yourself that hosting an international student is only temporary. Most students do not stay with one host family for their entire study program. Remember that your guest may be feeling homesick or out of place in a new country, and that they may not understand how to get along with an American family. Try to get some good things out of it if you can, and don’t worry if your experience as a host sibling isn’t life changing. There is no pressure on you to or your family to change after being a host family. If you and your family are having problems, contacting the USH office may be the best resort to solving the problem. If your parents feel this step is necessary, they’ll be able to work with the international student’s mentors to solve the problem the best way possible. There is always a good solution when everyone stays open to talking it out.
Being a host sibling can be a fun way to make a new friend and maybe learn things along the way. Talking to your parents about everything and practicing a flexible schedule before your guest comes is the best way to get ready to be a host sibling.