Make Your Visiting Exchange Student's Transition Easier Using These Tips And Tricks
Getting ready to welcome an exchange student into your home? Here are a few things you can do to make their transition comfortable and easy:
Provide Them With Their Own Space
If possible, give your visiting exchange student a room of their own to sleep and study in. This will give them a private space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed or just want to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of your household. They'll be able to create an environment that is similar to what they're used to at home so they can feel a little more safe and secure while living with you. In a familiar environment, they can unwind and be themselves without having to worry about the rest of the household.
If you don't already have a spare room in the home, consider transforming the garage or attic into a room instead of making them share one with your child or use a home office. If a room of their own is not at all possible, designate a corner of a quiet room in your home to them by putting a desk in it and making the area off limits to the rest of the household. They'll at least have their own personal place to keep belongings and study.
Plan Household Menus Together
To ensure that your visiting exchange student feels like a part of the family while living in your household, sit down once a week and plan household dinner menus together. You can plan your favorite meals that you think will give your visitor some insight into what America is all about, and allow them to plan meals from their home country for your family to enjoy.
You can also collaborate and create meals together by infusing different textures and tastes from both of your cultures. During your meal planning meetings, you can expect to learn a lot about each other and keep your guest engaged in household activities.
Enroll Them in ESL Classes
Enrolling your visiting exchange student in ESL classes is an excellent way to make communicating with your family, teachers, classmates, and the community as a whole easier. Whether your guest speaks some English or none at all, they will benefit from taking ESL classes in a variety of ways.
Not only will they be more comfortable conversing with people, but they will gain some confidence when it comes to trying to fit into their new community. They will also meet new friends who are also learning English as a second language, which will help ensure that they never feel too alone while they're living so far away from their own home.
For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Interactive College Of Technology.