Host students want to win over their host family: Thank you- Culture in the USA and elsewhere

Lohmar, 19.03.24. Exchange students who live with a host family in another country for 3, 5 or 10 months prepare themselves intensively. Their privilege of living abroad can fill them with great pride, because they have managed to find a host family who will take them in. This host family is their bridge to the other culture, they offer them a temporary home and are happy to take in this young foreigner. It is a distinction and an honor for the host student that someone decides to give them a home and explain everything.

The cost subsidy that families receive in many programs does not cover the costs. No one will take in a new family member for such a long period of time simply because of the financial contribution. In addition to the material costs, there are investments in emotions, responsibility for the young person, time for explanations, encouragement, transportation and much more. As an exchange student, it is therefore crucial to show appreciation and gratitude to the host family.



Exchange students say thank you to the host family

This is as much about words as it is about actions. Returnees from international EXPERIENCE e.V. have experienced that their host family feels sincere gratitude when their exchange student is actively involved and appreciates their support. All of this is the basis for a wonderful life together and the chance to build relationships during this unique time. The exchange organization international EXPERIENCE e.V. provides its programme participants with tried and tested ideas on how young people abroad can show that they are happy to receive attention from their host family:



* Actively participate in family life: Take part in family activities. Go shopping with them, play board games, tidy up together or look at photos of your adventures together. Show interest in their life and hobbies.
* Help around the house: Offer to help around the house: "Can I help with the cooking?", "Can I vacuum the car?" - small gestures like these show your appreciation.
* Shared experiences: Share special moments with your host family. If you go on an excursion together or experience something nice: "That was an unforgettable day. Thank you for that!"
* Open communication: Talk openly about your feelings. If you are happy about something, tell them. "I was so happy when we went on the picnic."
* Respect and appreciation: Show respect and appreciation for their culture and way of life. Ask about their traditions and learn from them. "I think it's great how you celebrate your holidays."
* Invitation to a meal: Cook something yourself, because even abroad, "love goes through the stomach". They are sure to find something delicious from your family recipe collection.
* Gratitude for safety and security: Tell your host family that you feel safe and secure with them. "I am so glad that I can feel at home with you."
* Small gestures in everyday life: Think about what you can do today as a small gesture - clear the table, help with the washing up or bring them a cup of tea if they are stressed. A simple "Thank you for letting me be here" can mean a lot.
* Personal thank you: Write a handwritten letter or card expressing your feelings, as is probably customary and often done in your host country. Tell them that you appreciate their support and how happy you are to be part of their family.
* Guest gifts: Small souvenirs, chocolate or other treats are always good, maybe a note on them: "A small thank you for your great help."





Interested parents and young people are given individual advice on which program is suitable for a time abroad. A lot of information is also provided in online rooms, and returnees can be interviewed. For the particularly popular USA program, the iE team will provide information on 25.03.24, 17.30, further programs and dates here: News and dates - international-experience.net

A first personal contact is also possible at an education fair, e.g. in the coming weeks in Kiel, Leipzig, Hamburg, Stuttgart etc.



International EXPERIENCE e. V. Short profile

International EXPERIENCE e. V. advises and accompanies students and families for a year abroad in 14 countries. The employees of iE e. V. have specific experience. With colleagues on site or long-standing partner organizations, intensive preparation, continuous availability and a tailor-made online tool, they guarantee all the prerequisites for an unforgettable year abroad. Surpluses from iE e. V. are passed on to selected participants as part of a pocket money scholarship.

- Every year, around 700 exchange students go abroad with iE e. V. to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Argentina and Finland.
- The students prepare intensively in a two-day preparatory seminar in Germany, followed by a parents' session.

- A close partnership with international EXPERIENCE USA and its accreditation as an advisor with the CSIET Council on Standards for Educational Travel guarantee excellent support in the most popular destination country.

- iE e. V. has been certified by the German Institute for Service Quality since 2017 and is a specialist for Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

- Founded in 2000, 260 employees worldwide.

international EXPERIENCE e.V.
Amselweg 2
53797 Lohmar
Germany

https://germany.international-experience.net/

+491726208618

v.wolters@international-experience.net

International EXPERIENCE e. V. Brief profile
International EXPERIENCE e. V. advises and accompanies students and families for a year abroad in 14 countries. The employees of iE e. V. have specific experience. With colleagues on site or long-standing partner organizations, intensive preparation, continuous availability and a tailor-made online tool, they guarantee all the prerequisites for an unforgettable year abroad. Surpluses from iE e. V. are passed on to selected participants as part of a pocket money scholarship.

- Every year, around 700 exchange students go abroad with iE e. V. to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Chile, Argentina and Finland.
- The students prepare intensively in a two-day preparatory seminar in Germany, followed by a parents' session.
- A close partnership with international EXPERIENCE USA and its accreditation as an advisor with the CSIET Council on Standards for Educational Travel guarantee excellent support in the most popular destination country.
- iE e. V. has been certified by the German Institute for Service Quality since 2017 and is a specialist for Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Founded in 2000, iE now has six representative offices worldwide.

This release was published on openPR.