Between warmth and adventure: host families are cultural bridges

Lohmar, 21.05.20 - A student exchange is a unique experience that goes far beyond the academic horizon: young people go out into the world to discover new cultures, improve their language skills and make new friends. Living with a host family is an essential part of this experience. These encounters are often formative and leave lasting impressions on the exchange students. The United Nations has even established a Family Day to recognize the importance of families to society. And for exchange students, the host family offers a safe haven in a new world.

Choosing a host family

The selection of the host family is a careful process carried out by exchange organizations such as international EXPERIENCE e. V.. They find interested families, advise them and prepare them. They take into account the interests, preferences and expectations of both the students and the families. The aim is to create an environment in which the student feels comfortable and supported. The ideal host family provides a roof over their heads and a loving and supportive atmosphere. She chooses who she will host.



First encounters

The first meeting with the host family is often characterized by excitement and nervousness. A video call with strangers, in a foreign language for the student, establishes the first personal contact. The students soon enter their new home, far removed from anything familiar. Host families open their doors and hearts to welcome a young person from another culture. The first few days are crucial in forming a bond that lays the foundation for the months to come.

Language barriers and communication

Language barriers can be a challenge at first. However, over time and through daily conversations, language skills improve significantly. The host family plays an important role in language development by patiently listening, correcting and encouraging. Young people can ask again and again whether they have understood something correctly. Over time, communication becomes more fluent and the language becomes a link between the student and their new environment.

Cultural exchange

Living with a host family is an intensive cultural exchange. Students learn about local customs, traditions and everyday life. They take part in family celebrations, experience national holidays and discover culinary specialties. At the same time, they also bring a piece of their own culture with them and share their customs and celebrations far away from home. This exchange promotes mutual understanding and respect.

Personal growth

Living with a host family promotes personal growth as students learn to navigate new situations, take responsibility and develop independence. They are confronted with different lifestyles and learn to adapt and find compromises. These experiences strengthen self-confidence and independence.

Challenges and conflicts

Not every experience is problem-free. Cultural differences and misunderstandings can lead to conflicts. It is important that students and host families communicate openly and are willing to learn from each other. Exchange organizations offer guidance, support and mediation to ensure that both sides find a satisfactory solution.

Lifelong connections

Many students build a deep bond with their host family that lasts beyond the exchange. This summer, too, there will be many visits to the former host family, be it during vacations, as part of an internship abroad or for family celebrations. These connections are a valuable part of the student exchange and enrich the lives of everyone involved.

The experiences with host families are a core part of the student exchange. They provide a platform for cultural exchange, language development and personal growth. Despite potential challenges, it is these encounters that make the student exchange an unforgettable and formative experience.

international EXPERIENCE e. V.
Amselweg 20
53797 Lohmar
Germany

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

01726208618

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.