How to Be a Successful & Happy Exchange Student

• Be curious and interested in new experiences
  • ENTHUSIASTICALLY try new foods, music, sports, hobbies, activities - everything!
  • Take advantage of new opportunities - say “yes” and give it a try
• Get to really know your host family
  • Learn as much as you can about your host parents, brothers & sisters
  • Ask how you can help around the house (offer without being asked!)
  • Ask “how was your day?” Tell your host family about your day.
  • Show you care - be patient, understanding & forgiving - no one is perfect (not even you!)
  • Try to spend some time with each family member - take a walk, go to a movie, watch a sports game - anything you both enjoy doing
  • If your host family members hug each other, you give hugs, too!
• Make friends
  • If you’re attending school, JOIN SPORTS & SCHOOL CLUBS - this is how teenagers make friends
  • Don’t spend all your time with other exchange students
• Be a good student
  • Take advantage of opportunities to study new subjects
  • Make a commitment to learning; work hard and DO YOUR BEST!
• Understand that you can only live in one country at a time
  • You will NOT have a good experience if you spend too much time calling, emailing, instant messaging or texting family and friends “back home”
  • Too much time on the computer & internet is the #1 reason students are sent home early- DON’T let this happen to you!!!
  • Speak the language of your host country! The more you speak, the more fluent you will become
  • Do NOT speak your native language around others who cannot speak or understand it
  • Your host parents are in charge - respect and follow their rules
• Learn to say “that’s different”
  • No one likes to hear “that’s stupid”!!!
  • Be respectful of differences and try to learn from them
• Show your appreciation
  • Say “thank you” to your host family and teachers (again and again and again!)
  • Show your appreciation with your whole body - facial expressions and other “body language” say a lot! SMILE! Be happy and show it!!!
• Ask when you need help or don’t understand
  • Your host family and ATAD Program Chair or Liaison are always available to help you; other adults such as teachers may also be a resource
  • Getting help when you have a little problem, will avoid bigger problems later on
• Have a positive attitude
  • Every exchange experience is different - don’t expect every day to be perfect!
  • Be someone people enjoy spending time with. Don’t argue & complain!
• Represent your country well
  • You may be the only person someone will ever meet from your country - be a good ambassador
  • Look for opportunities to share your culture and customs with your host family, friends, school and your host community