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Written by Peggy Lull   

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