Creating new connections
We encourage our students to build a genuine connection with their host family by spending quality time together and sharing cultures. We suggest students get involved in their school community through sports and after-school activities, as that is a great way to make American friends and learn more about the culture. Additionally, our student's may want to be involved with EF, whether it's local gatherings with their IEC, staying in touch with other exchange students they've met during Camp or Welcome Days or joining our Student Ambassador Program. When all of these opportunities combine with maintaining good grades and staying connected with their life back in their home country, an exchange student’s world quickly becomes a lot for them to manage. Your guidance while they manage family time, school time, social time and EF time will go a long way to ensure they are not overextending themselves.
Balancing friends and family
In the beginning of the exchange, students may rely more heavily on their host family for their social connections, as they may not have formed genuine bonds with new friends just yet. Students could struggle with integrating into a social group at school or building friendships in a new culture. But once they create solid friendships, they might spend more time with their friends and less time at home. It can be a challenge for students to balance their time between their host family and their new friends here. Helping them strike a good balance starts with communication. Tell your student which family activities you hope to share with them on a regular basis and those special occasion events that they should prioritize. By sharing your expectations, it will help your student plan their schedule and ensure you have quality family time together.
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