What You Need to Become a Host Family

Hi guys,
over the last couple of week, many potential host families have contacted me to hear my perspective both as a former exchange student and member of a host family. Many were worried whether they would be suited to become a host family. Because I believe this is such an important topic, I thought I would make a video from a former exchange student telling you everything you need to knwo before becoming a host family.
As always lots of love,
Laura

[@danielwingle4604]

My wife and I have talked about hosting an exchange student. My wife’s family hosted one back in the 1990’s from Hungary. They tried to show him as much of the USA as possible, even got him into Canada for a visit. We all still have contact with him and have went to Europe three times to visit him (and see Europe too). It was great learning about his culture and all the differences, especially considering that Hungary was just getting out of communism. When I was in high school we had two German students. One was very outgoing and the other quiet, seemed not to want to be here. I think it’s a great way to experience life as you might never have before. It would be hard for me not to see my son or daughter for a year though.

[@honey27003]

It is definitely really hard for the parents but you saw the amazing experiences one can have and the relationships that can come from it. So all of the pain is definitely worth it in my opinion

[@heatherb1243]

We are in northeast Texas and our German exchange student arrives this week! We are nervous, but definitely excited as well. Your videos have given me a lot of insight and help ☺️

[@karlabrown7742]

Love your videos! Very informative and always honest! We just did our first video chat with our first exchange student. We want to have a welcome basket but not sure wha to put in there. Any recommendations?

[@honey27003]

That's so exciting! Where are they from? I would recommend some nice things and some necessities. Deodorant, gum, sweets, picture frames and decor items, school code of conduct, map, book about culture, nice soft blanket, a voucher for the first trip to the movies with their first friends that sort of thing would be really nice

[@karlabrown7742]

Awesome!!! Thank you!!! She’s coming from Italy. We’ve talked twice but not sure how often we should talk. I’m thinking maybe once a week or?

[@honey27003]

@@karlabrown7742 Hi Karla,
however much you feel comfortable talking. Once a week or every two weeks maybe. You still want to leave some things for discovery once she gets there. But you can use the time to get to know what she likes and to maybe get a glimpse of her family and home to learn what she is used to

[@Singingslp]

We are getting ready to host our 5th student in the fall (our 2nd from Germany) and I think we live close to where you had your exchange. My question is, what are some ideas for a gift basket for the exchange student? We have actually never put one together, we just bring them shopping for what she needs when she gets here, but I feel like we should have some gifts etc for them when she arrives. What do they want/need, and what is not necessary? Thanks! By the way, I have watched every single one of your videos and I will be suggesting your videos to our next German exchange student.

[@honey27003]

What is your closet city? I will answer this question in a Q&A in more depth but I would say stuff they need would be deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, hair ties, school rule book, maybe a map or little tourist guide of your area, an itinerary for the first couple of days, house rules if you have any, clothing hangers.... stuff they might enjoy but don't NEED might be sweets, gum, a giftcard for their first time to the movies with their first friend, little candle or a sweet something to decorate the room with, letter paper so they can write to their family, a journal. I hope these ideas can be useful to you

[@Singingslp]

@@honey27003 We live in Frisco, about 30 minutes north of Dallas!

[@honey27003]

@@Singingslp That's quite close. I lived close to Sherman

[@HPFan44]

I was wondering if an apartment of 4 bedrooms would be good to host a german exchange student? We are pretty stable when it comes to money but one of them has adhd would this be okay? We don't have a lot of money but enough to get gifts for the student.

[@Ramonabeaa]

The Organisation CHI (Cultural homestay international) does work together with people with adhd. Maybe you could Talk to them? You dont have to be Rich to host an Exchangestudent. You just have to be able to provide them 3 meals a day and a bed. ☺️