10 points for best answer ... foreign exchange student HELP??

Question

do you guys have any tips on being a foreign exchange student in high school?

if so, what are your experiences and tips?

have any of you went to Brasil?

if so, what was it like?

what kind of things should i pack?

how do i treat my family there?

should i do chores and offer to clean and stuff?

what should i do when i get there?

how can i talk to my family back at home?

any thing i shouldnt do?

thanks

xoxo

Answer 1

From Aug 06- Jan 07 I was a High School exchange student in Ireland. And this year my family and I hosted a Brazilian exchange student in our home.

From my own experience, here are some tips:

Be open minded, especially when it comes to your host family. It may be hard to communicate at first, but don't withdraw yourself just because you are struggling. Try your best to be clear and always ask questions if you don't understand. It’s extremely important to ask "can you repeat" or to say "sorry I don't understand". In the past, my exchange students that have lived with me don't speak up when they don't understand, which makes it harder when trying to tell them important information.

Get to know your area representative and don't be afraid to tell them if you have any problems. Whether it has to do with school or your host family, tell them your feelings because they are there to help you. When I was studying in Ireland my first host family was not very good, and I eventually left. I was very glad to have a good relationship with my area representative because she really helped me throughout my stay.

Try your best to get to know your host siblings. Even if you don't have much in common it’s important to be friendly and try to spend time with them. As a host sister myself I try to spend as much time with my exchange students, but not all host siblings are as enthusiastic and may be as shy and unsure as you. Also, try your best to communicate with your host parents, and know that they are there to be your temporary parents so they will treat you like their child and you should treat them like your parents (with respect). Follow the rules and don't disobey! These people are letting you into their home and you should be appreciative and kind.

From what my Brazilian exchange student has told me, many families have maids, at least in her city. Even if your family does have a maid you should still offer to help around the house. Some families may expect you to help, and others will not. It all depends on the family. Just remember, you are like their child and if your host siblings do chores, then you are expected to do some as well.

International Calling cards can be expensive, so if you don't want to spend the money ask your host family if you can download Skype if they don't already have it. And before you leave your home, download it on your computer also so that your parents can use it. It’s a great way to communicate because it is free.

Try contacting your host family before you go, if you haven’t already. Ask them about their city and the climate there. If you are going this aug/sept. it is winter there now so it’s going to be cold. During December it will be summer so make sure you pack clothes for that weather. But don't pack too much! By the time you are getting ready to return home you will have way to much so pack about half as much as you think you'll need. Remember, you'll be doing laundry about once a week so you don't need a months worth of clothing

I hope this helps you and I hope you have a wonderful time!

Answer 2

Always use manors. You don't have to wash and clean but offer to help do things around the house. Don't just lounge around.  Buy them a gift as a thank you for letting you come into there home. When you get there just relax, they will understand if you get a little nervous or excited. keep clam and don't get to worry.

They will take care of you, don't worry about messing up or doing something wrong. They will be understanding. Its hard to say what to tell you to do because I don't know where your going and I don't know the culture.

I live outta state... where are you going?

Answer 3

well, try to pick a group you fit in with there. pack appropiate clothes not somthing like

(I HATE BRASIL)in big letters on ur shirt.ofer to do chores. o and dont say show me some muay thai (mu ty) its a type of brasilian ju jistsu where they grab your head and nee you in the face till you cry for mercy! o and good for you.....i was a exchange student its awsome.i went to japan tho