Why do you want an exchange student?

Question

Im just wondering coz Im thinking about coming to the USA as an exchange student next year.. Why do people even take exchange students to their homes? Is it for the money or just pure interest in a foreign culture?? Im a bit scared of what kind of a family Im going to get... And also, how do the people in high-school usually take these international students? thanks

Answer 1

Family is just interested in your culture and will be nice to you... remember in the USA you can get sued for anything... most Americans are nice... i don't know about high school... everyone in high school is a d**k... most students will be interested and talk to you... there's always a couple idiots that might be mean... just try it... it will be fun

Answer 2

I'm expecting my 13th exchange student in the fall, so I guess I'm qualified to answer your question.

There are many reasons Americans host. In our case, we do it to add family members! We enjoy helping the kids from other countries experience America and maybe to help them understand that individual Americans aren't as bad as our government is portrayed to be. We do it for the fun of it -- for having someone else in our home to celebrate holidays with, to bring kids (their friends) into our home, just to liven the place up a bit!

We also do it because I was in the military and traveled a lot. I got introduced to other cultures and like to keep that up. In return, we visit Europe every couple of years and get and get a different perspective on THEIR country.

One thing you asked that disturbed me some and no one addressed was your reference to money. American families DO NOT GET PAID to host exchange students. On the contrary, it costs us. We pay for food, extra utilities, the gas to drive students around, gifts for holidays and birthdays, etc. We don't begrudge the money, but we also don't want our kids thinking we are paid.

Now, on to the question about high school. Don't get this wrong -- IT WILL BE HARD. Americans are very superficially friendly people. We talk to total strangers, we will chat to someone standing in line with us, etc. However, it is hard to get into a "crowd" in an American high school, and that's what it's all about.

Here are some things that will help:

Join something immediately. Play a sport, be in the band, sing in the choir, etc.

Try and look like the American kids. Because of the falling dollar, clothes are VERY cheap for visitors. Bring very little with you and get a couple of American girls to take you shopping!

Bring chocolate! Not kidding. If you're from Europe, chocolate goes a LONG way!

Ask your new host family if there are some kids you could meet before school starts. Have them take you around and introduce you.

If there is another exchange student in school that speaks your language -- DON'T! Americans don't like it when people around them speak other languages. We think you're talking about us (even if you aren't). We're very sensitive about our lack of language skills.

Be friendly! Smile a lot! Accept every invitation you get -- even if you don't think you'll like it -- unless it is illegal or offensive!

Go to school activities -- ALL OF THEM!

For more advice on becoming an exchange student, check out this site -- an online community of those who hae done it!

http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

Answer 3

i'm in high-school and i think foreign exchange students are so cool. because they're from somewhere else and i would love to learn a new culture and make new friends! well im more open minded im not from america but i lived here for 9 years. i would welcome a exchange student :)

i cant tell u about the family b/c im only 15 so i cant talk for the families!

GL

Answer 4

I expect it varies a lot, but all the families I know who've taken in exchange students have done so because they want to get to know a different culture.  They frequently have kids around the same age at home who are considering doing an exchange too, or at least travelling.  I did an exchange type of thing and it's difficult getting used to a new family, with their different ways of doing things, but definitely worth it.  Even if it doesn't turn out well, you'll have a lot of great horror stories to tell when you get back home!

In terms of how the other kids at school will think of you - again, it varies, but you'd probably be automatically popular for being from another country :)  Most kids would think it's really interesting and they'd want to learn more about you.  The fact that you're from another country would be a great conversation-starter and way of making friends.