Top 10 things all families should know about hosting

1. Your student is a teenager. Did we say it loud enough? A TEENAGER. All over the world, being a teenager is a crazy, confusing, exciting, nerve-wracking time. Your student is not perfect.
2. Your student will be very tired when he or she arrives. Three exciting days of orientation and meeting hundreds of kids - and before that, most likely countless good-byes and parties at home. Please allow them to get caught up on their sleep. They won't be themselves until they are acclimated to the time change.
3. Your family will experience "culture shock". It is not a bad thing, but be prepared that the student isn't the only one to go through an adjustment period. If you will just be yourselves and be comfortable, the student will adjust more quickly. Knowing you are comfortable makes a difference
4. Don't treat your student as a houseguest - from the very beginning, treat him or her as a member of your family, with all the responsibilities and privileges that go with it.
5. Don't expect that the student is a mind reader. Make sure to review all the norms of the household.
6. ...And review them again ! No student will remember every aspect of "Laundry 101" the first time. Please be patient and review household instructions until he or she feels comfortable.
7. Don't jump to conclusions if your student is acting funny. Maybe the bed is different from home; maybe the shower feels strange; maybe the heat and humidity is too much. Appreciate that simple, subconscious adjustments to a new environment are taking place - don't take it personally ! Try to understand that he or she has left everything they are familiar and comfortable with...Food, family, friends, language, school, bed, weather, (WOW That's a lot of changes!) They will not be expecting to have reactions to all this change. They may be surprised and not aware how the changes are affecting them.
8. Encourage your student to get involved in school activities and the community. But, be patient if he or she does not "click" right away. Getting them busy and involved helps them tremendously to adjust
9. Communication is key . Even a tiny problem, if not addressed, can grow into a big one. Don't be afraid to sit down and chat with your student about these matters, just as you would with your own son or daughter. Reserve judgment, talk openly and honestly, and keep a sense of humor
10. Follow THE GOLDEN RULE :
    
    "How would you want your child to be treated if he or she were overseas?"