Studying abroad is not only a new and exciting experience for a foreign exchange student; it’s just as enthralling for the host family. Exchange students, families and hosts may virtually live the “Real World” reality – without all the drama. It can make a host family more aware of their unique habits, typical lifestyle activities and antics.
A foreign exchange student may serve as a gentle reminder that it is unnecessary to have four Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). A “new family member” can act as a reality check on family issues such as: eating dinner together, reducing fast-food meals, curtailing time spent grazing in front of the television along with other family traditional traits.
The presence of an exchange student should not prevent a host or their family from engaging in their daily routine. Unless – of course, the habits are extreme negative examples of the American family. For instance, abnormally late dinners coupled with the constant noshing on donuts, cookies, cake, ice cream and potato chips can reinforce the overweight stigmatism associated with Americans.
But just as having a relative stay for several months requires a little extra work, the same applies with a foreign exchange student. For starters, when young adults study abroad, they are not permitted to drive. Depending on where one resides, it could mean helping the exchange student travel to and from school or teaching the foreign exchange student how to navigate via the public transportation system.
Hosting a foreign exchange student can motivate one to actually make quality lifestyle changes in the way of diet, exercise and family communication. Consequently, no one should be intimidated by hosting an exchange student who is studying abroad. Despite, the bustling activity of one’s home, a host should not worry about the impression that will be made from boisterous children, a perpetually ringing phone or the traffic of relatives. After all, it’s just a day in the life of hosting a foreign exchange student.
