Becoming a host for an exchange student is a great way to learn about another culture, all from the comfort of your own home.
It is also a great way to promote and teach about Australian culture to those who may know little about it.
If you are thinking about becoming a host parent, remember that, as second parents to the student, hosting does require some responsibility. You must provide your student with a warm and stable environment for them to live in, including meals and a room. Understandably, they will also need a quiet place to study and continue their learning.
Most families will have exchange students in their homes for at least an academic semester if not a year. Generally, to do this you will first need to undergo a thorough application process, which may include an in-home interview, background check and submission of personal references.
As these students will be coming from different cultures, it is also important to assist them in easing into their new lifestyle. Making sure you are enthusiastic, caring and flexible is a good way to make them feel comfortable. Without being too domineering, it is also important to become involved in their life while they live with you, especially if you also have other children.
When hosting, try to play a role in promoting Australia and Australian values, allowing the visiting student to understand the new culture and immerse themselves in it. It may even help to shape their future and what they know about the world. Similarly, by having a person from another culture in your home, you may also learn more about their home culture yourself.
To find out more about Education First (EF) foundation for foreign study, click here.
