Lori Meadows
Welcoming an international student into your home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging as you navigate cultural and language barriers. Here are some tips to help you make your student feel welcome and comfortable in their new environment: Before the student arrives, prepare a small gift or a welcome basket with essentials they might need, such as snacks, a map, and information about the local area and attractions. When they arrive, give them a tour of your home and explain how things work. Be patient and take things slowly as they adjust to their new surroundings. Help them feel included by inviting them to family activities and gatherings, but also give them space to rest and settle in at their own pace. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for them to express any concerns or questions. Remember that they may face challenges with language, so use simple language and be understanding of any mistakes they make. Finally, help them connect with others and provide opportunities for them to make friends and explore their new community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Be patient | The student may be jet-lagged, overwhelmed, and tired from travelling. |
| Provide essentials | Offer basic essentials such as adapters, chargers, SIM cards, and a few days' worth of groceries and snacks. |
| Give a tour of the home | Show them around the home, explaining how to use appliances and providing important information like Wi-Fi passwords. |
| Explain house rules | Make the student aware of the rules and expectations of the household. |
| Provide local information | Give the student information about the local area, including maps, brochures about local attractions, and tips on transportation, health, safety, and shopping. |
| Help them connect with others | Introduce the student to friends, family, and neighbours, and encourage them to connect with other international students and students in general. |
| Support their cultural adjustment | Provide information about local customs and common expressions, and show interest in learning about the student's culture and traditions. |
| Maintain regular engagement | Host regular gatherings, such as weekly tea or coffee meet-ups, to build rapport and provide ongoing support. |
| Address language barriers | Use hand and body signals, translator apps, or sticky notes to communicate until the student becomes more comfortable with the language. |
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What You'll Learn
Give them a tour of the home and local area
When welcoming an international student into your home, it is important to give them a tour of the home and the local area. This will help them feel more comfortable and familiar with their new surroundings. Here are some tips to make the tour informative and engaging:
Start with the home
Begin by showing them their bedroom and bathroom, and explain any expectations or routines related to these spaces. Then, walk them through the rest of the house, pointing out important areas such as the kitchen and living room, and any common areas they can use. Explain the daily routines and rules of the household, such as mealtimes, chore schedules, and study hours. This will help them understand how your home functions and how they can fit into the daily rhythm of the family.
Explore the neighbourhood
Take a walk around the neighbourhood, pointing out nearby landmarks, parks, and amenities. Show them the nearest grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and public transportation options. Introduce them to any neighbours or community members they might interact with regularly. This will help them navigate their new surroundings independently and feel more connected to the local community.
Highlight local attractions and cultural experiences
Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, introduce them to the cultural and recreational attractions your area has to offer. This could include museums, art galleries, local cafes or restaurants, parks, or natural landmarks. Discuss any unique cultural aspects or traditions of the local area, including any festivals, events, or community activities they can participate in. This will give them a deeper understanding of the region's culture and help them feel included in local customs.
Encourage exploration and independence
As they settle in, encourage them to explore the area independently or with new friends. Provide them with maps or tourist guides, and offer suggestions for places to visit or activities to try. You can also recommend local clubs, groups, or extracurricular activities that align with their interests, helping them develop a sense of independence and ownership of their new community.
Be mindful of their energy levels and comfort
Remember that students may experience jet lag and culture shock, so it's important to be mindful of their energy levels and comfort. Give them time to rest and adjust before embarking on extensive tours or activities. Gradually introduce them to new places and people to avoid overwhelming them.
By following these suggestions, you can provide a comprehensive tour of the home and local area, helping the international student feel welcomed, informed, and excited about their new surroundings.
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Help them get set up with essentials
When welcoming an international student into your home, it is important to help them get set up with the essentials. This can be a challenging time for them as they adjust to a new country, culture, and family, so it is important to be patient and empathetic. Here are some ways you can help them get settled:
Provide Them with a Welcome Package
Create a small gift basket with items they might need or things that remind them of their home country, such as local snacks or food items. You can also include a welcome note, brochures about local attractions or activities, information about your state or city, a map of the area, and a guide to the school they will be attending. Some universities provide welcome bags with similar items, including basic toiletries, snacks, maps, drink bottles, vouchers for food, and information about the local area.
Help Them Get Settled in Your Home
When you bring them home for the first time, give them a tour of the house. Show them each room and explain what it is used for, such as where your family eats or gathers. Explain how to use appliances and provide important information like Wi-Fi passwords or garage codes. Be patient, speak clearly, and ask if they have any questions. It is also a good idea to explain the house rules and expectations, treating them as a family member rather than a guest.
Assist with Practical Matters
There are several practical matters that your student may need help with, especially if they are new to the country. Help them set up essential services like a bank account and phone plan. Provide them with information about transportation options and local amenities such as grocery stores or shopping areas. If they are still learning the language, offer to help them with tasks that require communication, such as making phone calls or navigating unfamiliar processes.
Introduce Them to Others
Encourage your student to connect with others by introducing them to neighbours, friends, or extended family. Often, students may find it easier to settle in if they can socialize with others their age, so consider introducing them to people with similar interests or backgrounds. Invite them to family activities, dinners, or game nights to make them feel included and a part of your family.
Support Their Well-being
The transition to a new country and home can be overwhelming, so give them time to rest and adjust before planning any activities or events. Encourage them to connect with their family and friends back home, as this can boost their mood and energy. Be mindful of any language barriers and use alternative methods of communication, such as hand signals or translation apps, until they become more comfortable with the language.
Helping an international student get set up with the essentials involves providing practical support, creating a welcoming environment, and being patient as they navigate the challenges of living in a new country and culture.
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Make them feel included in family life
Welcoming an international student into your home can be an exciting yet challenging experience for both the host family and the student. Here are some detailed suggestions to make the student feel included in your family life:
Communication is Key
Encourage open and honest communication by creating a safe and non-judgmental space for the student to express themselves. Be patient and empathetic, especially if there is a language barrier. Use simple language, hand gestures, or even a translator app to facilitate understanding. Regular family meetings or weekly planning sessions can provide a comfortable platform for the student to share their concerns or questions.
Integrate Them into Your Daily Life
Treat the student as a part of the family by inviting them to join daily activities such as shared meals, game nights, or weekend outings. Include them in family traditions and extended family gatherings, even if they choose not to participate in every activity. This demonstrates their inclusion in your family circle.
Help Them Settle In
Provide a warm welcome by offering a small gift or a basket with snacks, local treats, and essential information about your neighborhood and the school they will attend. Give them a tour of your home, explaining the functions of each room and how to use appliances. Write down important information like Wi-Fi passwords, and explain any household rules or expectations clearly.
Facilitate Social Connections
Introduce the student to your friends, family, and neighbors, especially those with children of a similar age. This can help them feel connected to their new community and ease the transition into Canadian life. Encourage your children to engage with the student as well, as peers may be more approachable than adults.
Show Interest in Their Culture
Ask the student about their family, culture, and traditions. Show genuine interest in learning about their background, and encourage them to share their unique perspective. This not only makes the student feel valued but also creates a mutually enriching exchange experience.
Remember, the initial days may be overwhelming for the student due to jet lag and cultural adjustments, so give them time to rest and settle in before planning more extensive activities.
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Be mindful of language barriers
Welcoming an international student into your home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also come with challenges, such as language barriers. Here are some ways to be mindful of language barriers and make your student feel more comfortable:
Firstly, recognise that your student may not be fluent in your language or may feel self-conscious about speaking a new language. Be patient and empathetic, and don't judge or correct them if they make a mistake. Their language skills will improve over time as they spend more time in an environment where the language is predominantly spoken. In the meantime, you can use hand gestures, body language, and facial expressions to communicate. Using a translation app or sticky notes with words and pictures can also be helpful.
Secondly, take the time to explain things slowly and clearly. Write down important information, such as Wi-Fi passwords and codes, and provide a house tour, pointing out each room and explaining what it is used for. This will help your student feel more comfortable and confident in navigating their new living space.
Additionally, encourage your student to interact with your family and friends. Include them in family activities, such as dinners, game nights, or weekend outings. This will provide more opportunities for them to practice the language in a natural and supportive environment. It is important to treat them as a part of the family and to foster an open and honest line of communication. Hold regular family meetings where everyone can share their concerns or questions. This will create a safe space for your student to speak up if they are struggling with anything, whether it is related to language or any other aspect of their new life.
Finally, if there are specific words or objects your student wants to learn, you can use sticky notes with the corresponding word to label those items in your home. This will create a visual connection between the object and its name, aiding in their language acquisition. Remember that it can be helpful for your student to socialise with others their age, as communication with peers may come more naturally. Introducing them to neighbours or other students their age can help them build a support system and ease their transition into a new cultural and linguistic environment.
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Host a welcome party
Hosting an international student can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both parties. Here are some tips on how to make the student feel welcome and comfortable in your home through hosting a welcome party:
Planning the Party
Before hosting a welcome party, it is important to give the student some time to rest and adjust to their new surroundings. They may be jet-lagged or overwhelmed, so it is advisable to wait a few days before throwing the party. This will also give you an opportunity to learn more about the student and plan the party accordingly. Ask them if there is anything they would like to do or if there are any specific interests they have. For example, they might enjoy visiting museums or trying new foods.
Inviting Guests
When planning the guest list, consider inviting people whom the student might enjoy meeting, such as your friends and family members of a similar age. This will help the student expand their social circle and make new friends. It is also a good idea to invite other international students or exchange students who have previously stayed with you, as they can share their experiences and make the new student feel more at ease.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Make sure the student feels included and welcomed at the party. Encourage guests to interact with the student and ask them about their interests, hobbies, and culture. Be mindful of any language barriers and use alternative methods of communication if needed, such as a translator app or body language. Remember that the student may feel nervous or unsure, so creating a warm and friendly atmosphere will help them relax and enjoy the party.
Integrating Culture
A great way to make the student feel welcome is by incorporating their culture into the party. This could include serving traditional dishes from their home country, playing music they are familiar with, or even having a cultural dress code. If there are other international students at the party, encourage them to share their experiences and create a space where everyone can learn about different cultures.
Following Up
After the welcome party, maintain regular contact with the student and follow up on any connections they made during the event. Encourage them to join clubs or participate in activities related to their interests, as this will help them make friends and feel a sense of belonging. Remember that the student may experience culture shock or homesickness, so continue to provide emotional support and be a source of comfort for them throughout their stay.
By following these steps and hosting a well-planned and inclusive welcome party, you can make the international student feel welcomed and valued in your home. This will create a positive foundation for their entire stay and foster a mutually beneficial cultural exchange.
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Frequently asked questions
Make sure to give them a tour of your home and the local area, and explain how things work. Be patient and empathetic as they adjust to a new country and culture, and try to bridge any language barriers.
Treat them as part of the family and integrate them into your life. Invite them to family activities and outings, and encourage your children to engage with them too.
Yes, they may be jet-lagged and overwhelmed, so give them time to recover before throwing a welcome party or planning activities.
Provide them with maps and information about the local area, including attractions, activities, and local customs.
You can connect them with other international students via email, apps, or social media, so they can get to know each other before arrival.
