Roles of an Exchange Student

Exchange students are of all ages, usually ranging from ages twelve to nineteen. These students usually go through a multiple interviews, background checks, maintain a high grade point average and demonstrate a high level of maturity. After the selection process these students are placed in a host family situation. A host family is chosen for its ability to offer the hosted student support as cultural and personal growth is coped with while being abroad. Most of the time, the host family is also selected since there is a child of the same age in the household.

What then is the role of the exchange student while in the host family's household? The exchange student will become part of the family and create a lasting relationship as an "adopted" child of the family. Since some hosting countries are new to the concept of foreign exchange student programs, there may be some confusion of what the host-family relationship roles include. Here are some tips to remember while an exchange student:

1. Houseguest: For the first week or two, the exchange student may feel as though he/she is in the role of a houseguest. It is a peculiar feeling waking up in a host families house for the first-time, knowing that this is how the morning ritual will go for the next few months or year. It is common for host families to treat the new family member as a guest, trying to accommodate to the needs of the student. It is important though that the student does not take advantage of the new living condition. Tip: Offer to help make the breakfast or general cleanup after the meal. If there are other children in the household of the same age, it is best to follow the movements of that child. If that child does dishes, follow the same moves to assure that this is a normal ritual of the student.

2. Renter: Some students have gone as far as taking the attitude towards the host family in the role of a renter such as one would expect a relationship in a Bed and Breakfast. This role usually is seen by not taking part in family activities or daily life. Taking this role defeats the point of the exchange, it is important while abroad to live the lifestyle of the exchange student not a visitor. In addition, a host family is not paid for the service they are providing; some are paid a minimal amount for certain costs however most are not paid at all. Each person should take advantage of this intercultural learning - host family members and exchange student. Tip: When first arriving in the host family's house, ask what chores will be your part of the family's daily life.

3. Housekeeper: By asking for chores, some families may get confused on how much a student should be expected to participate. Tip: Pay attention to the other children in the family, if the other children are not doing as much work as you, try talking to your representative from the organization you have chosen to exchange through. It is not your role to pick up the slack in house-cleaning that the other children have not provided.

4. Babysitter or Nanny: It is not part of the exchange program to take a role of the babysitter. Yes, it is more than responsible to be asked to care for smaller children in the household from time to time however not on a regular basis. The task of the exchange student is not extra workers in the family, but to become a family member.

5. Family Member: Becoming a family member is one of the most important aspects of a study abroad program. Taking a branch on the family tree may take at least three weeks however it is important to connect with the family that is hosting. Through time, the parents will feel more comfortable with having an "adopted" child join the family and treat the exchange student as a biological child. For the most part, host families are guided through classes and under direct supervision by the exchange representatives; therefore the host family understand that it is the real parents responsibility to uphold the well-being of the exchange student and the host parents are much aware of their obligations to uphold this safe-being to the real parents. It is important though that an exchange student remember he/she is in the role of a family member, therefore new rules may be placed on the student that were not placed by the real parents. Different rules are placed on each child in every household, while the student in the new house- new rules should be followed without hesitation.

These are the basic roles that an exchange student should follow. It is always good to remember that studying abroad means leaning new things and experiencing different aspects of life. If a student keeps an open mind and stays within these given roles, an exchange student should fit perfectly with any given host family. It is a chance of a lifetime that should be taken up by all students world-wide.