This summer exchange program allows American families to welcome an international teenager into their homes not as a guest, but as a new and very special member of of the family. These students have the unique opportunity to experience life in the U.S. as it really is, as opposed to a "Hollywood" version, and in turn, host families are exposed to the customs and traditions of another society.
What can you expect from this program as a host family? You can expect exposure to a culture which may be very different, or very similar to your own. Your student will bring pictures, cultural items such as clothing or toys, books or magazine, music, and possibly food items to share with you, as well as social customs from her home country, preconceptions about the American way of life, and an intense desire to learn. You can expect to share - a lot. Your student will want to see your wedding album, your old record collection, the garden in your backyard. She will want to look in your pantry, your bathroom cupboard, your kitchen drawers. She will want to know your favorite food, what you studied in college, where you've traveled. You can expect a devoted support system. Your teacher coordinatiors are here to make sure that YOUR experience is just as good as your student's. If you have a transportation issue, concerns about your student, a major communication breakdown, or a family emergency, someone is on call 24/7 to help you through it. And lastly, you can expect a lot of tears and hugs on departure day. You will become amazingly attached to your new daughter, and you won't want to let her go.
The group homestay program is only one of many that CHI offers. Check out chinet.org for more information
