Parent Host Testimonial

How was your overall experience as a host? You can talk about things you did with your exchange student; how did you prepare for their arrival; did you have any apprehensions about participating?

Our overall experience as hosts was positive. The co-ordinator set-up the connections with the exchange family which was helpful. We were grateful to have connected with a family in Germany that was well invested into the program and made every effort to do their part in having it be successful. We included our exchange student into our family life as much as possible. While there were a couple of extra trips (Skytrek Adventure Park) most of what we did was just include them in our planned weekend excursions, soccer trips, youth group, etc.

Did any concerns/issues occur during the exchange and if so, how did you deal with them?

Our working knowledge of the German language was mostly a benefit, although it provided an escape route for our exchange student when they were tired of trying to explain things in English. There were no curfew or time management issues. Our student enjoyed going to school for the social aspect but was bored with the educational component.

Did you have any concerns of sending your child away and if so, how did you deal with them?

We did not have concerns as we had made a good connect with his host family in Germany and felt they were committed to make it a good experience. Our son experienced some anxiety before hand but being part of a larger group travelling was helpful.

Do you continue to keep in touch with your exchange student and/or their family?

Our experience went so well, that the other family approached us to do this again with our second sons. While our son was not prepared to participate, we were willing to host (international student rather than exchange) their second son. They have visited us in Canada as a family & we have gone to visit them in Germany. We message at least monthly and video chat a few times/year.

Any advice you would give to future host-parents?

Make every effort towards this as it can be very rewarding. The personality of the students involved in the exchange has a bearing for sure. Students not involved in girlfriend/boyfriend relationships are preferred as they have a tendency to be more present in their host country, rather than constantly being pulled towards the connection from home.