Both students and host families alike enter the exchange experience with idealized versions of the events to follow. Students may expect all fun and unlimited freedom, and be confronted with rules, regulations and curfews.

The Area Coordinator helps to clarify expectations and determine if they are indeed realistic. By formulating goals that are realistic and attainable for both the student and the host family, all parties concerned will experience a more satisfying and rewarding exchange.

Peace Within The Host Family

A sense of connection and good feelings are developed through adaptation, negotiation, and respect for cultural differences. Successful home stays are not always problem-free. Educate the hosts that resentments and rivalries are part of the process of learning to live together. Sibling rivalries occur in hosting families almost as often as they do in natural families. When the siblings are close in age, the competition can be very intense.

Talking and open communication are the keys to understanding. By setting up boundaries and guidelines, and even drawing up a contract of some kind, exchange students and host families may be able to reconcile some difficult disputes. Remember your role, as Area Coordinator, should be based on trust and confidence. The student should know that you are prepared to listen and act in an objective way.

Problem solving process begins with examining the situation from all sides. The assessment must be fair and even-handed. Take into consideration the feelings of all parties involved. Stick to the facts of the situation to determine the best solution. Don’t get swept up in emotions; remain objective!

1. Identify the problem to be solved or the decision to be made.
2. Find alternatives. Based on your analysis, Identify the choices you can make to reach the goal.
3. Evaluate the consequences of each alternative. Identify the positive and negative.
4. Make a choice. Sometimes the simplest choice is the best solution.
5. Implement your choice. Carry out a plan of action.
6. Solicit feedback. Feedback may also identify new and hidden problems. Changes occur continuously. The need to make supervisory decisions and maintain contacts is also continuous.

When solving a problem, remember to speak slowly. Face the person directly. Always make eye contact. Facial expressions and gestures help in understanding and being understood. Be a good listener. Repeat what’s being said to avoid misunderstandings. Try to be sensitive to each situation.

Know your community resources that may be of assistance. Guidance counselors, social workers, therapists, bilingual community members and foreign nationals are in most communities. Most of these citizens are willing to assist foreign exchange students.

Our toll free telephone number is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for emergencies and puts you in touch with a Regional Director who can offer assistance at all times.

AVOID JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS.
BE REALISTIC
FACE THE FACTS

Host Family Changes

ECI does not make host family changes hastily. A host family change is made when counseling indicates that there are irreconcilable differences between student and family or, when circumstances change in the host family so that the family can no longer participate in the program.

We encourage students and families to give the new placement a month before a host family change will be considered. However, sometimes all participants are best served by an immediate change. The new placement is the responsibility of the supervising Area Coordinator. Only in very unusual situations does ECI move a student out of the area or make a change of schools. Changing schools is extremely difficult for the foreign exchange student.

The new placement should be made as quickly as possible. The move from the original family should be made very pleasant. Both the student and Area Coordinator should thank the original host family. A note of thanks should be mailed promptly.

Notify your Regional director immediately when a change occurs. All original paperwork must be updated accordingly. Bear in mind that our overseas partners must be well informed.

In Conclusion

ECI appreciates your effort and the excellent job. It is our goal to satisfy all parties involved in this program. Be part of the goal.