Saying goodbye and keeping in touch
It’s true, goodbyes can be hard. For most host families and students, however, the exchange year is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship that spans the globe. Here are a few ways to help you say "see you later."
Staying in touch
It’s no secret that staying in touch is easier than ever, no matter how far apart you and your student may be. Stay connected to your student through social media, email, phone, video calls and even old-fashioned letters. You may be at your student’s wedding someday!
Time for a pat on the back
By welcoming a foreign exchange student into your home, you are truly making the world a better place—one student, one family, one community at a time. Few experiences are more rewarding and fulfilling than granting an international student the dream of studying in America. Thank you again for your commitment to international cultural exchange!
Add to your global family
Many host families and students have fun sitting down together and choosing an exchange student for next year. Your student will get a kick out of helping you find your next great student, proud to play a role in picking the newest member of your growing global family.
Share your story with us
We want to hear about your experience and we want the world to hear about it, too. Share your favorite stories and best photos with us on social media or email us at exchangeyear@ef.com. Let us know what surprised you most and what you learned about your student’s culture—and about your own.
5 tips for a smooth transition:
Acknowledge your feelings
Recognize and accept your feelings, whatever they may be. Remember how your student enriched your home and start planning your first email or video call.
Discuss challenges
Discuss with your student some challenges they may face upon returning home—these may include being called “too American,” struggling to renew ties with friends or integrating back into their daily life at home.
Encourage your student
Your student may face reverse culture shock upon returning to their home country and might even feel more comfortable with your family than with their own. Help your student recognize the bonds with their family back home, and encourage them to be as open minded as they were when they started their exchange.
Plan a farewell gesture
Find a nice gesture or event that signals a “wrapping up.” Compile a scrapbook documenting activities from their bucket list, organize a special dinner, have a party or spend a quiet weekend away. You might give your student a gift (perhaps a family photo) or slip a letter into their carry-on luggage at the airport.
Finalize basic items
Make sure to finalize all practical issues. Coordinate with your student to ensure everything is taken care of prior to leaving (things like insurance, phone, school and medical bills).
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Before your student arrives
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The first days
How to start building your relationship before your student arrives
Making your student feel at home
Rocky start? Try active listening if you're struggling to communicate
Overcoming a language barrier: how you can help
Top tips for supporting your homesick student
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Life with your student
5 ways to enjoy fall as a family
10 ways to get in the Halloween spirit
5 ways to give back in November
My student is struggling academically: how can I help?
Participation is important: help your student get involved locally
American traditions every exchange student wants to try
Navigating religious differences and expectations
Overcoming challenges and misunderstandings with your student
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Find your student now
Are you ready to experience a new culture at home? Talk with us and start your hosting journey now.
Tell us about yourself
Speak to an EF exchange advisor
Choose your exchange student