10 Surprising Ways Hosting An Exchange Student In Your Home Can Add to Your Life

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10 Surprising Ways Hosting An Exchange Student In Your Home Can Add to Your Life

Hosting an exchange student is quite the experience! I would know, I was one of them! And with becoming a host family comes a lot fo responsibilities.

But it also comes with a lot of unexpected benefits. If you’re thinking about hosting an exchange student, here are some of the benefits I’ve heard families share over the years.

1. Learning About Other Cultures

Hosting an exchange student isn’t just about them learning your ways (even though it’s usually the point of the exchange) but it’s a two-way street. You’ll get an up-close look at their culture, traditions, and everyday life. It’s a unique opportunity to expand your horizons without leaving your living room.

2. Expanding Your International Family

When you welcome an exchange student into your home, you’re not just gaining a temporary guest; you’re gaining family members from across the globe. My parents actually got to meet my host parents and it was so fun seeing both families coming together as one. These connections often last a lifetime, bridging cultures and continents. So far, it has been my case!

3. Seeing Your Life Through New Eyes

As exchange students, we usually experience something new every single day. By seeing us in awe of everything, it reminds you to appreciate the beauty of your own life and routine.

4. Gaining a New Perspective on the World

Talking with someone from another country offers insights that you can’t get from the news or books. It’s a chance to understand the world from someone who’s lived a completely different life, challenging your preconceptions and broadening your understanding.

5. Always Having a Companion for Adventures

From my experience, exchange students are typically eager to explore and experience as much as they can, meaning you’ll always have a partner in crime for new adventures. It’s a fun way to get out and enjoy things you might not have considered before.

6. Connecting With Your Community

Having an exchange student can reintroduce you to your community, especially if your own children are grown and out of the house. You’ll find yourself more involved in local events, schools, and activities.

7. Experiencing New Things

Exchange students are usually up for anything, which means you’ll be trying new activities, meeting new people, and attending events you might have skipped otherwise. It’s a chance to live a bit more adventurously.

8. Extra Income

While it shouldn’t be the primary motivation, hosting an exchange student can sometimes come with a stipend. This extra income can help cover the costs of activities and outings with your student, making it easier to enjoy all the fun together.

9. Gaining Another Child

Exchange students often form deep bonds with their host families, becoming like another son or daughter. This means your own children gain a sibling from another part of the world, enriching their lives and expanding their family ties.

10. Traveling Without Leaving Home

Through cooking, storytelling, and sharing, an exchange student brings a piece of their world to you. It’s like traveling to a new country without ever packing a suitcase, offering a taste of international life right in your kitchen.

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