Hosts

Welcome to the Sharon China Exchange Wiki!
This page is for the host siblings and their families. I hope it will include all the information necessary to feel comfortable hosting a Chinese student. I would like it to be a place for announcements, contain a FAQ section, and to make use of the discussion tab for making plans. I hope this is a true collaborative effort among staff, students, current hosts, past hosts and our visitors. I'll start by listing some questions and starting the answers and would love others to add their answers (please include your name at the end of your answer) and questions I have not thought of...

To download an application to host an exchange student follow this link: China Exchange host family application Please return the application to Mr. Dixon, Dr. Dahlen or your Chinese teacher by 5/25/12

Updates:
There are no updates yet for the 2011-2012 year.

//Why should I host?//
Well, I suppose the most obvious answer is for the experience. Imagine being able to broaden your world while staying home. Imagine learning the Chinese language and culture while sharing yours. In addition, hosting is one way to demonstrate a commitment to global competency that will help your application to go to China.

//What are the Chinese students like?//
They are a lot like American kids but different. The students who visit us are mostly sophomores from the Gao Xin Schools (either the Number 1 School or the Tangnan School in Xi'an). These students have been selected for their English skills, academic achievement and ability to live for an extended time abroad. They are accompanied by a teacher who has good English skills.

//Will I know who I am hosting?// Yes, a few weeks before they arrive, you will get info about the exchange student. At that point you will be able to set email exchanges and possibly skype with each other. Do not expect to use Facebook. During this time you will learn of their likes and dislikes and your similarities and differences. You'll get very excited.

//Will our lives be changed?//
Yes, in that you will be having a transformative experience. You will never look at the World News in the same way. No, in that you will still have to go to school or work, take part in your religious services or clubs, go grocery shopping and so on. Yes, in that there will be someone to take to school, someone who may or may not join in your activities, and another mouth to shop for and so on. No, in that you are used to sharing your home, compromising, taking turns, getting frustrated with family members. Yes, in that this person is not a family member. Yet.

//Will there be a reception?//
Yes, a few nights after our Chinese guests arrive, we will hold a reception in the High School Library.

//What do their accommodations need to be like?//
Basically, your exchange student needs a bed. While we try to match boys with boys and girls with girls, that isn't always possible. If that is the case, your guest will need his or her own bedroom. In addition, the exchange student should have access to a computer so they can do school work and contact home using skype or email. Beyond that, it is up to the host family. Do you have an extra cell phone they could use while here? How about an extra umbrella? Are you willing to try making a Chinese meal?

//What should we do, if anything, to entertain them?//
Those of us who have been to China can not express how well we were treated. We realize that our public school can not match the generosity of a private school. Every weekend, the school took us on a trip around the city so we could experience what Xi'an had to offer. At other times, the host families took the students on trips to see the sights or visit relatives or try a local delicacy. So what should you do? Whatever you can. I know that we'd like to take our guests on some trips to Boston, Plymouth and other locations. I know that visitors will love to shop and try our restaurants. Mostly, they want to see how American families live and talk.

//What activities have past hosts done that have been successful?//
Last year the exchange students and teacher went to New York City for three days. They also got together for a group trip to Plymouth and Plimoth Plantation. Later in their visit, our exchange students took our guests to Boston to skate on the Frog Pond.We've also had a great trip to Newport, a canoe expedition, Halloween parties, a big dinner and shopping trips. They liked to shop. They really like to shop!

//Will hosting cost us money?//
Yes. To begin with, you will have another mouth to feed in the house. In addition, there will be family and group activities that may have some costs associated with them. It is also common to provide a cell phone (for local calls) for the student. Finally, you will probably want to send them home with some gifts for their families. Please understand, that the school cannot tell you that you have to spend money or put a price tag on this. The amount you spend is up to you.

//How will they be transported between the airport and our homes?//
The school will hire two vans to meet the plane and take the students to school so they can meet their host siblings and be picked up. We'll reverse this when they leave. Exact details depend on the time they arrive.

//Do we have to watch what we say?//
No more than you would with anyone.

//What if our exchange student gets homesick?//
This will probably happen. It seems that we have a better understanding of Chinese food and culture than they do of ours. (On the other hand, their English seems to be ahead of our Chinese abilities).

//What if our exchange student gets sick?//
The students will have an international health insurance policy so health care costs will be covered. Should your guest be sick, you should use the judgement that you would for your own child when deciding to keep them home or go to the doctor. However, it is important that the chaperone teacher be informed so he/she can help translate and offer advice. Ultimately, the chaperone teacher will make major decisions after contacting the parents in China.

//What about gifts?//
Expect that the Chinese student will bring souvenirs from China for you and your families. As you learn you guest's tastes, you may find simple things (e.g. a favorite food or soap) to give them when they leave.

//What if its just not working out?//
You can report problems to the China exchange manager and the chaperone. A solution that keeps the guest in your house will be sought out, but if needed we will find a new family. However, we expect that you are committed to hosting the family for the entire exchange.

//Any legal stuff we should know about?//
Of course. Anyone over 18 will have to have a CORI report done. In addition, the school requires a waiver concerning transporting the student in your car. You will also have to complete the school's AUP (you do this every year) providing permission to use your child's name, photos and work as we get a lot of publicity and pictures can end up in the local paper or cable. All this will be handled at meeting we will have in September.

//Oh, so we will have meetings about this...//
Of course!