Trying to convince my mom to host a foreign exchange student?

I'm a student in high school, and trying to convince my mom to let our family be a host family for a foreign exchange student.

Does anyone have any comments on the situation, maybe if you were a foreign exchange student or a host family?

i've heard its a wonderful experience.

thanks!

Hi!

I've been hosting for 14 years and have just selected my 15th student for NEXT year.

Hosting IS great, but please do remember it's work, a commitment and NOT fun 24/7. You will have a teenager in your house that will be a teenager -- not a guest!

Here are some random things that might help.

1. Host families are responsible for room and board. Students come fully insured (including health) and pay all their own personal expenses (including and school or sport related expenses, entertainment, clothes and personal products). A separate room is not required, but I recommend two teenaged girls do NOT share one if possible.

2. Ask your counselor for what organizations he/she recommends and which ones are allowed to operate in your school. Most schools limit that AND the number of exchange students which can attend each year. Ask your parents to meet with the local representative and figure out which one is the most helpful. Remember, THEY want YOU to host, so you are in the driver's seat.

3. You will have a new family member and friend for life. You will have the chance to not only learn about them from when they live with you, but often families visit their kids! My husband and I have been to Europe three times now visiting our "kids" and are planning a fourth tirp in the future.

4. An exchange student will broaden YOUR world. You'll learn how other cultures think -- you'll help them learn about typical Americans and how WE think. (Assuming you're an American of course) You learn about new foods, music, dance, movies, books, etc. You'll learn how teens live in other countries. Your geography skills will definitely improve!

5. You'll change someone else's life! By hosting, you give someone the chance of a lifetime to learn about America and experience America (again, assuming you're American).

6. Treat them as a member of your family! An exchange student should follow house rules, have chores, go out to dinner with you, play with little brothers and sisters and the dog, do homework, play sports, be in the band, etc. All those things YOU do!

7. If you're intrigued, maybe you would like to do it too! If you host, many programs will offer you a discount for an exchange of your won.

And finally, remember while it's great, it's not great ALL the time and there is a chance things won't work out. Many parents worry about that. If that happens, talk to your representative. In fact, talk to your representative a LOT. Even if it's just a little problem, it can become big if someone doesn't help you. But if it DOES become a big problem, assure your parents a student can be moved or, in extreme cases, returned home. You're not stuck with them for a year.

Good luck!

Tis, truly.

Just tell your mom that you could be the exchange...you're a teen, she'll do it in a hot minute. Besides, there is no better hands on education for you.

Do it, you'll be a better more worldly person for it.