Becoming a Welcome Family for a Greenheart Exchange Student: A Journey of Discovery and Connection

Will you consider becoming a Welcome Family for an international exchange student? Becoming a Welcome Family is a short-term way to experience the joys hosting and of sharing the American culture–and it’s a huge help for our international high school exchange students. In this article, our very own Field Support Manager, Nancy Morin, sheds light on what it is like to be a Welcome Family, why to become one, and the requirements and expectations. Let’s find out!

“Opening your home to a Greenheart Exchange student as a Welcome Family is an enriching experience that offers both you and the student an opportunity to embark on a unique cultural journey. This temporary hosting role typically lasts about 6-8 weeks, during which time you’ll play a vital role in helping an international student get acclimated to life in the United States, while they await placement with their permanent host family.“

What is a Welcome Family?

A Welcome Family provides a temporary home for an international student as they begin their exchange experience. This period allows the student to enroll in school, settle into the community, and start building connections that will shape their time in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Greenheart Local Coordinator works diligently to secure a permanent host family within the area, ensuring the student has a smooth transition.

As a Welcome Family, your commitment is short-term, but the impact you can make is long-lasting. You’re not only giving a student a place to stay; you’re offering them their first taste of American life, setting the tone for their entire exchange experience.

What’s Required of a Greenheart Welcome Family?

Becoming a Welcome Family is simpler than you might think, but it does come with responsibilities. Greenheart Exchange seeks families who are open-minded, caring, and enthusiastic about cultural exchange. Here’s what is typically required:

1. A Warm, Safe, and Supportive Environment: Your home should be a place where the student feels welcomed and safe. This includes providing a bed (they can share a room with a host sibling of the same gender, if needed), meals, and inclusion in family activities.
2. Interest in Cultural Exchange: A genuine interest in learning about another culture and sharing your own is key. This could mean celebrating the student’s holidays, introducing them to American traditions, or simply being curious and respectful of their background.
3. Involvement in Daily Life: The student will be eager to learn about American customs, daily routines, and family life. Whether it’s helping with homework, joining in family dinners, or participating in community events, your involvement is crucial.
4. Communication and Support: You’ll need to keep open lines of communication with both the student and your Local Coordinator. The coordinator is there to support you and the student throughout the hosting period, answering questions and addressing any concerns that may arise.
5. Flexibility and Patience: Adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment can be overwhelming for a student. Patience and understanding will go a long way in helping them feel comfortable.

Why Become a Welcome Family?

The benefits of becoming a Welcome Family extend far beyond the 6–8-week hosting period. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of another culture, create lasting memories, and perhaps even develop a lifelong friendship with your student. For the student, your hospitality and kindness will help them start their exchange year on the right foot, making their transition to life in the U.S. smoother and more enjoyable.

Hosting a Greenheart Exchange student is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on a young person’s life while enriching your own. If you’re curious about other cultures and open to new experiences, becoming a Welcome Family might just be the adventure you’ve been looking for.

The Possibility of a Year-Long Commitment

While the primary role of a Welcome Family is to host temporarily, some families find that they bond so well with their student that they choose to continue hosting for the entire school year. This is an option, but it’s important to know that there’s no pressure or expectation to make this long-term commitment.

If you do decide to become the student’s permanent host family, Greenheart Exchange will provide all the support you need to make the transition smooth and successful.

Are you interested in becoming a Greenheart Welcome Family for an international high school student and sharing U.S. culture? Visit HostwithGreenheart.org to learn more and apply today!