Hosting
Pre-Arrival
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR VISITOR
When a match has been finalized you will receive the match packet, which includes the following items:
- Match letter with student contact information
- Preliminary plan for arrival day
- Original student application with pictures and letter to host family
- Copy of Host Family Guidebook (see below for details)
With this match information, you will be ready to get in touch with your visitor. If possible, a mailed letter is preferred but after that, e-mail is usually most efficient. The more contact, the better since this helps you feel more comfortable with each other and will allow you to feel like you are meeting a family member on arrival day! We recommend at least 3 communications before arrival (mailed letter + 2 e-mail exchanges, etc.).
HOST FAMILY GUIDEBOOK - topics covered in this guidebook:
- Welcoming Your Student (Pre-Arrival Contact, Rooming Preparation, Arrival Day, First Few Days)
- Language & Communication (Helpful Tips, Pitfalls to Avoid, Display of Emotion/Appreciation, Greetings, Ideas for Lower-Level/Reluctant Speakers)
- Foods & Meals
- Home Life – Fitting In
- Planning Activities ( Places to Go, Things to Do, Getting the Students Together, Spending Money, Going Out of Town/Vacations)
- A Few Rules
- Communication Expectations (Student Expectations, Host Family Expectations)
- Support During Visit
- Steps for Resolving Issues
- Medical Insurance
HOST FAMILY PREPARATION MEETING
We
hold two Host Family Preparation meetings for our local MSP families prior to arrival to help answer
any additional questions you may have about hosting. Host families outside the MSP area may attend a meeting organized by their local teacher or may contact our office with any pre-arrival questions. We’ll list these date(s)
in your match letter.
About two weeks before the student arrives, you will receive by mail the details of arrival and departure, including times, locations, and important contact information.