How to make international connections for life

Have you wondered what it would be like living in a foreign country? Hosting an international exchange student from another country may just connect you to a foreign country in an unexpected way.
You don’t have to leave home to better appreciate the world.
Hosting and getting to know someone from a different culture is “a chance to expand your horizons,” said a high school principal whose family has hosted exchange students on their farm.
Is it easy to put the experiment to the test? What is needed would be a volunteer host family or two. Southern Cross Cultural Exchange has the students – some amazing French, German, Swedish and Finnish exchange students arriving in mid-August to attend school to live with their volunteer host families.
“The best way to know about anything is to find it out yourself,” said Rob Lindsay of not-for-profit Southern Cross Cultural Exchange. We are inviting local families to have a go at gaining a new and different experience together as a family and make terrific international friends for life.”
“When you voluntarily host a 15 to 17-year-old exchange student you will not only share interesting cultures but also have the satisfaction of seeing a young person, and even your children, adapt to changes and achieve greater maturity.
“The idea is for the overseas exchange student not to be treated like a guest but a member of the family, who is happy to help around the house, go to school perhaps with your children, play sport, join clubs, adapt and learn from a new environment far away from their own home.”
Mr Lindsay said exchange students were multi-lingual and keen to be a part of their host family and participate in host family, school and local community life – be it joining the local footy or rugby club or soccer team, or bringing their talents to the school production.
“If you want to learn more about another culture first-hand, without going overseas, be more fluent in your French or German language skills, understand what makes the Swedish or Finnish tick, what’s different about their education systems, why not get in touch with us soon? We would be pleased to help you select the right student for your family.”
The number to call is 1800 500 501 or email info@scce.com.au Website: www.scce.com.au