How do you share your America?
For many families in the U.S., the Fourth of July is a time to come together and celebrate with fireworks, sparklers, and red-white-and-blue treats.
But it doesn’t have to be summertime to celebrate what makes your corner of the country special!
From the East Coast to the West Coast and every state in between, every region of the U.S. has its own unique version of what it looks like to be American. Keep reading for 10 ideas to celebrate and share your America with your exchange student at any time of year.
1. Visit a local history museum or the State Capitol
Do you live near your State’s Capitol?
See if they offer tours so you and your student(s) can learn about your state’s history!
If the Capitol is far away (or if they don’t offer tours), hitting up a local history or art museum is a great way to learn about the people and culture in your city, county, or state.
2. Make a red, white or blue treat together.
A tasty tradition for a reason! Get creative with red and blue fruits like watermelons and blueberries.
If you’re in a baking mood, you could even create a red, white, and blue layer cake.
For bonus points, discuss the meaning of each color and symbol on the U.S. Flag, AND ask your students to share about the flag from their home country.
After all, the whole point of student exchange is not only sharing U.S. culture . . . it’s to learn about other cultures, too!
3. Go for a hike and identify local plants/animals.
Did you know there are six major biomes in the U.S., featuring over 200,000 unique plants and animals?
Do some research on the native plants and animals in your region, then try to find them on a hike or walk in a nearby state park!
4. Watch your favorite “American” movie together
We all know that classic movie depictions of America and the high school experience aren’t necessarily accurate . . . but movies, media, and Hollywood are an essential piece of American culture.
Choose a movie that represents a fun, funny, or inspirational piece of American culture and history, including our shared music, pop culture, sports, or even politics, to watch as a family!
5. Listen to live music at a local venue.
Music is a vital part of American culture — in fact, rhythm and blues, gospel, bluegrass, and folk all find their roots in different regions of the U.S.A.
Find a local group or musician to see together as a family — bonus points if you can bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic and watch outside!
6. Play the quintessential sport of your region.
One of the best ways to spend time with your exchange student while sharing local culture with them is to get active together!
Do you have the best ski trails West of the Mississippi? How about the wildest waters to go kayaking or the greenest grounds for a round of golf? Carve out some time to come together around a sport that’s unique to your region.
7. Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your own city.
Hosting an exchange student offers you the opportunity to look at your city through fresh eyes.
You and your family might be used to living in your hometown, but everything is brand-new to your student — even the things you consider mundane!
Schedule visits to local museums, landmarks, and sights, and you might be surprised by how much you enjoy being a tourist in your own city.
8. Take a road trip or scenic drive.
The American highway system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world — the Interstate System alone covers over 48,000 miles, and can get you to any major U.S. city.
While flying might not be an option, you can still see a ton of your region of the U.S. by car. There are hundreds of scenic byways to choose from that showcase the diverse beauty of the U.S. Or, you might know of a beautiful drive in your area that’s a little off the beaten path.
Just pack up some snacks, create a playlist of roadtrip tunes, and hit the road to make some truly unforgettable memories.
9. Go to the county fair or a community festival.
Fried foods. Rollercoasters. 4-H shows and baby animals. What’s not to love about the fair?
Are there unique contests at your state or county fair that you wouldn’t typically find in your student’s home country? (Iowa, we’re looking at you!) Big or small, these local get-togethers can provide the perfect glimpse into parts of your region’s flavor of American culture.
10. Find a service project and volunteer together.
Volunteerism and community service are a cultural cornerstone in the United States, and almost every church, school, and local community center offers opportunities to get involved.
Did you know our program has a volunteer hour requirement for both one-semester and full-year students? Why not make that time even more meaningful by volunteering together!
1. Visit a local history museum or the State Capitol
Do you live near your State’s Capitol?
See if they offer tours so you and your student(s) can learn about your state’s history!
If the Capitol is far away (or if they don’t offer tours), hitting up a local history or art museum is a great way to learn about the people and culture in your city, county, or state.
2. Make a red, white or blue treat together.
A tasty tradition for a reason! Get creative with red and blue fruits like watermelons and blueberries.
If you’re in a baking mood, you could even create a red, white, and blue layer cake.
For bonus points, discuss the meaning of each color and symbol on the U.S. Flag, AND ask your students to share about the flag from their home country.
After all, the whole point of student exchange is not only sharing U.S. culture . . . it’s to learn about other cultures, too!
3. Go for a hike and identify local plants/animals.
Did you know there are six major biomes in the U.S., featuring over 200,000 unique plants and animals?
Do some research on the native plants and animals in your region, then try to find them on a hike or walk in a nearby state park!
4. Watch your favorite “American” movie together
We all know that classic movie depictions of America and the high school experience aren’t necessarily accurate . . . but movies, media, and Hollywood are an essential piece of American culture.
Choose a movie that represents a fun, funny, or inspirational piece of American culture and history, including our shared music, pop culture, sports, or even politics, to watch as a family!
5. Listen to live music at a local venue.
Music is a vital part of American culture — in fact, rhythm and blues, gospel, bluegrass, and folk all find their roots in different regions of the U.S.A.
Find a local group or musician to see together as a family — bonus points if you can bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic and watch outside!
6. Play the quintessential sport of your region.
One of the best ways to spend time with your exchange student while sharing local culture with them is to get active together!
Do you have the best ski trails West of the Mississippi? How about the wildest waters to go kayaking or the greenest grounds for a round of golf? Carve out some time to come together around a sport that’s unique to your region.
7. Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your own city.
Hosting an exchange student offers you the opportunity to look at your city through fresh eyes.
You and your family might be used to living in your hometown, but everything is brand-new to your student — even the things you consider mundane!
Schedule visits to local museums, landmarks, and sights, and you might be surprised by how much you enjoy being a tourist in your own city.
8. Take a road trip or scenic drive.
The American highway system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world — the Interstate System alone covers over 48,000 miles, and can get you to any major U.S. city.
While flying might not be an option, you can still see a ton of your region of the U.S. by car. There are hundreds of scenic byways to choose from that showcase the diverse beauty of the U.S. Or, you might know of a beautiful drive in your area that’s a little off the beaten path.
Just pack up some snacks, create a playlist of roadtrip tunes, and hit the road to make some truly unforgettable memories.
9. Go to the county fair or a community festival.
Fried foods. Rollercoasters. 4-H shows and baby animals. What’s not to love about the fair?
Are there unique contests at your state or county fair that you wouldn’t typically find in your student’s home country? (Iowa, we’re looking at you!) Big or small, these local get-togethers can provide the perfect glimpse into parts of your region’s flavor of American culture.
10. Find a service project and volunteer together.
Volunteerism and community service are a cultural cornerstone in the United States, and almost every church, school, and local community center offers opportunities to get involved.
Did you know our program has a volunteer hour requirement for both one-semester and full-year students? Why not make that time even more meaningful by volunteering together!
Show your student a cause that’s close to your heart by getting involved together — organize a coat or supply drive for your local women’s shelter, serve at an assisted living facility in your community, feed the dogs at your local animal shelter, or any other purpose you’re passionate about. Not only will you be helping others and giving back to your community, but you’ll also help your student meet people in their neighborhood and build a stronger sense of belonging.