February is the month of love. Whether it’s through a quick smile at a stranger, a cup of tea shared with a loved one, or shoveling the snow from a neighbor’s driveway, we’re reminded to share a little extra warmth and kindness to those around us at this time of year.
Here at iE, we all share a love for one common thing — student exchange!
As a nonprofit, we rely on word of mouth from amazing host families like you to share your positive experiences with those in your community who might make amazing host families, too. But we know life gets busy — especially as a host parent.
In honor of the season of love, here are five simple ways to share your love of hosting with your community.
1. Host a “culture night!”
Do you have the “gift of hospitality?” Organize a small gathering where your student can share food, music, and/or games from their home country. If space is tight, consider helping your student cook or bake a treat from their home country and drop them off at a neighbor’s home, teacher’s lounge, or a local nursing home.
2. Share your story on social media
We live in a virtual world, and social media is one of the easiest ways to inspire others to host. Here are a few ideas:
- Record a TikTok sharing your “day in the life of an American family hosting a student from [insert country]”
- Write a Facebook post sharing why you decided to host
- Share some photos of your exchange student having fun with your family on Instagram
Remember: You don’t have to be tech-savvy, but you do have to be smart about what you post. Make sure to get your student’s permission before posting about them, and never publicly share any of their personal details (i.e. student’s first and last name). A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t want it posted about your own child, don’t post it about your exchange student.
3. Get featured on the iE blog
Vicki’s family hosted German exchange students when she was growing up. Decades later, she’s hosting one of those student’s daughters.
Christine worried that being a single-parent host family might impact Rosaria’s experience in the U.S. Now, they consider one another family.
Bill was always passionate about mentoring the next generation — he still keeps in touch with several of the exchange students he’s hosted to this day.
Although we’re proud of the way iE continues to support exchange students and host families, we don’t just share these success stories to brag about our work. With every host family who’s willing to share their story, we’re able to connect in a different way with someone who’s never thought about hosting, or someone who has always wanted to host but needs that extra push from someone who’s done it before.
Your story could inspire someone who has never considered hosting before. Want to be featured? Email us at marketing@ie-usa.org.
4. Volunteer together
Giving back is a great way to connect with like-minded people and showcase the impact of student exchange. Whatever you or your exchange student are passionate about, get the whole family involved. The old adage is true, actions really do speak louder than words. When people around you see the positive impact student exchange can make not only on a family, but on an entire host community, they’re likely to be curious about why you chose to host in the first place!
5. Refer a great host family to iE, get $$!
Know someone who would make a great host family? Refer them to iE and earn $200 for each successful placement to a public school. This can also be a great fundraising opportunity for groups, clubs, and organizations — reach out to your Local Coordinator or Regional Director for more information!
Do you have other creative ways to spread the word about hosting? We’d love to hear them! Drop your ideas in the comments.