The days between September and November look a little different in every region of the U.S.
Further north, you’ll see vibrant fall colors as temperatures drop and the leaves change color. Down south, the weather goes from hot to bearable, and the days get shorter.
It can be tempting to just hunker down and brace for winter, but when you’re hosting an exchange student, every season brings new opportunities to connect and share your culture. Keep reading for a list a of five ways to embrace all the best of this (always too-short) season with your international high school student.
1. Visit a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard
A classic for a reason! These outings aren’t only a fun photo op — they’re also a chance to invite your students into typical American fall traditions. Bonus: Carve a pumpkin together, or bake a sweet treat like apple pie or applesauce.
2. Get outside together
As previously mentioned, winter is fast approaching . . . so embrace the remaining days this year when you can get outside!
Research the best hikes in your area, or take your student on a local walking trail, to admire the fall foliage. You can even collect your favorite leaves to press and dry later if you’re feeling crafty!
As you walk, take the opportunity to discuss what fall is like in your student’s home country. Learning more about what makes us different and the same is what student exchange is all about!
3. Get festive.
Is your region known for its fall Renaissance festival? Do you live on the best street for trick-or-treating? Or does your church host a Day of the Dead celebration?
Here’s your chance to embrace the joy of the fall season, and bring your student along with you.
4. Bring out the classics
For many Americans, fall can be a nostalgic time, particularly in the realm of TV shows, music, and movies. Whether you’re a Pride and Prejudice fan, a Gilmore Girls enthusiast, or prefer something a little bit more on the spookier side, offering to share your favorite pieces of fall media with your students is a great way to connect and spend some quality time. And let’s face it — who doesn’t love a cozy fall movie marathon?
5. Decorate for the season
It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but one great way to come together and embrace the fall season is by sprucing up your decor, either inside or outside.
Have your student help you pick out and then artfully place pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows and the like. If you’re into Halloween, you could incorporate some skeletons or spiders, too.
Not only is this a super fun way to spend time together, but it’s also a way to help your student feel included and a part of your home and family.
1. Visit a local pumpkin patch or apple orchard
A classic for a reason! These outings aren’t only a fun photo op — they’re also a chance to invite your students into typical American fall traditions. Bonus: Carve a pumpkin together, or bake a sweet treat like apple pie or applesauce.
2. Get outside together
As previously mentioned, winter is fast approaching . . . so embrace the remaining days this year when you can get outside!
Research the best hikes in your area, or take your student on a local walking trail, to admire the fall foliage.
You can even collect your favorite leaves to press and dry later if you’re feeling crafty!
As you walk, take the opportunity to discuss what fall is like in your student’s home country. Learning more about what makes us different and the same is what student exchange is all about!
3. Get festive.
Is your region known for its fall Renaissance festival? Do you live on the best street for trick-or-treating? Or does your church host a Day of the Dead celebration?
Here’s your chance to embrace the joy of the fall season, and bring your student along with you.
4. Bring out the classics
For many Americans, fall can be a nostalgic time, particularly in the realm of TV shows, music, and movies.
Whether you’re a Pride and Prejudice fan, a Gilmore Girls enthusiast, or prefer something a little bit more on the spookier side, offering to share your favorite pieces of fall media with your students is a great way to connect and spend some quality time.
And let’s face it — who doesn’t love a cozy fall movie marathon?
5. Decorate for the season
It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but one great way to come together and embrace the fall season is by sprucing up your decor, either inside or outside.
Have your student help you pick out and then artfully place pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows and the like. If you’re into Halloween, you could incorporate some skeletons or spiders, too.
Not only is this a super fun way to spend time together, but it’s also a way to help your student feel included and a part of your home and family.