Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student as a Host Parent

Being a host parent for a foreign exchange student can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But as you prepare for hosting, you might be feeling anxious about how to connect with your foreign exchange student, wondering what questions to ask a foreign exchange student or how to create a home environment that will lead to a strong and caring dynamic. 

In this article, we’ll cover some questions you can ask your foreign exchange student to get to know them and help them feel more comfortable in their new home. These questions will revolve around: 

1. Personal interests  
2. Cultural background 
3. School life 
4. Family and home life 
5. Future aspirations 

At Ayusa, we have spent over 40 years achieving our goal of supporting students around the world in getting access to high school study abroad and exchange programs. By partnering with host families and matching them with students, we aim to build and foster communities through our programs. 

Get in touch or request information to learn more. 

Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student: Personal Interests

One way to immediately start getting to know your foreign exchange student without overwhelming them is to ask about their personal interests. Start with gentle questions that don’t require a lot of mental load, so that students don’t feel pressure to open up too quickly. Some introductory questions can include:

1. What are your favorite hobbies or activities? 
2. What kind of music do you listen to? 
3. Do you enjoy reading? What books or authors do you like? 
4. What sports do you enjoy playing or watching? 
5. What are your favorite movies and TV shows? 

What Are Your Favorite Hobbies or Activities?

Understanding a student's hobbies and activities allows you to find common ground and shared interests, which are fundamental for building a strong connection. If a student enjoys painting, for instance, you could set up a shared painting session or visit a local art gallery. Engaging in activities that the student is passionate about demonstrates a genuine interest in their life and creates a comfortable environment where the student feels valued and understood. This mutual participation fosters a sense of belonging and helps bridge any initial cultural or language barriers.

What Kind of Music Do You Like? 

Music is a powerful way to connect across cultures. By discussing musical interests, you can learn about popular music in the student's home country and share your own favorites. This exchange can lead to fun activities like sharing playlists, attending live music events, or even learning to play a new instrument together. Music provides a universal language that can transcend verbal communication challenges, creating a joyful and shared experience that enhances bonding and cultural exchange.

Do You Enjoy Reading? What Are Your Favorite Books? 

Asking about reading preferences not only opens the door to discussing literature from different cultures but also provides insight into the student’s intellectual interests and values. This can lead to exchanging books, discussing themes and stories, or even starting a small book club. Such interactions create meaningful conversations, deepening the understanding between you and the student. By showing interest in their literary preferences, you signal respect for the student's cultural background and personal tastes, which can make them feel more at home.

What Sports Do You Enjoy Playing or Watching?

Sports often play a significant role in many cultures and are a great way to connect through physical activity and competition. By learning about the student’s favorite sports, you can arrange outings to local games, join sports leagues, or have friendly matches. If the sport is less known in your country, it provides an opportunity for the student to teach you about it, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Participating in sports together can also improve teamwork and communication, strengthening the relationship in a fun and dynamic way.

What Are Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows? 

Movies and TV shows are a reflection of cultural narratives, humor, and societal values. By discussing these preferences, you can learn more about the student's background and share your own cultural references. Watching movies together provides a shared activity that is both relaxing and informative, offering insight into each other’s worlds. It can also spark discussions on different storytelling techniques, genres, and cultural norms portrayed in media, deepening the understanding and connection between you and the student.

Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student: Cultural Background

Once you get a feel for their likes and dislikes , you can start asking them some deeper questions about their culture and background, including: 

1. What are some customs and traditions in your home country? 
2. What are some common family traditions or practices in your home country? 
3. What are some popular dishes or food in your home country? 
4. What role does religion or spirituality play in your life and culture? 
5. Are there common misconceptions about your country that you would like to clarify?  

What Are Some Customs and Traditions in Your Home Country?

Understanding customs and traditions is crucial for appreciating the student's cultural background. This question can open up discussions about festivals, holidays, and significant rituals that are important to them. By learning about these customs, you can show respect and appreciation for the student's culture, which can make them feel valued and respected. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate some of these traditions together, helping the student feel more connected to their heritage even while living abroad.

What Are Some Common Family Traditions or Practices in Your Home Country? 

Family traditions can vary greatly from one culture to another, offering insights into social norms and values. By asking about these practices, you can learn about the student's upbringing and what is considered important in their family life. This can help you better understand the student’s behavior and expectations, creating a more harmonious living arrangement. Additionally, sharing your own family traditions can lead to mutual understanding and respect, helping to integrate the student into your family dynamic.

What Are Some Popular Dishes or Food in Your Home Country? 

Food is a central part of cultural identity and a wonderful way to connect with others. By asking about popular dishes, you show a genuine interest in the student’s culture. This can lead to cooking and sharing meals together, giving both you and the student a chance to experience new flavors and culinary traditions. Preparing and tasting traditional foods can be a comforting reminder of home for the student and a delightful cultural exchange for you. Whether it’s a taste of China or the Netherlands, you’ll be able to develop stronger bonds and a fuller stomach. 

What Role Does Religion or Spirituality Play in Your Life and Culture? 

Religion and spirituality can be fundamental aspects of a person's identity and cultural background. Asking this question shows that you respect and are interested in understanding the student’s beliefs and practices. This can lead to discussions about religious holidays, dietary restrictions, and other customs that may be important to the student. Being aware of and accommodating these aspects can make the student feel more comfortable and accepted in your home.

Are There Common Misconceptions about Your Country You Would Like to Clarify? 

This question allows the student to address stereotypes or misunderstandings that people might have about their culture. It provides a space for them to share their personal perspectives and educate others, promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity. By listening to their experiences and clarifications, you show respect for their identity and help break down cultural barriers, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student: School Life

As foreign exchange students start their semester exchange programs, you may want to ask them questions on their home academic environment. Some questions can include: 

1. What is a typical school day like in your home country? 
2. What are your favorite and least favorite subjects, and why?  
3. How do you usually study and prepare for school? 
4. How are the relationships between students and teachers at your school? 

What is a Typical School Day Like in Your Home Country? 

Understanding the structure of a typical school day can provide valuable insights into the student's daily routine and expectations. This question allows you to learn about differences in school hours, the length of classes, and the variety of subjects offered. It helps you appreciate the student's experience and adapt your support to their academic habits. Learning about their routine also provides opportunities to discuss how they can adjust to the school schedule in their new environment, helping to ease the transition and make them feel more comfortable.

What Are Your Favorite and Least Favorite Subjects, and Why? 

Asking about favorite and least favorite subjects provides insight into the student’s interests, strengths, and challenges. This information helps you better support their academic endeavors by providing resources, encouragement, or additional help in subjects they find difficult. It also allows you to engage them in conversations about topics they are passionate about, making them feel understood and appreciated. By understanding their academic preferences, you can foster a learning environment that is both supportive and stimulating.

How Do You Usually Study and Prepare for School? 

Study habits and exam preparation techniques can vary based on cultural and educational backgrounds. Asking about these habits allows you to understand the student's approach to studying and provide tips that may help them adapt to their new academic environment. Sharing study techniques and creating a conducive study environment can significantly enhance their academic performance and confidence. This question also opens up a conversation about the differences in academic pressure and expectations, helping you provide emotional support as needed.

How Are the Relationships between Students and Teachers at Your School? 

The student-teacher relationship varies widely across cultures and can impact how students interact in the classroom. By asking this question, you gain a better understanding of the student's perspective on authority, respect, and communication in an educational setting. This awareness can help you provide guidance on how to navigate relationships with teachers in their new school, ensuring they feel confident and supported. It also opens up a dialogue about different educational philosophies, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student: Family and Home Life

As students are acclimating to their home away from home, it can be nice for host families to ask them questions about their families. As they open up about family traditions and values, you can understand how to make your living environment more comfortable and relatable to your foreign exchange student, while also exchanging different customs. You can ask questions like: 

1. Can you tell me a bit about your family? 
2. What are some of the things you and your family enjoy doing together? 
3. Do you have any family rules or expectations that are important to you? 
4. What is something you miss the most about your home and family? 

Can You Tell Me a Bit About Your Family? 

Asking about the student’s family is a great way to understand their background and the people who have significantly influenced their life. This question helps you learn about the student's parents, siblings, and other relatives, providing insight into their family dynamics. By understanding the roles and relationships within their family, you can better appreciate the values and experiences that have shaped the student. This conversation can also make the student feel valued and understood, as family is often a central part of one's identity. It sets a foundation for building trust and connection.

What Are Some of the Things You and Your Family Enjoy Doing Together? 

Family activities reveal a lot about a student’s upbringing and values. By asking this question, you can learn about the types of activities that are important in the student’s family, whether it’s traveling, cooking, playing sports, or simply spending time together. This insight allows you to incorporate similar activities into your routine, helping the student feel more at home and connected. It also opens the door for sharing your own family activities, creating opportunities for mutual understanding and bonding.

Do You Have Any Family Rules or Expectations that Are Important to You? 

Family rules and expectations can shape a student's behavior and understanding of what is acceptable. By asking about these, you show respect for the student’s upbringing and provide a space for them to express their comfort levels. This question helps you set clear boundaries and expectations within your home, ensuring that both you and the student are comfortable and aware of each other’s needs. It also allows you to explain your own household rules, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

What Is Something You Miss the Most About Your Home and Family?

Being away from home can be challenging, and this question shows empathy and care. By understanding what the student misses most, you can find ways to provide comfort and support, whether it’s through familiar foods, activities, or simply being there to listen. This question allows the student to express their feelings and share their home life, creating a deeper connection. It also provides you with insight into how you can help make their stay more comfortable and fulfilling.

Questions to Ask a Foreign Exchange Student: Future Aspirations

Finally, you can ask questions about their goals and aspirations, so that you can support them and their time in the States. Ask questions like: 

1. What are your goals for your time studying abroad?
2. What do you hope to study in the future? 
3. What skills would you like to develop while you are here? 
4. Are there any places you would like to visit while you are here? 
5. What do you hope to learn about yourself during this exchange experience? 

What Are Your Goals for Your Time Studying Abroad? 

Understanding the student's goals for their exchange experience can provide insight into their motivations and what they hope to achieve. By asking this question, you can tailor your support to help them reach their objectives, whether it’s improving their language skills, experiencing a new culture, or preparing for future academic endeavors. This conversation can also set a positive tone for their stay, showing that you are invested in their success and willing to help them make the most of their time abroad. It opens up opportunities for goal-setting and planning together.

What Do You Hope to Study in the Future? 

Asking about the student’s academic interests and future studies provides insight into their passions and career ambitions. This question allows you to discuss potential fields of study, explore related activities or courses, and connect them with resources that can support their interests. Understanding their academic goals can help you provide guidance, recommend relevant experiences, or introduce them to professionals in those fields. This not only helps the student gain valuable insights but also shows that you care about their long-term aspirations.

What Skills Would You Like to Develop While You Are Here? 

This question helps identify areas where the student is looking to grow and improve. Whether it’s language skills, leadership abilities, or technical competencies, understanding their desired skill set allows you to provide relevant opportunities and resources. You can encourage participation in activities that build these skills, such as clubs, workshops, or volunteering. By showing an interest in their personal development, you demonstrate your commitment to helping them achieve their goals and make the most of their exchange experience.

Are There Any Places You Would Like to Visit While You Are Here? 

Exploring new places and trying new activities can be a significant part of the exchange experience. By asking this question, you can learn about the student’s interests and make plans to explore these together, like exchange student trips. Whether it’s visiting local landmarks, attending cultural events, or trying new sports, understanding their interests allows you to create meaningful experiences that align with their aspirations. This not only makes their stay more enjoyable but also helps them fulfill their personal goals and interests, making their time abroad more fulfilling.

What Do You Hope to Learn About Yourself During this Exchange Experience? 

Exchange programs are as much about personal growth as they are about cultural exchange. By asking this question, you encourage the student to reflect on their personal development and self-discovery. This conversation can lead to discussions about stepping out of comfort zones, gaining independence, and building resilience. It helps you understand their expectations and how you can support them in their journey of self-discovery. This question fosters a deeper connection and shows that you are invested in their overall well-being and personal growth.

Being a Host Parent with Ayusa 

Hosting and housing a foreign exchange student can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences, but there are certain requirements. With Ayusa, we make sure to offer best exchange programs for high school students by ensuring hosts are suitable candidates for an enriching student cultural exchange experience.  

Different organizations may have varying requirements for hosting a foreign exchange student, but we’ll be going over the checklist of who can host with Ayusa: 

• Host parents must be at least 25 years old–there is no upper limit!
• You can provide a loving home: A comfy, safe place to live, sleep, study, and thrive for 5 to 10 months.
• Meals: Provide three meals a day.
• A Reliable Ride: Host families or friends can provide a ride or students can use public transportation.
• Time and Enthusiasm: Welcome them, love them, listen to them, teach them, show them!

At AYUSA, our goal is to make hosting an exchange student feel easier to navigate. Our application process is three steps: 

1. Indicate your interest: Fill out our interest form to receive more information and get connected with your local Ayusa representative.
2. Complete your application: Your rep will be able to help you through your application, connect you with other host families, and answer any questions about the hosting experience. 
3. Choose your student: Once your application is approved, your Ayusa representative will work with you to find a student to match your family’s interests and activities.  

Hosting an international student, you can experience long-lasting bonds, develop new friendships, and be a part of the greater hosting community. As one of the best student exchange programs for host families, we have worked with hundreds of families to create invaluable memories between hosts and their students. 

If you want to start your hosting journey today, you can reach out to us for more information, or start your hosting application today! You can also look at our FAQs or contact us for any questions.