So I'm going to be participating in a German-American exchange program. I'll be hosting a German student for three weeks, and in the summer I'll be going to Germany for three weeks.
I am getting very nervous now. My exchange partner is flying over in 16 days, and I'm beginning to see issues I didn't think much about when I signed up, mainly that I'm weird and quiet and a little bit socially awkward. While I don't imagine it will be a problem talking to the German student, I'm worried that I'll ruin his experience with my lack of interaction. Although people would probably be more likely to talk then the German student than to me, I'm worried most about lunch. I don't know anyone at my lunch, and so for the whole year I have sat alone. I kinda think that he'd want to see what the typical American school lunch is like, rather than what mine is like.
As a person who has had several german exchange students before here's my basic pieces of advice:
1) When you first meet them treat them as someone you've known for a long time, not as a new person. Personally the best exchange students I've ever had are the ones who I immediately started talking with like a friend, even if it's just about the differences between here and there.
2) Tell them that it's ok to ask questions, and answer said questions. It will give you an easy conversation topic, if nothing else.
3) Germans can seem demanding sometimes, this is due to the language translation. If it seems like they are ordering you around it's just a language thing, don't get offended.
4) Ask them at the beginning if they want you to correct them if they say something wrong.
5) Don't treat them like a guest. Treat them like a family member. If that means they need to do their own laundry/other chores then tell them so.
6) Go do things and do them as soon as possible, connecting is a good thing (obviously account for jet lag on the first day if needed). This especially applies while at home, don't leave them all alone in their room, go play a game or something.
7) Ask him if there is anything in particular they'd like to see/do while they are here. Do it if possible (or explain why it would be a hilarious/horrible idea
).
I probably wouldn't worry too much about lunch, if you really don't know anyone at all it's only for a short period of time each day, and it will give you a chance to talk with them more.
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Topic: Things that made you absolutely terrified today (Read 1964918 times)