As the exchange year (or semester) comes to a close, you can expect a range of emotions felt by you, family members, and your student. You are not alone! We encourage you to continue having open communication with your student throughout these last weeks of the program. As departure day approaches, the sadness of saying goodbye may be eased by viewing it as just a “farewell for now”. Keep reading for things you can do to ease the pain.
Ellie Bucciarelli, Greenheart High School Programs Student Counselor
Some of you may be making plans to visit your student in their corner of the world or already looking at the calendar for a date when your student might “come home for a visit,” which can help ease the goodbye blues a bit. Often, students will start spending more time with friends. Their calendar may be full of school and friend activities. This is normal and no reflection on their bond with you. Sit down with your student and add the important dates to your family calendar. If your student, or even you, begins to feel overwhelmed or stressed, possibly disagreeing on small things, please know this can be a very normal part of the process. Be it their water bottle clang, clanging, or wondering where your spoons and drinking glasses have once again disappeared to, always end on a good note, no matter how hard it is. The little things will be missed later.
Ideas for Farewells
Exchange Social media handles to keep in touch
We all know that high school students get busy, but they always seem to have time to scroll through their phones! Follow each other on social media to see what they’re up to and send them a message.
Put together a memory book
This is a great activity for the entire familiy to do together. Once it’s done, you’ll always be able to look back on your memories and reminisce on the incredible experience of hosting!
Host a party
This is a great way to make some of those last-minute memories that will last a lifetime. Whether your student is a graduating senior, or you just want to celebrate the time you spent together- throw a party to send them off!
Take a family trip
Go on an adventure! It may help you decompress and ease the anxieties that occur during their last few weeks, while giving you another chance to spend more time with your student. You may take your student to one of your favorite vacation spots before they go, or even choose to explore a new place together- it’s up to you!
Go to the first restaurant your family took them to and take a picture (hopefully you have a pic of the first visit!)
Nothing quite brings people together like food! This creates a full circle moment and lets you reflect on all of the incredible memories you made over the year or semester, all while enjoying a delicious meal.
Create a charm bracelet, personalized key chain, water bottle, or a photo quilt
You can really get creative with this one and customize it to fit yours or your students’ personality/interests. Once it’s done, you’ll have a heartfelt memento that you can take with you anywhere!
Give yourselves a pat on the back and enjoy the remaining days of your exchange experience! You have nearly completed the journey. Hosting for the year or semester is a very big commitment. Your student’s natural parents trusted you to take care of their child, to welcome them as part of your family, and guide them through the year. You have generously given them that gift. You have ridden the roller coaster of having a teenager in your home! Many of you now feel you have a son or daughter from another country. Your time, extra effort, and energy have created special memories that we hope will last a lifetime for your family and your student. Thank you!
We sincerely hope you have found this to be a valuable and enriching experience.
Interested in hosting again? Visit HostwithGreenheart.org
Know of a family who was super interested in your exchange experience? Visit ReferWithGreenheart.org and if they host you earn a reward!