You’ve hosted your exchange student for a few months now, and you may be out of ideas for things to do next. Remember that there are reasons your exchange student came to America. Education is paramount; however, they likely want to experience our culture and experience typical American life. When you involve your student in family activities, you help fulfill their goals while discovering new fun activities for international students together.
Benefits of Engaging in Activities Together
Cultural Enrichment
By sharing and discovering each other’s customs, songs, and stories, you not only understand a new culture but also offer a unique perspective on your own traditions. This mutual exchange enriches both lives and reflects the same spirit explored in our guide to cultural exchange.
Language Exchange
Every chat, whether it’s debating the rules of a board game or discussing the day’s events, becomes a language lesson. These informal settings often accelerate language fluency and confidence.
Deepening Bonds
Every shared experience, from a hearty laugh over a missed bus to a quiet moment under the stars, adds another thread to the fabric of your relationship, making it stronger and more memorable. It’s one of the clearest examples of why hosting matters long after the program year ends.
Choosing the Right Activities
Age Appropriateness
Remember, what’s exciting for a teenager might be mundane for a younger child. Always select activities that captivate and intrigue, keeping age in mind.
Interests & Hobbies
Keep an ear out for their passions. Maybe they’ve always wanted to try roller-skating, or perhaps they’re curious about local dance forms. Make it a mission to help them tick something off their bucket list.
Physical Abilities
Ensure that activities aren’t too strenuous or outside their comfort zone. Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Fun Activities For International Students
Outdoor Activities
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National and State Parks: Dive deeper into the histories of these natural reserves, explaining conservation efforts, indigenous histories, and the diverse ecosystems present. Learn more about America’s national parks and state parks: https://www.nps.gov/
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Historical Sites: Learn about American history at landmarks and monuments.
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Orchard Visits: Talk about the local fruits, their history, and significance in American traditions, like apple pies for Thanksgiving.
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Fishing Adventures: Share old fishing tales, discuss local fish species, and maybe even cook up a catch together!
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Sporting Events: Engage in a mini sports trivia, discussing famous players, unforgettable matches, and the evolution of the sport.
Cultural & Indoor Activities
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State or County Fairs: Dive into the history of fairs. Why were they started? What’s their significance? Make it an educational outing.
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City Mouse: If you’re hosting a student in the city, go to the country to experience wide-open spaces. If you live in the country, go to the city to experience the bright lights. This welcome change of pace shows our varied landscape.
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Museums: Task them with finding an artifact or exhibit from their country. This scavenger hunt make museum visits even more engaging.
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Music: Share playlists or create one together. Every song has a story and sharing that makes for great bonding.
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Candy & Desserts: Exchange students love dessert. Visit a candy or ice cream shop for a treat, or bake something together and watch the smile spread across your student’s face.
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Meals: Visit a restaurant that features cuisine from your student’s country, or invite your student into your kitchen to help make a traditional dish from their country. They will be glad to experience a taste of home.
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Worship: If you attend church or synagogue, invite your exchange student to come along. It may be an interesting experience.
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Plays/Movies: Attend a play put on by a local company or high school. Go to a popular blockbuster or an off-beat film festival. Experience a drive-in movie theater.
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Seasonal Activities: Grill out or pack a picnic basket, rent kayaks, go leaf watching, take a sleigh ride, go sledding or ice skating.
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Shopping at the Mall: Your student may like to try on clothes.Mall culture has changed in America over the years and your exchange student may like to engage in shopping online instead, so ask them which they’d rather prefer.
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Visit Family: Share childhood memories, family anecdotes, and traditions that give deeper insight into your family’s history. Your student might enjoy meeting your extended family, and joining birthday and holiday celebration.
More Things to Do With Foreign Exchange Students
If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out our guide on the benefits of hosting an exchange student to see how simple, everyday experiences can create lasting connections. If you’re hosting for the first time, our host family support tips provide practical advice for planning meaningful activities that align with your student’s interests and comfort level.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, our guide on the benefits of hosting an exchange student breaks down how everyday moments, not just big outings, build the strongest connections.
Maximizing Your Time Together
Stay Flexible
Remember, the best moments often aren’t planned. Whether it’s a surprise rain shower or a spontaneous music session, embrace the unexpected.
Be Open-Minded
Every day is an opportunity to learn. Every question is a chance to see the world from a fresh perspective.
Provide Support
Explore our monthly support guides tailored to assist you throughout your journey with your exchange student. If you have questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Navigating Challenges When Planning Activities for Exchange Students
Cultural Differences
Always approach differences with curiosity, not judgment. It’s a chance to broaden horizons.
Language Barriers
Celebrate every new word learned, every sentence framed correctly. Every mistake is just a step closer to fluency.
Set Clear Expectations
Regular check-ins can ensure both parties feel heard and comfortable. It’s all about mutual respect and understanding.
Take photos during activities with your exchange student so they can send them home. To help your student feel like a member of your family, put photos on the refrigerator or place them in frames around the house.
What to Do With an Exchange Student Throughout the Year
Knowing what to do with an exchange student changes as the seasons and their comfort level shift. Early on, low-pressure activities like grocery trips or family game nights help students settle in. As they grow more confident, bigger outings like sporting events, festivals, and travel to nearby cities help them build a fuller picture of American culture. Students who build these kinds of connections during their exchange are often better prepared for lasting relationships and future opportunities, a pattern reflected in broader study abroad statistics.
If your exchange student’s stay has you thinking about longer-term opportunities, some students choose to extend their journey through a gap year before college, giving them even more time to explore new study abroad programs.
Ready to Host an Exchange Student?
Interested in creating memories like these? Learn how to become a host family and discover the rewards of welcoming an international student into your home. When you’re ready to start your hosting journey, become a host today.