High School Study Abroad - Host Families
Your host family is an essential part of your High School Study Abroad program - your window into a new country and culture. Host families offer to open their home to you so that they can teach you about their lives and their country, while learning about you and your way of life. By taking part in your host family's daily life you can truly experience life in another country as a family member and not merely a tourist. Whatever your experience may be, your host family is there to help you navigate a new culture. Celebrate your birthday in Holland and you may be expected to bring in your own birthday cake. Discover what a "name day" is in Sweden. Even the most common of events can take on new meaning when viewed through a new cultural perspective.
Host families are chosen based on their desire to host an American student, economic stability, family structure and interests they might have in common with you. There is no 'perfect' host family composition. Families may be large or small, they may have young children, grown children or no children at all; however, all Intrax host families are excited to be part of the cultural exchange experience. It is just as rewarding for families to share their culture with someone as it is for them to learn more about American culture. Intrax high school study abroad students live with carefully selected, primarily volunteer host families. In cases where families do receive a small stipend, it is only to cover basic food and energy costs.
Host families generously offer to open their hearts and homes to Intrax High School Study Abroad students, so we encourage students to build a positive relationship with their host family by showing appreciation and maintaining open communication. As soon as you receive your host family information, you should get in contact with them to introduce yourself and let them know how excited you are to meet them. As a member of the family, you will be expected to follow the host family's rules (i.e. regarding curfew, mealtimes, etc) and do some chores. It is always a good idea to clarify household rules and schedules as soon as you arrive, to avoid any misunderstandings.
Most students say that their relationship with their host family was the most rewarding part of their high school study abroad experience! Learn more about what it's really like to live with a host family by reading our student stories.
