Communicating with Your International Student: A Guide to Resolving Issues

Welcoming a student from another country into your home brings new routines and perspectives, and while these differences can sometimes present challenges, they also offer valuable chances to learn, develop trust, and cultivate mutual respect. Embracing open and constructive communication will be key to addressing any issues that arise and creating a warm, inclusive environment.

Taking a proactive, thoughtful approach can help both you and your student feel at ease and supported. Addressing concerns promptly, while they are still manageable, helps create an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. Encouraging your student to openly share their perspective will foster trust and create a foundation of shared understanding.

Steps for Addressing Concerns with Patience and Empathy

When hosting an international student, remember that they are often young, possibly away from their home and family for the first time, and navigating a new culture. Adjusting to life in a foreign country is a significant milestone that requires patience, understanding, and empathy from the host family. By approaching issues with these qualities, you create a safe, supportive environment for growth and positive change. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Begin on a Positive Note: Start conversations by expressing appreciation for the student’s presence in your home. This sets a supportive, friendly tone, showing that you value them as part of the family.

2. Share Your Observations Thoughtfully: When discussing any issues, speak clearly and kindly. Rather than framing something as a “problem,” share your observations to help the student understand the impact of their actions in a way that avoids judgment.

3. Be Patient and Encourage Their Viewpoint: Recognize that cultural and personal adjustments take time. Give the student space to express their perspective. Listening to their views makes them feel valued, which can lead to a more honest, open discussion.

4. Offer Solutions and Welcome Their Input: In discussing solutions, be flexible and encourage the student to share ideas. Collaborating on solutions conveys respect for their input and reinforces their place as a valued member of the household.

5. Aim for a Solution that Works for Both of You: Seek resolutions that balance your household expectations with the student’s comfort. When students feel heard, it builds trust and fosters a positive, respectful relationship.

Common Concerns and How to Address Them

Students Not Informing When They’ll Be Home for Dinner

1. Begin on a Positive Note: “We love having you here and sharing meals together. It would be helpful if you felt comfortable sharing your plans with us.”
2. Share Your Observations Thoughtfully: “We sometimes don’t know if you’ll be home for dinner, which makes planning difficult. It’s helpful for us to know your plans.”
3. Be Patient and Encourage Their Viewpoint: “We know you have a lot going on and may forget to check-in. Is there anything that could make it easier for you to keep us updated?”
4. Offer Solutions and Welcome Their Input: “How about we check your schedule at the start of each week to see which nights you’ll be here for dinner?”
5. Aim for a Solution that Works for Both of You: Agreeing to a weekly check-in reassures both sides and supports a more organized approach.

Students Are Not Cleaning Up Their Rooms and Leaving Food Garbage Despite a No-Eating in Room Rule

1. Begin on a Positive Note
   “We’re really happy to have you here, and we want you to feel comfortable and at home. It’s important to us that you have a space where you can relax and feel at ease.”
2. Share Your Observations Thoughtfully:
   “We’ve noticed that sometimes food waste is left in your room, even though we have a rule about not eating in the bedroom. This rule helps keep things clean and prevents any issues with pests, which is important to all of us.”
3. Be Patient and Encourage Their Viewpoint
   “We understand that habits around eating and cleaning might be different at home, and adjusting to new routines can take time. Do you usually have a system for keeping your space clean, or would a routine here be helpful?”
4. Offer Solutions and Welcome Their Input
   “How about you set a regular time each week to clean your room? Or we could add a small trash can as a reminder to clear out any waste regularly.”
5. Aim for a Solution that Works for Both of You
   This approach can help the student feel supported in adjusting to the household rules. They might respond with, “A reminder sounds helpful, and I’ll make sure to eat in the dining area and keep my room tidy.”

Students Forgetting to Close Windows, Lock the Door, or Adjust the Heater

1. Begin on a Positive Note: “We’re happy to have you here and want you to feel safe and comfortable in our home.”
2. Share Your Observations Thoughtfully: “We noticed the windows or door might be left open sometimes, or the heater is on. We try to keep the house secure and comfortable by checking these things.”
3. Be Patient and Encourage Their Viewpoint: “We know every home has its own routines. Are these habits new for you, or would it help to go over them together?”
4. Offer Solutions and Welcome Their Input: “Would a checklist or a note by the door help you remember? We’d like to find a way that’s helpful for you and fits with our routines.”
5. Aim for a Solution that Works for Both of You: A checklist can help the student adjust to new habits without feeling pressured.

Students Are Arriving After Curfew

1. Begin on a Positive Note “We’re glad to see you enjoying your time here, meeting new friends, and exploring the city. It’s great that you’re making the most of your experience!”
2. Share Your Observations Thoughtfully “We’ve noticed that sometimes you’re arriving home after curfew, and we know it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re out. Since the curfew is part of FCI program’s guidelines, we need to make sure it’s followed as part of the homestay agreement.”
3. Be Patient and Encourage Their Viewpoint “We understand that there can be unexpected delays, like missing the bus. We’d like to help make it easier for you to stay within curfew while still enjoying your time out. Is there anything that you find challenging about getting home on time?”
4. Offer Solutions and Welcome Their Input “To make it easier, how about setting an alarm on your phone as a reminder to start heading home? It might also help to plan your return trip ahead of time, allowing for extra travel time just in case.”
5. Aim for a Solution that Works for Both of You By helping the students plan ahead, they’ll feel more prepared and less pressured to explain delays. The student might respond with, “That sounds like a good idea. I’ll set an alarm and plan to leave a bit earlier so I can make it home on time.”

Addressing Recurring Issues

Sometimes, it’s necessary to address the same concern more than once. Consistency, patience, and understanding are essential. When revisiting an issue, gently remind the student of the previous conversation and agreed-upon solution. Encouraging their input on why the issue is recurring can also foster a more open discussion. Give them time to reflect, and they may provide helpful suggestions for moving forward.

Final Thoughts

By consistently approaching issues with empathy and a willingness to listen, you can create a supportive, positive atmosphere where students feel valued and at home. This approach not only enriches the student’s study abroad experience but also brings new perspectives into your household, making the homestay experience rewarding for everyone involved.

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First Choice International Placement Inc. is a North Vancouver based company that works with local school districts to provide homestay opportunities for international students from across the globe.

Founded by the husband and wife duo, Beth Mercer and Collin Mercer, FCI prides itself in providing students the opportunity to develop their own independence and discover themselves while discovering Canada. 

FCI recruits, locals families to host the students and supports both the students and the families to provide the best experience for all involved.

For more information:

Diana Salcedo
Communications Specialist
First Choice International Placement Inc,

p: (778) 836-0908
e: [email protected]

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