When hosting international students, families may expect an energetic, outgoing teenager who will actively engage in conversation, make friends easily, and stay busy outside the home. However, not all students fit this mold, many have quieter personalities or consider themselves introverted. This isn’t a challenge but rather an opportunity to appreciate a different personality type and the unique strengths that come with it. By understanding and supporting introverted students, host families can have a rewarding and enriching experience while helping students adjust to their new environment.
Understanding Introverted Teens
Introverted teens prefer small groups over large social settings and often take longer to open up. They may hesitate to ask for help, avoid group discussions, and need time alone to recharge. While they might seem reserved, they possess unique strengths such as thoughtfulness and maturity beyond their years. Many also have a strong sense of independence, which can be beneficial when adjusting to a new country.
Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from being around others, introverts feel drained by excessive social interaction. This doesn’t mean they dislike people, it simply means they need time alone to process their experiences and recharge. Many introverted students struggle with the expectation that they should be more outgoing, which can make them feel pressured or misunderstood. However, with patience and the right environment, they can form meaningful connections at their own pace.
Embracing the Introverted Experience
Hosting an introverted student can be a wonderful experience. They are often deep thinkers, great listeners, and appreciative of meaningful interactions and gestures. They may enjoy helping out with chores or joining in calmer activities, such as going for nature walks or watching movies. By seeing these qualities as strengths rather than challenges, host families can create a positive, fulfilling environment for everyone.
How Host Families Can Help
1. Create a Comfortable Environment
Some introverted students may not openly identify as introverted, while others may feel self-conscious about their quiet nature. You can start a light conversation about personality types to help them feel understood. Without labelling them, highlight the positives of enjoying time alone and reassure them that making friends takes time—they should follow their own pace when it comes to socializing.
Keeping communication open, even if their responses are short at first, helps build trust. Let them know they are always welcome to join family activities but that it’s okay if they need time to recharge. Small efforts—like asking about their interests, inviting them to watch a movie, or going for a casual walk—can help them feel comfortable and valued. If they prefer alone time, don’t take it as a sign of dislike. Be especially mindful during the first few weeks, as the socialization process at school may be draining their energy, making home a place where they seek solitude to recharge.
2. Encourage Gentle Socialization
Sometimes these students need encouragement and guidance on how to socialize in their new environment. Suggest activities that match their interests. Encourage them to join school clubs, sports teams, library groups, or sign up for activities at the local recreation center, where they can meet people with similar interests at their own pace. It may take a few weeks before they feel ready to be part of these spaces, but once they feel more settled, they may be open to finding opportunities for socialization that aren’t overwhelming.
If they seem hesitant to socialize, start small—gently encourage them to connect with one or two friends. Having even one close friend can make a big difference in their confidence and enjoyment of their time abroad.
3. Help Them Explore Without Pressure
While alone time is important, encourage them to explore the city and engage in activities that interest them. Even if they prefer to go alone at first, suggest visiting museums, libraries, or parks. Creating a list of places that match their personality and interests can be helpful.
Structured activities like library book clubs or volunteer work provide opportunities for social interaction in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. These experiences can help them feel more connected to their surroundings without feeling forced into social situations that might overwhelm them.
4. Respect Their Need for Privacy
Unlike extroverted students who thrive on constant interaction, introverted students require solitude to recharge. Allow them time alone without assuming they are unhappy or disengaged. Small, one-on-one interactions can be more meaningful to them than large group activities.
Introverts often process experiences internally. If they don’t immediately share details about their day, it doesn’t mean they didn’t enjoy themselves or don’t want to share with you. Give them space to open up in their own time.
5. Support Social Skills Without Pressure
Socializing is a skill that can be developed at any pace. If they struggle with initiating conversations, provide gentle guidance, such as suggesting icebreaker questions or discussing how to start small talk. Encourage them without making them feel inadequate. If they face language barriers, this is especially important.
If they’re open to it, role-playing social situations—like ordering at a café or introducing themselves to a new friend—can be helpful and fun. Remind them that friendships take time and that meaningful connections matter more than the number of friends they have.
6. Help Them Feel Included
Small gestures during the first weeks can have a big impact. Learning how to pronounce their name correctly or greeting them in their native language can create a welcoming atmosphere. Asking about their culture, favourite foods, or language helps them feel valued and gives them something to share with you.
Include them in simple activities like cooking a meal together, playing a board game, or watching a movie. They may be hesitant to join at first, but don’t stop asking—they’ll appreciate the invitations even if they decline sometimes.
7. Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
Cultural and language differences can make communication challenging. Speaking clearly, using simple language, and being patient can help ease misunderstandings. Avoid assuming that their quietness means disinterest or rudeness. Be mindful of how much they truly understand during conversations, as introverted students may become quieter if they feel insecure about their English skills.
Introverts may also struggle with direct confrontation. If issues arise, address them gently and privately. Creating a safe space for open communication will make it easier for them to express their thoughts and concerns. Sometimes, giving them time to reflect before responding can lead to thoughtful and insightful conversations.
A Rewarding Experience for Everyone
Hosting an introverted student isn’t a challenge, it’s a chance to embrace a different perspective and enjoy a meaningful cultural exchange. These students bring depth, curiosity, and appreciation for genuine connections and simple interactions. By being patient, encouraging socialization in a way that suits their personality, and respecting their need for space, families can help introverted students feel comfortable, engaged, and connected.
Supporting an introverted student doesn’t mean changing who they are, it means helping them thrive in their own way. With the right balance, both the student and the host family can enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling experience together. By embracing their unique qualities, host families can gain valuable insights and form lasting bonds that make the exchange experience truly special.
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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.
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]