You can become a host family with Red Leaf and bring culture home

Red Leaf‘s host homes for international exchange students are the foundation of a fulfilling and happy experience. At home, powerful relationships are forged and which are the student’s first contact with real Canadian culture. It’s on a day-to-day basis that you really get to know what the lifestyle of a foreign country is like.

Building ties with a culture different from one’s own is vital to enjoying an exchange experience to the fullest. Establishing a special connection when you have a different background from your peers is a unique experience and can be key to understanding and immersing yourself in the new society in which you are living.

That is why, the first thing we must do when we want to share our culture with our new guest is: Welcome him or her with open arms, understand this moment of change, and offer them a sincere friendship.

Tips for bringing the exchange student closer to Canadian culture at home

Be aware of your culture

When you share your culture you must understand how it has (positively or negatively) affected the world; this way you can be objective about what you really want to share with the exchange student. At the same time, it is also important that you give the young person the opportunity to talk about their culture and how it may differ from or resemble your own.

Prepare delicious typical food

There is no better way to get closer to a culture than by enjoying its typical food. Prepare delicious and comforting recipes at home, those that remind you of your childhood and that will allow the student to try new flavors and ingredients. During the preparation, invite the student to participate; this way, besides eating something delicious, it will be possible for them to learn how to prepare it.

Invite them to read and learn about the history and geography of the country

In Canadian homes, you can usually find some readings (or internet resources) about the history and geography of the country. This is a very interesting way to get into the culture, studying its past and learning about those characteristics that make the country’s customs so unique.

If you are not yet part of this beautiful program and would love to share Canadian culture, we invite you to visit our website. There you will find information about Red Leaf and how your family could become a host family right now.