"What made you do that?"
"That's brave of you to let a stranger live with you for a week."
These are some of the remarks I've gotten when I tell people that I hosted an exchange student from the Netherlands. I signed up to be a host on Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon, I was welcoming a complete stranger into my tiny dorm room. I know what you're thinking, why would I wake up one day and decide to host an exchange student? First, you should know that I am a firm believer in accepting each new opportunity that life grants you with open arms. Second, I thought it would be a unique learning experience and I was completely right. These are some of the things I learned while hosting a foreign exchange student:
You don’t understand? Ask.
Although all of the foreign exchange students speak English, they learned English in school. If you have ever sat in a foreign language class, you know that there is still a language barrier between yourself and a native speaker. One of the things I’ve gained from this experience is learning that there is no shame in asking when you don’t understand something. People are more than willing to steer you in the right direction.
College students in other countries are still college students.
All of the people I’ve met during this exchange program like all the same college activities as we do! My friends and I, along with the exchange students, attended school sporting events and everyone had a great time. We also went to several different parties and the exchange students were welcomed with open arms. The guy I hosted gladly beat me in beer pong and held his own in flip cup as well.
Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” is an international jam.
Between the 30 exchange students and myself, a total of five languages were spoken, however that did not stop us from singing the lyrics to Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” in a crowded party. I guess smiles aren’t the only thing that are universal.
The world does not stop at the US borders.
This one may seem obvious, but spending my time with people from another country has really opened my eyes to it. I now recognize, value, and appreciate differences more. It also allowed me to share my own perspective and culture and I got a new friend out of the deal.
