Curious about the next three stereotypes? We’re continuing to bust the myths around what it really means to be a host family. Haven’t read the first four? Catch up with Part 1 here.
Stereotype #5: “The student will be completely different from us.”
Reality: That’s precisely where the magic happens.
Yes, your exchange student may have grown up speaking another language, eating different foods or celebrating different traditions.
But they are also a teenager.
They might love sport. Or music. Or gaming. Or cooking. They might be obsessed with a particular TV show. They might sleep until noon on weekends. They might have a favourite subject at school and one they absolutely cannot stand.
In other words, they may be different from your family in some ways — and remarkably similar in others.
YFU works to match students and host families based on interests and compatibility, while recognising that every family and student is unique.
Stereotype #6: “Hosting is only about what the student gains.”
Reality: The whole family can grow through the experience.
When you host an exchange student, you’re certainly helping a young person experience Australia or New Zealand from the inside.
But you’re also bringing the world into your own home.
Children can develop greater curiosity, empathy and appreciation for different perspectives. Parents may discover new interests and ways of seeing the world. Families can learn how to communicate across cultural differences and become more comfortable with the unfamiliar.
And sometimes the biggest surprise comes after the exchange ends.
Many host families form friendships with their students that continue for years, creating connections that cross borders and generations.
Stereotype #7: “You have to know everything about the student’s culture.”
Reality: You can learn together.
You don’t need to become an expert in another country before your student arrives.
In fact, asking questions is one of the best parts of cultural exchange.
What food did they eat growing up? What does school look like in their country? What traditions does their family celebrate? What music do they listen to? What surprised them about Australia or New Zealand?
And don’t forget: cultural exchange goes both ways.
Your student gets to discover your world, too — from local slang and school traditions to weekend sport, family recipes and the small routines that make everyday life feel like home.
So, who can become a host family?
Maybe you’re a family with young children.
Maybe your children have already left home.
Maybe you’re a single parent.
Maybe you’re a couple without children.
Maybe you’ve travelled extensively — or never left Australia or New Zealand.
You might be exactly the kind of family an exchange student is looking for.
YFU host families are expected to be open-minded, flexible, tolerant and willing to welcome a student into family and community life. YFU also provides training and ongoing support throughout the experience.
Because being a host family isn’t about having the perfect home.
It’s about making room for another person in your life.
And sometimes, when you open your door to the world, you discover that the world has been waiting to come in.
Ready to demolish the stereotypes?
Hosting an exchange student could be one of the most unexpected and rewarding experiences your family has together.
Discover how to become a YFU host family in Australia or New Zealand and bring the world to your home.
