Archive for 10 November 2017

Life as a Local Coordinator

Today we interview Jane, one of our Local Coordinators, about her experience helping connect exchange students with host families!

1. What inspired you to become a Local Coordinator?

“My friend and his wife wanted to host an exchange student. They asked me to be their Local Coordinator, and I said yes! Also, I taught ESL for bilingual students at an elementary school for 15 years, and I love interacting with kids. Just talking to them is fun. This is my second year being a Local Coordinator, and I’m currently helping two students from China. Being a Local Coordinator is tremendously different than what I expected because I had never thought about working with exchange students before. However, now I’m thinking of hosting a student myself in the future!”

2. What do you find rewarding about the position? Have you experienced any challenges?

“The best part about this position is watching the kids grow emotionally and gain confidence in their English. By the end of the year, they can talk like typical teenagers. Also, I’ve learned about other cultures by spending time with the students and talking about their family and life back home. I learn based on what the kids share with me.

Last year I didn’t experience any challenges, but this year one of the students has been pushing more rules. It’s nothing major though, and this is typical high school age behavior, especially for kids who are away from their parents. They’re all good kids!”

3. Do you have any funny or interesting stories to share from working with families and students?

“One of my students right now had never seen a bonfire before, and he was initially horrified when his host family set up a campfire in their backyard. He didn’t understand why setting a yard on fire was considered entertainment, since there are no fireplaces or grills where he lives in China. Once his host family explained the purpose of a campfire though, he had a great time sitting around it roasting marshmallows.

Another one of my students went to IHOP for the first time and had never used coffee creamer before. She actually drank the creamer straight from the container! These are all customs we take for granted living in America but are new for exchange students.”

4. If you could give advice to someone considering to be a Local Coordinator, what would it be?

“I would advise them to be patient. The challenge is getting students here and helping them settle in with their families. You have to go with the flow and roll with it when things change very quickly, such as when their arrival times are delayed. Also, you have to be able to let parents vent to you. A lot of the time, they just want someone to listen to them and not necessarily give advice.

I’ve had a great experience as a Local Coordinator though, and I love meeting families and students and making new connections. Hosting is a great experience for everyone!”

Are you interested in becoming a Local Coordinator? Student Ambassador Exchange is now hiring Local Coordinators across the US to place exchange students with host families and serve as a liaison between them! This is an amazing opportunity to make new connections and learn about other cultures. For more details about the position, visit our website or contact LC@saeglobal.org today!

Halloween Happenings

For many of our exchange students, it was their first time carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, and trick-or-treating with their host families. Our staff also carved pumpkins with our students and host families in Austin for SAE Halloween Week. Check out our gallery of Halloween happenings below! We hope everyone had a spooktacular time and look forward to enjoying more fall activities together. Stay tuned for highlights from other upcoming SAE events!

Student exchange is a fantastic way to share American traditions like Halloween with a student and learn about how they celebrate traditions in their home country. If you aren’t hosting a student currently and are interested, it’s not too late to sign up! We are currently matching students for the Spring 2018 semester, and you have the chance to share new experiences with them too. Visit our photo listing to meet our Spring students and check back regularly to meet any new students added. You can also sign up to be a backup host family or submit a FREE application now to host a student in the future! Contact us today to find out how you can change one student’s life through education and cultural exchange!

Halloween Around the World

Dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and carving pumpkins are fun activities that many Americans do for Halloween. Have you wondered if Halloween is celebrated in the countries where our exchange students come from?

China

The Chinese celebrate the Hungry Ghost Month in July or August, where they honor their ancestors and appease ghosts. During this time, they perform ceremonies to prevent the wrath of ghosts, such as lighting incense, burning fake paper money to “give” to ghosts who need it, and “feeding” hungry ghosts by leaving food for them.

The Ghost Month tradition is linked to Taoism, a religion in China. According to Taoism, the gates of the underworld are opened at the start of Ghost Month, and hungry ghosts roam around finding food or getting revenge. On the last day of  Ghost Month, many people float river lanterns, since ghosts are thought to follow the lanterns away.

Spain

In Spain, Halloween is a three-day celebration that starts of on October 31st with “Dia de las Brujas” (Day of the Witches) and ends with “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. The Spanish version of Halloween focuses on honoring the dead, rather than being a commercial holiday. Customs and rituals are performed during this time, including visiting the grave of lost loved ones.

Around Spain, you’ll see other activities like Halloween fiestas, festivals, pumpkin carving, costume parties, and more!

Thailand

Halloween in Thailand is usually overshadowed by their annual Loi Krathong Festival, but Halloween celebrations are brought to Thailand in areas where Western expats and tourists spend time. Thailand does have a culture of ghosts and supernatural legends. In Thailand, you may see miniature spirit houses, which provide shelter for spirits. People will light incense and place offerings such as food or flowers to ghosts in the spirit houses, so the spirit will protect their home and bring good blessings.

If you’re looking to celebrate a Western-style Halloween in Thailand, Bangkok is known for its Halloween festivities and parties!

Vietnam

Like in Thailand, Western-style Halloween is sometimes celebrated in big cities or where tourists and expats brought the tradition. Traditionally, Vietnamese people believe that when someone dies, their soul goes to the afterlife where it is judged. Souls in the afterlife are able to be released when the living prays for them.

They celebrate a festival called Vu Lan, where they perform these prayer rituals, so hungry souls will return to their home and gather with family. Incense is burned and meals are provided for souls of family members and wandering souls, so they can rest in peace.

Student exchange is a great way to share Western-style Halloween traditions with a student and learn about how Halloween is celebrated in their home country. If you aren’t hosting a student currently and are interested, it’s not too late! We are currently matching students for the Spring 2018 semester, and you have the chance to share new experiences with them too. Visit our photo listing to meet our Spring students and check back regularly to meet any new students added. Contact us today to find out how you can change one student’s life through education and cultural exchange!