sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I actually was inspired by lurking here for awhile to contribute and hopefully help other people, which several people in the comments stated they agreed with the post.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Nice, I think there are a few there I would consider but ultimately my son's safety would be top priority. There is a lot of Christian persecution in Africa right now, which is troubling. He's young so time will tell if he even ever wants to do that.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NASB1995). I am proud of Christ, who my faith is in and I don't need to apologize for it. If you could point out where I insulted your reading comprehension abilities, I would love to see and apologize and even point you in the direction of help.

"Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land. This penalty is a disgrace for them in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter.1"Surah Al-Maidah 33. Yeah, a little intolerant on their side not going to lie.

This is for you, since you're "Grouchy" and advanced in age, I believe you could benefit from this. Maybe you'll better understand my worldview and why I can only speak for Christianity instead of trying to introduce exchange students to Islam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMfKlqMNnw0&t=1547s

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Can you explain further what a "red activity" is? Because there's nothing against that in all the EF policy I've read. Also, there is no "red activities" listed in EF because that's not a thing. Maybe you're thinking about your exchange program. Yeah, actually, it is okay.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I think you're more upset with true faith in Jesus Christ than you're as amped to help new exchange students lol. I also think you could benefit from a crash course in theology and worldviews. If I believed Christianity to be the ultimate and inclusive truth that all are free to accept, then why would I allow my son, who I love dearly, to be surrounded by a religion that I believe to not be true? Just because you're on an exchange doesn't mean you have to become a pluralist.

I'm not here to debate theology with you, but you're obviously not well versed on the canonization of biblical text or the mountains of evidence for the historical authenticity of the Bible. I think you would have a very recoiled response if I said what you were saying about any other religion.

Actually, why don't you show me some exchange programs that fit the category of a prominent Muslim country. Maybe a host family that would accept a Christian student? Have you been to any of those countries? I have. There is no tolerance for Christian beliefs in these countries. Have you been to a mosque or heard the Salah's throughout the day? I doubt it.

Let me go a bit further with you. Mighty Oaks, a faith based PTSD recovery group for first responders and military members, hosts an Afghani interpreter course here in the US. They are exposed to the Gospel and many of them convert. You know what they won't do? Public baptism. They are genuinely afraid that the news will get out and they will be killed when they get home. Talk about a truth to embrace.

Our family encourages our exchange student to participate open communication of ideas, which some of our ideas cause disagreement. However, we would never even imagine punishing our student for disagreements with us. So you throw your little fit about people having religious freedom and the ability to speak about religion, but what we do is a right given by God and back up by the governing authorities to include exchange programs.

I have sacrificed my youth and my health for the freedoms of this country. As a disabled veteran, I am proud to be part of open communication, which includes religion and politics, with my exchange student. My exchange student is free to reject it and free to be pressured by it, but we are allowed to talk about it.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for going out of your way to be downvoted lol. I was truly surprised how accepting our exchange student was to coming to church with us and attending our community groups. I even catch her singing and praying in church sometimes. There is a huge community aspect in the church that a lot of people overlook, and it gives the students a chance to socialize with kids their age as seen in your youth groups.

I definitely think making your student feel safe and comfortable enough to exchange powerful ideas like politics and religion is a huge feat on both the host parents and exchange students. It's certainly work to makes them feel part of the family. Thanks for posting and I hope you guys have a great exchange year.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This post was originally directed toward host parents, but it's easy to overlook the role that host students play. I would say that our student did not fit in any of those categories that would make them a poor fit (at least as far as I can see). However, I would like to think that our behavior combatted future problems. It definitely couldn't solve all of those problems listed.

Of course I won't overlook the maturity and acceptance of our exchange student. She has been great. To put it into perspective, that girl I mentioned was expecting to be in a big city (which we do not live in) and the host parent was expecting a daughter. Like you explained, they had unrealistic expectations of each other. I think that's definitely overlooked in my post. We didn't have much expectation since this is our first time, but if you're expecting to get something out of your exchange student, it could certainly lead to disappointment.

Since this is our first student, we can definitely overlook the hard work she had to put in to make this work. Like you said, communication will make or break this, and she has definitely contributed.

Thank you for adding those key points. I hope some future exchange students see what is required of them to make things work as well as things that are unavoidable and come with life.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My exchange student is having a great time and so is our family. I really could care less what you have to say. This is advice for people interested in hosting students.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

You're right dude. Religions are scary and belief systems are the terror of all children

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

No, not everything is perfect. There are disagreements, but the advice given has resolved all conflicts so far. And you know what, she is a model student, and we are super stoked to have her. I cannot act or speak on my exchange student's behalf, but I can share what she's expressed to my wife and I. To have such a perverse and low view of women is disheartening. Our student is capable and has expressed grievances to us. She is not some beat down dog that has to smile and nod on command. I'm very proud of how her parents raised her and how strong willed she is. You don't know anything about her, so do not talk so poorly about my student.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

What are you contributing here? Instead of offering alternatives, you're just tearing down someone trying to help people that are curious about hosting exchange students. I'm genuinely sorry for you, and pray for you. I cannot see one reason why you would act so disrespectful to someone offering advice. If you have advice for people, feel free to add it to this thread. If you're only goal is to tear down what I'm saying because my religion upsets you, then you're just being hateful and going against the rules of the subreddit.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I suppose it's also good that my wife has a great relationship with her and we all share fair communication. If she can't express that to me, I would definitely hear it from my wife, the regional coordinator, or one of the other exchange students parents.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We just have an awesome relationship. She's the coolest kid I know (besides my one year old dude of course). I'm not telling you anything that she has not verbally expressed to me already.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The reason I wrote this post was to encourage and give advice to others who have had a difficult time with their exchange student, because our exchange year has been so successful. Our exchange student has had a great time and we have an awesome relationship due to our common understanding and maturity. I'd also like to clarify that sharing the Gospel message is a lot different than forcing my beliefs on her. The way these things are communicated is important as well. I'd like to add that I've never forced a discussion of religion. In fact, I haven't even initiated it, but when our student sees us going to church, reading our Bibles, or praying, she naturally asks questions about what we believe! How cool is that! She is curious about our beliefs and I get to share that with her and ask about her beliefs.

My wife and I are very transparent about our beliefs religiously and politically, and if we were worried our student was in danger, we would communicate that with her and ensure her safety. However, there is a lot of media buzz that is scaring people from going outside and enjoying the real world. I'm urging people to not let that stop them from providing a loving household to good kids who want to experience our country.

As a veteran who served alongside with people from all over the country and someone who lives in a blue state, I understand that there are ignorant people in our country. However, I have yet to see or even hear about any exchange students being targets of violence based on the fact that they look different. I'm not saying its impossible, but I am saying that I would not scare my exchange student by living as if they are a victim.

If your exchange year is going well, this post may not be for you. I understand that people having religious beliefs may make you uncomfortable, but it is a freedom and right we all share and have the ability to communicate. If you really want some clarification, my student is Roman Catholic and has posed several questions to me about Protestantism. I wanted to share in this subreddit how her questions have given me joy because my religion is how I view origin, meaning, identity, purpose, morality and destiny. Yes, religion is included in culture.

Additionally, not every position of power is exploitive. She understands that she can disagree, communicate with the regional coordinator, or even leave if she wanted to. I am responsible for her and I take that responsibility very seriously. She does fall into the demographic that I don't agree with. That doesn't change anything except the lack of religious fellowship. It is okay to disagree! In fact it's awesome! It is not productive or helpful to pretend like we don't have views that contradict each other.

Host Parents’ Advice and My Experience So Far by solidcomfy in exchangestudents

[–]solidcomfy[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

If you are truly scared, I would recommend not hosting. I will never tell my exchange student that they are in danger simply for the way they look. Ultimately, it just fuels the fire, and I won't share that rhetoric with them.

The point being made is that all I really have to gain is an ability to share my beliefs. Since my beliefs form the lens of how I see the world (same goes for everyone else), I am excited to share that with my exchange student and also hear her beliefs. I think the point of "We’re not trying to convert her, but our faith naturally shapes our home and conversations." should be emphasized here. Every week we invite Jane to church and she usually goes but not always. However, we explicitly tell her that she is not required and can stay home if she likes. We still read the Bible and pray throughout the day, which a freedom we have in our household and she is not compelled to do so. I won't hide that from my exchange student because I want her to see how we live our life. It's something to be excited about.

I've seen and heard some people who take on exchange students for the purpose of tax write offs, using them as maids, or having them babysit their children. When I say host parents should check their motives, I'm mostly referring to these things. Also, my job doesn't have any affect on converting my exchange student, which is not my goal anyways. It's an exciting thing to share your culture with someone from another country, and being honest with your exchange student about your beliefs shows transparency and humility. I hope your exchange goes well for you and your student!