Hosting Guidelines

Posted by admin on December 9, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

HOSTING GUIDELINES

Bryan-College Station Sister Cities

Revised 1.7.10

If you and your family have agreed to be the primary host for one of the students/adults from one of our Sister Cities, please consider the following to help make the exchange successful for all:

Discuss family rules early in the visit - The guest who knows what to expect early in the visit will have a better chance of living up to expectations. This includes mealtimes, bedtimes, computer usage.
Obey the law – The legal drinking age is 21 years and the legal age for tobacco possession/use is 18 years.
Act responsibly – Fulfill your obligations as a host and be a good sport regarding your guest’s interests.
Show consideration – Allow your guest some private time according to his/her needs. It is possible that the guest will feel confused or bewildered with being many different people in an unfamiliar environment. Help your guest to get sufficient sleep to handle the challenges of each new and exciting day.
Make sure your guest is informed about what the daily schedule will be – Give him a verbal description of what is to take place. Turn any potentially embarrassing situation for your guest into a humorous one. Or, remind him of something which you have done where you were embarrassed.
Exercise tolerance – There may be marked differences in ideas or beliefs between your guest and your family. Your job is not to change your guest’s beliefs/ideas. Simply listen to differences without passing judgment.
Use your coping ability – In any tense or stressful situation, be mature and show that you can cope with humor without always having things your way.
Show enthusiasm – Things that seem simple and ordinary to you may be exciting to your guest. Try to enjoy his new discoveries. Think about things that you want to share with him that are enjoyable and don’t necessarily have a price attached.
Provide meals – Your guest will need to eat with you and your family at home or out of town. Provide a sack lunch or cafeteria lunch in school as is your custom.
Provide tickets/entry fees – Whether to games, movies, or other activities your guest is dependent on you unless another host takes responsibility for the cost.
Provide transportation – Remember that your guest has no other transportation and is strictly forbidden to drive a family or friend’s vehicle.
Telephone use – Budget for one overseas phone call by your guest to notify his family of his safe arrival. Check to cost of overseas calls prior to the visit since they can be exceedingly expensive.
Computer usage – Be specific about time limits on the computer. Sending emails will keep him family updated.
Provide small/inexpensive/thoughtful Bryan-College Station or Texas related gifts These will be appreciated by your guest and family. The best memories are often not expensive but revolve around the fun, activities, and experiences with you, your family and the group.
Provide a small amount of spending money – Assume your guest may have little or no spending money. Provide all movie admissions and entry fees. Consider how visitors from BCS were hosted in their country and treat your guest to all affordable events.