For many students and families, the end of the exchange program presents an unexpected challenge. Be sure to lean on your Local Coordinator during this transitional time.
As the departure date approaches, expect a wide range of possible emotions and behaviors from your student. Students often struggle with a mixture of excitement about returning home and sadness about leaving friends and their US host family behind.
Some students find the thought of separating from their host families so difficult that they unconsciously start to act out or create conflict in order to achieve emotional distance before saying goodbye.
What can I do?
You can help bring meaningful closure to the experience by talking about what each of you have enjoyed during the experience. Talk with your student about how he or she has changed since coming to your family, and share how he or she has brought change and growth to your family.
Remember: It is normal for you to experience mixed emotions as well! You have grown to care about your student, and you will likely miss him or her. But you may also look forward to being “just your family” again. These feelings are very normal.
In the end, your student simply needs to know that you send him or her home with support and well-wishes.