Things To Do With Your Exchange Student by Lane Murray

Here at Shaker we welcome students from countries such as Germany, Japan, France, Chile (and more!) each year. This is one of those things that we as Shaker students may find completely normal, but is actually something that has shocked friends of mine from other schools in the area, much to my own surprise. Fortunately, at our school we have the experience of crossing paths with new students from other countries practically whenever we feel like it. Unfortunately, those who host these students are the ones who have to figure out how to show them the best time possible.

Thus, I bestow upon you my Starbucks secret menu of things to do with your new international best friend (that aren’t football games, museums, parties, etc.):

1.CVS

I once spent multiple hours in a CVS with my French exchange student after originally running in for one or two items. Apparently, having medicine, groceries, makeup, office supplies, and other miscellaneous shopping items all in one small store is a truly American ideal.

2. The Spontaneity Factor
Countries such as Chile and Germany have a legal driving age of 18, which makes unplanned travels, whether it be to a friends house or an all day trip, a way bigger ordeal for them than it is for us. Imagine the “Jenny’s mom can drive us there if yours can pick us up” conversation for two years longer. The mere concept that those of us with the resources can just go do things when we feel like it is a really cool advantage. 

3. Take. Advantage. Of. The. Season.

This one is obvious but essential. If it’s fall and you’re not carving pumpkins and going to haunted houses you’re  going to have google a few more To Do lists.

4. Do what’s meaningful to you!

Even if it’s not something or somewhere that you think will be the most wow-ing part of their trip, your exchange student wants to learn about and experience your life just as much as they want to do and see American things. Most likely, your favorite spot in the city or your favorite restaurant will be just as fun of a time if it’s a part of your life you want to show them.

5. Talk, chat, and email beforehand

Seriously, the only way you’re going to come up with ideas that your exchange student will specifically love, is by getting to know as much about their interests and their personality as possible. Sit around and talk about your lives and the ideas will flow, I swear.

These are just a few of the things that I did with my exchange student that ended up being way more impactful than previously anticipated. Yes, they should 100% experience the typical American things like football, our high school culture, historical sites and national parks. But if all else fails, there’s always CVS!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *