Guide for Hosts

leave them to find food themselves, they may wait
to be offered something every time.
“Comfort foods” can go a long way for world
travelers! You might want to buy your student
something familiar from home from time to time. If
you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider
asking your student to dinner at a restaurant
serving cuisine from their country. This can be a
fun evening of role-reversal: you can be the visitor
and they can be the guide.
Conversation
Not surprisingly, students are often apprehensive
and insecure about expressing themselves in
English. Please be patient, and ready for
misunderstandings!
Our students have come to Canada precisely to
become more confident and assertive in English,
and they need (and expect) to be able to practice
what they learn at school at home, with their hosts.
Using English Day-to-Day
You may find it helpful to include the student/s in
as many simple daily activities as possible, such as:
• conversation, especially at dinner;
• setting the table, meal preparation, gathering,
etc.;
• accompanying you on errands (a trip to the
grocery store is an interesting event for many
students and helps you to discover their favourite
foods);
• inviting your student to join you when exercising;
• watching TV programs that stimulate
conversation or sharing of ideas.
Keeping Language Practice Fresh
It is also helpful to encourage situations that will
include other members of the household, such as:
• share your family photo albums/videos
• play cards/board games (ask them to teach you
one)
• help students to plan their outings
• have a picnic with your student, instead of
staying in
• plan activities together and mark them on the
calendar: students like to know their family plans
to do things with them, and this method helps
ensure everyone is interested in the activity.
Techniques for Mutual Understanding
There are a few simple techniques to employ and
traps to avoid in facilitating communication with
your student:
• Encourage your students to talk about
themselves with open-ended questions like “What
sports do you enjoy?” or “Tell me about your
family.” Avoid yes/no questions.
• Avoid negative questions such as, “You don’t like
watching movies?” or “Didn’t you like the lasagna?”
• Avoid asking, “Do you understand?” Students will
ordinarily answer, “Yes” for the sake of harmony!
Instead, ask the student to tell you what they think
you are saying — as a test for you, not for them!
Begin by asking for help, saying, “Help me please;
tell me what you think I said.”
• Separate your words.
• Speak English at all times;
• Use idioms and slang, but explain them. Your
student will have their fill of grammar lessons at
school. They will often look to their host family to
learn how Canadians “really” speak.
• Speak slower, not louder, if your student doesn’t
understand. You can also try rephrasing the same
ideas using different words;
• Use charades, pointing and body language!
• Write items down for the student—often their
reading skills are better than their listening skills;
• Use Google to translate a word or phrase.
• Above all: smiles, laughter and genuine warmth
are known and understood in all cultures. You may
be surprised at how far these expressions will go in
avoiding and easing misunderstandings.
• If all else fails, please call CHI for assistance! We
have interpreters available and can arrange to get
our students extra help at school.
© 2011 CHI/CANADA HOMESTAY INTERNATIONAL 5