The Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study Abroad

When you decide to host international students in your home, it's not an easy decision, especially if this is your first time. And even if you have hosted before, sometimes you've got to weigh the pros and cons. There are so many details that could be overlooked and really, you don't know what you don't know. So we tapped into the knowledge of Tatiana Robertson, who has hosted short and long term students from all over the globe for over seven years.

In today's episode, we chat with Tatiana, whom Erin crowned the Master Host Mom, not once, but twice in our conversation. Hear her tips on what to do when your student first arrives at your home. She dives deep into responsibilities and obligations as a host and how cultural expectations play a major role in the success of your homestay experience. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tatiana tells us about her hosting history.
• We lift the lid on what hosting is like with young children of your own.
• Hosting boys vs. girls. What are some of the differences?
• Looking back… why does Mary feel sorry for one student she hosted?
• We talk about trying to get boys to open up and communicate. #hostingshorttermvslongterm
• Find out why Erin crowned Tatiana Master Host Mom! Tatiana's tips on how to set up your home (and relationship) for success.
• We talk about the difficulties students experience when trying to understand how young children speak.
• We discuss homestay hosts' general responsibilities - the fine line between being a parent and being a host parent. #clearlydefineyourexpectations
• Tatiana dives deep into the importance of managing cultural expectations and how they play a major role in the success of your homestay experience.
• Why it's important to work with a good agency.
• Tatiana shines a light on the warning signs to look out for if your student is suffering from mental health issues. #itsoktonotbeok
• Tatiana shares her experience of being on the 'other' side of hosting… as a natural parent.
• Life lessons… the one rule Tatiana broke, and why she will never do it again.
• The crazy way one student ruined Tatiana's microwave.
• Creating family traditions with students.
• Get ready Japan! Mary is coming and she's ready to hug (almost).
• Tatiana's tips for up and coming homestay hosts.

Links: Oak Bay Recreation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tea.robber/

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What are some of your favourite things? Things to indulge in, to keep you calm, or things that you love and won't give up. What can't you live without?

In this episode, we go through some of our favourite things. Whether they are student-related or personally loved by us, we share what keeps our hearts-a-flutter. Full disclosure, there's a lot of food-related items. So get to know us and then let us know if you love the same things. Or if you have something that we need to know about. Maybe one of our future favourite things is actually one of yours that we don't know about yet. So please let us know what you love to keep your life buzzing. Email us or find us on Instagram! We'd love to know. Thanks!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What's the one thing Erin can't live without?
• A devastating loss mourned. Erin reflects on parenting with patience.
• Erin's absolute favourite household item.
• Mary reveals her favourite beverage.
• Which leads Erin to ask… what drink does Mary miss most?
• Our next item is both economical and a breeze to clean up in the kitchen.
• Mary on her love for small appliances. #howmanydoesshehave
• The rice intervention continues! Mary educates Erin about cooking with a rice cooker. When will Erin learn?
• What item can Mary not live without? (Hint: it has a catchphrase!)
• We talk tech. Get ready to download some apps!
• Speaking of food… how has Erin "corrupted" her students?
• What's on our screens? We chat about our favourite shows to watch with students.
• The must have item for every girl.
• Getting to the end of the day… we discuss relaxation.
• What idea of Mary's has Erin stolen? It's our favourite thing!

Links:

Tazo Chai Via Venezia Green Lake Kispiox Valley IKEA Cheese Grater Martin Yan Google Translator Google Maps Grammarly Instagram WhatsApp Line Blue Cheese Dressing Game of Thrones The Walking Dead Alias New Girl Gilmore Girls The Vampire Diaries Bones Insight Timer App The Cognitive Shuffle

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This is part two of our conversation with Jennifer Wilson, the Managing Director of the Canada Homestay Network. As relationship experts, they are not only working with you as a homestay host, but also juggling relationships with agencies, student's parents, and of course, the students themselves. However, in this episode, we hear how Jennifer's role reverses by sharing her experience of being a parent sending her daughter to study abroad. Plus, we discuss the future of the homestay industry, and dive more into common issues that hosts might navigate through during their homestay hosting journey.

Jennifer Wilson is the Managing Director for the Canada Homestay Network. After retiring from practice as a Registered Midwife in 2005, Jennifer joined the family business. She holds an MBA with a specialization in Leadership and is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow. As a second-generation leader of CHN, Jennifer is passionate about creating opportunities for building relationships, and believes that homestay offers a unique opportunity for all of us to break down cultural barriers and make the world a smaller place.

Key Points From This Episode:

• We chat about some of the common challenges homestay families have.
• We talk about bathrooms and Jennifer shares one shocking story.
• We discuss cultural personal hygiene habits.
• Jennifer talks about her first exchange trip abroad as a teenager. #billeting
• Jennifer remembers the first student her family hosted. #lifechangingimpressions
• Jennifer shares her experience of being a natural parent sending her daughter to study abroad.
• Wondering how to make your short-term student's experience fun and successful? Jennifer gives us some tricks.
• Jennifer talks about trends in the homestay industry.
• We wouldn't be The Homestay Kitchen if we didn't talk about food. Erin gets hungry hearing about all of Jennifer's favourite foods to serve her students.

Links: The Canada Homestay Network

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How do you build a successful relationship with homestay students? You ask the experts. In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Wilson, the Managing Director of the Canada Homestay Network. As a second-generation leader of the Canada Homestay Network, Jennifer is passionate about creating opportunities for building relationships, and believes that homestay offers a unique opportunity for all of us to break down cultural barriers and make the world a smaller place.

In part one of this two-part interview, we learn about this non-profit society, discuss common issues hosts go through, and how the process for matching students with hosts works.

We learned a lot during this conversation and we hope you do too! So grab something to take notes with and maybe a good cuppa tea or coffee and let's settle in with Jennifer Wilson.

Jennifer Wilson is the Managing Director for the Canada Homestay Network. After retiring from practice as a Registered Midwife in 2005, Jennifer joined the family business. She holds an MBA with a specialization in Leadership and is always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow. As a second-generation leader of CHN, Jennifer is passionate about creating opportunities for building relationships, and believes that homestay offers a unique opportunity for all of us to break down cultural barriers and make the world a smaller place.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jennifer tells us how the Canada Homestay Network, a family organization, began.
• How the Canada Homestay Network differs from a homestay coordinator at a school.
• Jennifer speaks about their organizational values and why the Canada Homestay Network is a non-profit society.
• The qualities Jennifer looks for in host families.
• Jennifer touches on some great values and reasons to host.
• We chat about how to support host families. #pleasecall #askforsupport
• Jennifer dishes on some common issues homestay families face.
• Jennifer's tips to bond with your new student.
• Side note: Jennifer shares her own experience travelling #comfortfood
• Jennifer's tips for homestay hosts at the beginning.
• We discuss emergency procedures… they are important to go over.
• Curfews, homework help and a social life.
• Managing academic issues when you're not the parent.
• Jennifer drills down on what it means to be a custodian, guardian and/or a parent. What are the responsibilities? #nosurprises
• Jennifer reveals some of the reasons why a student may no longer be suitable for homestay.
• What is homestay about?
• Jennifer talks about relocation rates with homestay.
• We talk about the student and host matching process.
• Jennifer shares her perspective on some of the challenges that they face as an organization.
• Jennifer opens up about the variables at play when students need to relocate homestay families.

Links:

The Canada Homestay Network

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So with summer here in the Northern Hemisphere fading away, it signals the time for back to school. Which means previous students have left and new students are arriving. What does that mean for your family? Students arrive all throughout the year, but summer and September are the high seasons for student arrivals.

In this episode, we talk through what has happened in our homestay lives since our last episode, what is to come for the new school year, and how nerve-wracking it can be for students who navigate airports all on their own. What has your experience been during the summer or this new school year? We'd love to hear about it, so please email or message us!

Now, let's get to the stories. We share a summer worth of travel through Erin's family getaway and Mary's solo travel experience.

Key Points From This Episode:

• We're back! We talk about the reasons for our extended break. #maryleftnotes
• Has Erin told you about Fat Baby? She went on an adventure. #happyfionasbirthday

• Erin's family road trip to Manitoba. #theviewfromtheroad #beatgooglemapstime

• We talk Twister.
• How many Gulf Islands are there? Erin's Saturna Island family getaway.

• Ear piercing vs. wasp stings. Which hurts more?
• Erin shares how meaningful it was to meet (and host) their German student's family. #areallystrongbond
• How do you prepare your young children to welcome a new student? Erin gets ready to host again.

• Erin chats about the ways she celebrated her brand new student's birthday.
• We talk about navigating an airport on your own. Mary's first solo travelling experience. #airporttravelisstressful
• Mary gives an update on her business, family and recovery.
• Is Mary hosting now?
• Mary gives an update on her sister's student.
• Erin's update on the new students she is hosting. #feelslikefamily

Links: About Berenguer Dolls Jane the Virgin Twister Gulf Islands Google Translate The Terminal

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We are taking a couple weeks off to be out in the sunshine, experience a little bit of travelling, and visiting family, so no new episodes this week. In the meantime, I just wanted to pop in quickly and say thank you for subscribing to the show and we will be back in time for the upcoming school year - before August is finished. Time to already think about your upcoming students arriving for the new school year... Or perhaps you are doing a quick short stay placement in August. Or enjoying a student free summer... Whatever it is you are doing this time of year, we hope you enjoy it and just keep going! Have fun! Talk soon!

For full show notes and to learn more about the show, please visit www.homestaykitchen.com

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What if we had a day to celebrate our world's diversity by bringing the world to your doorstep? Well you're in luck. World Student Day is on July 26th, 2019. This free public event is happening across Canada brought to you by Languages Canada, the voice of the Canadian language education sector.

On today's episode, we bring you Felicity Borgal and Linda Auzins from Languages Canada. Felicity has been with Languages Canada for over six years and she is now the Officer for Research and Special Projects. This is the sixth year that Felicity has coordinated the World Student Day event in Canada. Linda was the first employee of Languages Canada and she's been involved with the evolution of standards for language programs, especially those around homestay. Linda is often consulted when there are issues with homestay hosts.

So listen in on how World Student Day impacts the students you host and how you can join in on the free fun if it's hosted in your city. Then listen in on how Languages Canada believes the safety of students is paramount and how that pertains to host families, just like you.

Felicity Borgal has been with Languages Canada for over six years, starting as an administrative assistant. She is now the Officer for Research and Special Projects. This is the sixth year that Felicity has coordinated the World Student Day event in Canada.

Linda Auzins, based in Aldergrove (British Columbia), was the first employee of Languages Canada and previously worked for 10 years for Canadian Association of Private Language Schools which merged with another association to form Languages Canada in March of 2008. For the past eleven years as the Director of Member Services for Languages Canada, Linda has managed member services, and provides board and committee support for the Membership / Conference Committee, Quality Assurance Committee, and the BC Chapter. She's been involved with the evolution of standards for language programs, especially those around homestay. Linda is the initial point of contact for most general and member inquiries and often consulted when there are issues with homestay hosts.

Key Points From This Episode:

• We chat about how World Student Day started.
• Felicity gives us the scoop on all the (free) fun we can expect at #wsd2019.
• We discuss some of the biggest misunderstandings and myths of the industry.
• Linda and Felicity share their perspectives about the benefits and value international students bring to our country.
• How did Languages Canada come to be? Linda has been there since the beginning.
• Linda outlines how Languages Canada supports students by setting standards for homestay and providing quality assurance.
• We talk about some of the issues reported to Linda regarding homestay placements.
• Felicity shares her homestay/exchange experience.
• Linda reminisces about her first interactions with international homestay students.
• Is hosting international students in your future? #thestarshavetoalign
• Linda enlightens us on how homestay is changing.
• We talk food!

Links: Languages Canada Twitter Languages Canada Instagram Languages Canada Facebook Languages Canada World Student Day World Student Day 2018 Video How to start hosting international students today

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Homestay families can be any structure you can think of. Older couples with room in their home, singles, parents with or without kids; as long as you have a spare room and are welcoming to people into your home, you can host! However, if you have kids, hosting students can really be a way to include teachable moments for your own children. There's a whole world that opens up for your kids. Whether it's the global community or the little world within a child's mind, people grow more fully with an expanded mindset when the world is at your doorstep.

In this episode, we take a look at how students have impacted our own children and the benefits that come along the way.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kira makes an appearance on the show.
• Homestay Kitchen update:
  • Find out what Mary and Erin had for lunch.
  • Erin was a gullible child.
  • What did Blake (almost) get in trouble for at the supermarket?
  
  
• Erin mentions sibling/student relationships in her home.
• Mary talks about how Kira bonds with students.
• Stuffed animals as a window into the secret world of children.
• We discuss empathy and the opportunity to use the student as a vehicle for teachable moments for our own children.
• Erin shares a story of how one of her students took on a big sister role.
• How has hosting students impacted Erin's children? She shares one sweet way they've helped students.
• What is one reason Mary loves hosting students?
• Erin talks about the importance of helping others.
• We chat about the negative impacts of hosting on our children.
• Erin offers suggestions and strategies for Mary.
• Erin's daughter Fiona and her 'takeaway' from hosting and what it means for Fiona and her teenage years.
• We make predictions about what our children will be like in the future and reflect on how hosting impacts and shapes them.

Links: Canada Day episode

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Hot town, summer in the city! This time of year is perfect for heading outside, exploring our natural playground, and taking in all the great summer events that are ideal to be a tourist in your own hometown with your international student. If you've been wanting to get your feet wet with becoming a homestay host, this is the ideal time. It's when students are travelling during the school break or have summer holidays with their school groups. International programs are usually in high demand for great host families. So take the plunge and get started hosting. Listen in and we'll show you how!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mary gave Erin a new toy. #hearherjoy
• Erin gives an update on her busy, emotional week.
• We chat about our summer plans.
• Wondering how to get started hosting today? We give tips.
• First up - the criminal record check.
• Doing your due diligence: how to choose your student provider.
• Our advice for filling out the application form.
• Erin's spirited plea about the one area you should not skimp on when filling out your application form.
• Where to find your students.
• How to prepare your home and family for a student.
• We discuss the financial reality of hosting students and the importance of treating students like a member of your family.
• We share our personal age preferences for hosting.
• We talk about the reasons why summer is the perfect time to start hosting.

Links: Canada Homestay Network Victoria International Education Financial Reality of Hosting Students Our conversation with Greg Demmons

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There is a very famous "I am Canadian" rant that went along with a beer commercial back in the late '90's. In the same vein, in this episode we talk about how we love all things Canadian. It's Canada Day and we are proud Canadians who will share with you some of our favourite or well-known Canadian musicians, inventions, and of course, we wouldn't be the Homestay Kitchen without talking about food. We also shed light on why we are so apologetic, friendly, and full of multiculturalism. So sit back and enjoy this, our reason of why we are Canadian; as the rant goes, "I believe in peacekeeping, not policing. Diversity, not assimilation. And that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal!" Happy Canada Day!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What happened yesterday? It's our Groundhog Day.
• We have summer colds. #justkeepgoing
• We chat about Canada Day.
• Mary's family emigrated from China. She shares what being Canadian means to them.
• We talk about Canada being a country of immigrants. #weareamosaic #shinebright
• All the reasons we are so apologetic. #imsorry
• We talk about the reasons international students choose Canada.
• We share stories about how our neighbours have helped us in times of need.
• How Canada is seen internationally.
• Do you know all the Canadian inventions? #erinisjonsnow
• Erin gets really excited about butter tarts!
• Side note: Erin shares the story about why Blake hates raisins.
• Mary tries to convince Erin to eat poutine.
• Erin's rant: she tries to convince Mary to watch Gilmore Girls.
• We chat about some of the most memorable Canadians.
• Erin gets Mary to sing!
• Mary fesses up about the very Canadian habit of her childhood.
• Erin shares a small town story of community and connection.
• "Oh I know some people in Canada!" Mary shares a serendipitous story.
• What's on Mary's BBQ this Canada Day? #wegettherecipe
• The benefits of talking to strangers.

Links: I am Canadian Rant Butter tarts Poutine Justin Bieber Drake Celine Dion Gord Downie Tessa Virtue Scott Moir Kiefer Sutherland Tommy Douglas Designated Survivor Sandra Oh Killing Eve Bob and Doug McKenzie Gilmore Girls Mary's Maple Pork Tenderloin Recipe The Benefits of Talking to Strangers

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