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

What happens when you open up your curiosity as a student or as a homestay parent? Education is essentially curiosity. We love this perspective from our guest on the show today. We really enjoyed our chat with Greg Demmons, who currently serves as the Vice-President of the Co-op Board and the original founder of Real English Victoria. He's learned a lot of lessons through teaching English since 2003, with 10 of those years in Japan and South Korea. He's passing on this unique perception to you and sharing his way of thinking has really opened up our frame of mind when it comes to how we approach students and where the students are coming from. It's this open dialogue and acceptance of our differences that make these experiences of hosting international students a two-way street for learning; for both the student and the host family. You're going to love Greg's attitude and love for learning, along with his strategies on how creativity enriches your homestay experience.

**Key Points From This Episode:** * Erin is a picky parker _#myvanisabiggirl_ * Greg tells us what is unique about Real English Victoria (REV). * REV operates like a family. _#wecanfeelthewarmth_ * We talk about homestays becoming business conscious. _#treatstudentslikeyourownkids_ * Encourage creativity! (There is lego on the walls!) * Greg's tips for homestay families to combat shyness. * Greg's tactics to get students to use/speak English. * We talk about the main fear students have before arriving in Canada. * Canada as superior homestay experiences. _#wejustwanttohearyourstory_ * We talk about the importance of being yourself, open and confident. * Greg's advice for homestay dads. * Greg shares a story about a past student. _#canadiansarekind_ * How can we best help our students? We talk about making mistakes as a vehicle. _#killche-myun_ * Greg's Top 5 Activities for Homestay Parents.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Real English Victoria Instagram: @realenglishvictoria Facebook YouTube Twitter: @realenglishvic Greg's Blog Che-myun

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And we're back! Thanks for listening to the show and being so patient waiting for new episodes. In this episode, we go through what happened and why we (mostly Mary) needed this unexpected break. In these moments, Mary realized how important rest is and wanted to share how this impacted the arrival of her sister's student. Mary gives tips on watching out for signs of burnout and what you can do for yourself to get some self care and rest.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Rainbow Brite!

_#sharethecartoons #itscalledasprite_ * Erin always appreciates Mary's handknits. _#matchtheglasses_ * We talk about knitting as a brain break. * Mary gives an update on her sister's student and the reason for our break. * We talk about acknowledging when you need help. * Mary explains why our brains lie to us all the time. * We discuss resting tips. * Erin shares her experience with a student who would not rest. * What are the signs of burnout? * Mary gives sleep ritual tips. * We play a game!

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Insight Timer App The Cognitive Shuffle

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Oh why hello there! Mary here dropping in for a quick hello! We had an unexpected break with family emergencies for me and then I forgot about spring break for Erin, so we're just getting back into the recording and planning mode. We've got a great interview lined up for you on April 15th, but a week before THAT is when we'll be back with new episodes and we'll get into more details about what I was going through and how it pertains to hosting students or life in general! Thanks for subscribing to the show and we'll see you on April 8th. In the meantime, you can catch up on past episodes or chat with us on Instagram @homestaykitchen. Talk to you soon!

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

Join our conversation! Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestaykitchen Facebook: www.facebook.com/homestaykitchen

In this episode, we take you through the process of getting ready for the arrival of your student. Is the student bedroom made up? Got that extra house key ready? Those are just two main things you should have set up, but yes, of course, there's always more. We've got lots of tips for welcoming your student into your home, culture, and a whole new country. Plus, Erin's got some homework for you and your new student. Don't worry, there won't be a pop quiz.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Erin is undercaffeinated.
• We revisit the "happenings" in Erin's household over the last few days. #justkeepgoing
• Erin shares what she puts in her welcome baskets for new students.
• Welcome sign for greeting your student at the airport.
• House rules/Welcome letter - #practicalMary's rundown of info to include.
• Erin has homework for you and your new student.
• We cover the first few days with your student.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Bob Ross Quotes Jenny's recommendations for restaurants in Victoria

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In this episode, we are celebrating Chinese New Year. This year for 2019, CNY lands on February 5th and it's the Year of the Pig. In Mary's family, her big thing is her family's New Year's Eve dinner and since Erin has a Chinese student, we celebrated a pre-New Year's dinner at her house. We brought our recording equipment, but there was a recording malfunction, so there were only a couple of clips we could use. So we lost some thoughts from the two students we cooked with. However, we did have a rice intervention with Erin as we go through how to properly prepare rice in the Chinese tradition. If you're looking for a way to celebrate with your Chinese international student, this is an episode for you! Or if you just like food, this one is good too. We also share what it's like to introduce a different food culture to young kids and how cake is not really your traditional "cake" in its Asian form. Gung Hay Fat Choy; wishing you prosperity and luck for the coming year!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Gung Hay Fat Choy. It's the Year of the Pig.
• When is Chinese New Year? Ask your Chinese friend!
• It all started with grocery shopping.
• How does Mary rate Erin's driving skills?
• Mary gives tips on how to pick fresh fish. #isitmooshy
• The Rice Debate. Mary defends white rice.
• A few confessions and several interventions. Erin fesses up.
• On the topic of confessions… What happened to the audio equipment? #igavesuchgoodaudio #mybuttruinedeverything
• Descaling the fish.
• We talk about the dishes and all the ingredients.
• We discuss ground rules for next year's dinner.
• Mary tries to make Erin cry, but Erin turns the table on Mary!
• We go over red envelope etiquette.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Chinese New Year food symbolism

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In this episode, Erin gets ready to say goodbye to one of her long-term students. To Mary's surprise, Erin didn't cry during the episode, but trust that this is an emotional experience for Erin who bonded so deeply with her homestay daughter. Before we get to that experience and what Erin has planned for her goodbye, we take a look at Mary's more practical and level headed approach. She's not a hugger, but she may be turning to the dark side. We've got a bonus for you in this episode too! If you need a rundown of what to check before a student leaves your home, we've got one for you! Just head over to the show notes for this episode on our website and you can download a mini-roadmap for your student's departure.

Key Points From This Episode:

• It is known that Mary has a bubble. Today Mary reveals herself to be practical and level headed. All good things to be sure. But can Mary hug? #didnotgrowupwithhugging
• Mary shares a story about the one thing she forgot when dropping a student off at the airport.
• We share some of our goodbye stories.
• Erin shares the rituals and traditions they have lined up in the week leading up to Yoko's departure.
• We talk about goodbye gifts for students… and Mary goes on a sidenote tangent! (Erin thinks it could be Mary's first ever tangent… how exciting!) #keepthegiftssmall
• Erin shares one of the favourite gifts she likes to give students… and how you can learn from her mistakes.
• Airport drop offs. We talk about the options and Erin shares her plans for Yoko.
• Practical Mary shares her tips and checklist for before a student leaves your home.
• Erin goes on a tangent about the time a coworker forgot an important item before taking a trip together.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Schleich figurines Student Departure Checklist Supernatural - Carry on My Wayward Son

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In this episode, we steer you through the journey of applying to become a homestay host to an international student. It's quite the process as you do need to be vetted to host students, especially underage students, but don't let that scare you. Every school will have a different protocol, but there is an application process you should go through. Once that is done, the rest of your homestay adventure will be less stressful. So grab a pen and get ready to jot some notes down on becoming a homestay host!

Key Points From This Episode:

• We take you through the application process on becoming a homestay host.
• We discuss different schools and hosting opportunities and how to find them. #googleisyourfriend
• Mary shares how she navigates household rules (like smoking).
• Erin shares her experience with home visits… and the reason she didn't "mesh" with one of the coordinators.
• We talk about the student matching process.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Scaredy Squirrel books

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In this episode, we are refreshed from our break and ready to tackle the fear of having a student in your home for the very first time. If one of your goals for the year is to become a homestay host, we help you dive into the unknown. What is it really like to have a stranger in your house? How do you get around that fear? Should you really be hosting a student then? We share our thoughts to help you navigate that fear. Whether you are a family with or without kids or you only have a short amount of time to host vs a year-round student, we give you the basics to help you decide if this is the cultural experience that's right for you. And we hope it is! Let us know what your fears are and if we've helped in any way by emailing us at [email protected] or find us on Instagram! First, let's talk resolutions and how we were never built for this kind of commitment.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mary does not like to match. She values sleep above all. #twinningisnotherthing
• Erin's girls get mistaken for twins.
• We reminisce about the break.
• New Year's resolutions - they're not really for us!
• Erin talks about the one resolution she was successful in keeping. #itannoysherfamilytonoend
• The following year broke Erin.
• Mary talks about how she's not a good goal setter.
• Which activity does Mary struggle most to complete? #nopatience #wouldratherbeknitting
• Erin's new resolution is to find a solution for Mary.
• We answer Katharine's question (from Instagram) about how to get rid of the fear of having a stranger in your home for the first time.
• Mary talks about what helped ease her mind before hosting her first student.
• Erin shares how hosting students has benefitted her children.
• There are homestay situations for every walk of life.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Yarn Harlot books

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Thanks for being a subscriber to our show! Sorry, no new episode this week, but we'll be back on January 14th, 2019. Just a quick update about us from Mary to you!

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

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It's the end of 2018... and like everyone else, Erin and Mary reflect on new beginnings, growth, health, and some soul-satisfying decisions that were made in the past year. We also awaken our appreciation for our relationships... to our family, each other, and of course, our students. We get tuned-in on how these partnerships are ever-expanding our lives for the better. So thank you. Thank you for listening, subscribing to the show, and hopefully laughing along with us. We've got some ideas for next year already, but remember, if you have any show ideas, questions or stories to share, email us at [email protected]. That's also a great way to connect if you want to be on the show! We'd love to have you! So Happy New Year to you, whether you are a homestay parent or student! Here's to an adventurous, fearless, and nurturing 2019!

Key Points From This Episode:

• We reflect on 2018.
• Mary's eczema #shehasntscratchedtoday
• Saying goodbye to students is hard… especially for kids. #hugagiraffe #weareaninternationalfamily
• Do you have pets? Erin doesn't. She shares the story about the time "Candy the cat" got stuck up a tree. #isshecrying
• Erin's family getaway to the beach in Parksville. #goatonaroofincoombs
• Erin's youngest daughter donated her hair and fundraised money for Wigs for Kids BC. #neverhadahaircut #itsnotwhatyouhaveitswhatyougive #wigsforkidsbc
• Mary was downsized from her job in radio.
• The reasons we launched the podcast. #storiesthatwetelleachother
• Mary is coming up on an anniversary.
• What will next year bring?

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Wigs for Kids BC

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