Have you noticed your international students struggling to connect or make friends and seems to pull back from social activities with your family and peers? It’s a normal part of adjusting to life in a new country and home, but you can help it pass.
In most cases, this struggle doesn’t last long and you can support your international student by giving them resources and support to help them connect with others.
Keep reading for our best tips on helping your international student feel connected to your family and their new community in Canada.
Homesickness vs Acculturation Homesickness
International students may struggle to make connections with your family and community because they miss home and their family. There are two types of homesickness they may experience:
- Homesickness – distress being separated from their family and home
- Acculturation homesickness – stress caused by trying to adapt to a new culture and environment (also known as “culture shock”)
Your student will likely experience one or both of these types of homesickness, but it may differ in severity and duration. Typically, homesickness lasts only a week or two, but culture shock could last longer if not addressed.
Learn more about homesickness in international students and how you can support their health and wellness while living in your home.
Give them space (and time)
Moving (even temporarily) to a new country is a big commitment, especially for a youth or young adult who may have yet to travel much. Sometimes, they just need some space and time to adjust to their new surroundings and your family.
Give them space, and you may find that within a few days (or weeks), they get to know their community and your family better, and their comfort level increases.
Peer/student mentorship
Look into peer mentorship programs for international students. Many post-secondary schools will offer official mentorship programs or ask those you know around the same age if they’ll mentor (or friend) your student.
Peers can play a crucial role in creating a comfortable environment for students to share their concerns. Students may not always feel at ease discussing their issues with adults, especially those they don’t know. However, chatting with a peer can feel less formal and more relatable, potentially encouraging students to open up about their struggles or seek advice.
Encourage them to join social or special interest clubs
If your homestay student’s apprehension or fear comes from isolation, see if there are any local social or special interest groups they may enjoy. See if your community offers a student hangout space (usually through your local parks and recreation department or community/non-profit group). These spaces typically include informal hangout areas, games, and social programs for teens or young adults.
Ask the student’s school about other clubs they host or coordinate. Remember not to force a club on the student. Respect your students’ autonomy and present them with options so they can choose one they enjoy.
Talk to your student about what activities they enjoy and help them find places (and people) to do them locally.
Friendship through food!
Food brings people together. If your students struggling to connect with your family, consider socializing through food. Everyone could make their favourite foods, including your student, and you can have a family potluck-style dinner. It’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your favourite foods to the student and for the student to share a taste of home with you.
If your student is making friends, encourage your student to invite them to the potluck. They may enjoy having others their age around.
Show an interest in their life and culture
One of the most important things you can do to make an apprehensive student feel more at home with your family is to show a genuine interest in their life and culture. Get to know your student and their culture.
You could ask them about:
- Their family routines or favourite traditions
- Activities or sports they enjoy
- Cultural traditions they enjoy most
- Their day
- “Bucket list” items they want to complete during their stay in Canada
If you show interest in your student, you help build trust, which is important for making them feel comfortable in your home.
Encourage them to call home
Don’t prevent your student from calling home if they want. Seeing and talking to their family can help put them at ease. Help your student set up video calling (Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, or WhatsApp are great, free options). If your student’s family doesn’t have access to a computer for video calls, help them get an international calling card or plan so they can call when needed.
Encourage curiosity
Encourage your student to be curious and explore. Often, this exploration will lead to discoveries of something new they enjoy. For example, if your student seems curious about what others their age do for fun, encourage them to check out local student hangouts and clubs.
How your homestay organization can help
Talk to your homestay organization if you feel your students struggling to connect and find comfort in your home and just aren’t settling in. They often have additional resources, access to counselors and coaches, and social group recommendations to help them feel comfortable.
At Harmony Homestay, we look forward to matching your family with an international student eager to experience life in Canada. We’re dedicated to providing all the support you need to welcome a student into your home.
Being a Harmony Homestay host family is a richly rewarding experience. It expands your worldview while you make an impact on a youth from another country.
If you’ve been considering opening your home to an international student, now is the time! We’re currently looking for hosts in BC and Ontario. Learn more about being a homestay host, and submit your application to get started today.
