Hosting an exchange student essentially means you have another child for the time they are here. The student becomes part of your family and you are expected to keep to your usual routines. However, we also encourage you to do some fun things that represent life in New Hampshire and that you may not normally do. Host students typically go to France and stay with the family of the student they hosted.

FAQs:

1. What do we do if our exchange student gets sick?

It is okay to give your exchange student aspirin and ibuprofen. At school, the nurse will do the same. If the situation worsens, please call Mrs. Doyle and she will have the exchange teachers come to your house to facilitate. If a situation was spontaneous and serious, visiting an emergency room or walk-in clinic is the appropriate action to take. Please be sure to call Mrs. Doyle as soon as you can. She will contact the exchange teachers and they will meet you at the hospital or clinic.

2. Do we provide lunches during school days?

Yes, host families provide lunches on school days. This includes school days at BHS and trips that the exchange student goes on. Exchange students can either bring a bag lunch or use the host student’s meal card when at BHS. For trips, please pack a lunch for your exchange student.

3. What if the BHS student is an athlete?

This is not a problem. Many of our host students in the past have been athletes. The host students can watch practice or hang out with friends of the host student. Sometimes, several exchange students are waiting for practice to end and one host family will keep them all or the students hang out together at school. Talk to your exchange student and make a plan. In unique circumstances, exchange students have participated in practices when they are familiar with the sport. Always speak to the coach first; they have the final say in these situations.

4. Do BHS students go on the day trips during school?

No, the BHS students remain in class when the exchange students go on the day trips. There may be one or two trips that open up to BHS students, but they are optional and not required. If the trips do open for BHS students to attend, we notify both students and parents about the opportunity and then wait for the students to confirm that they want to go. In the past, about a third to half of the students elected to remain at school.

5. Are there any cultural differences we should be aware of:

Yes. Students from France will feel obligated to eat everything you give them or what they get at a restaurant. Be mindful of this and remind them when at a restaurant, they don't need to finish all the food. The portions will be bigger than they are used to. Secondly, they will not ask for more food at home unless it is offered first.

French Exchange Group in Boston