| Fourth Meeting Making the Most of Your Homestay Experience |
| Meeting new people can be an exciting and sometimes an intimidating experience - especially when “those new people” are perceived as “different”. Remember that you are “different” to them also. For this very reason, People to People was created in the 1950’s. We need to make a positive impression on all whom we meet, especially our hosts. We need to make a positive impression and also learn aspects of our culture that might draw unfavorable attention from citizens of other countries. |
| In order to have a positive experience in your homestay, generally the highlight of your travel and the best opportunity to practice cross-cultural communication and encounter real “ambassadorial” moments, remember: o the homestay is not a hotel - make your bed, pick up after yourself, offer to participate and help out whenever possible o learn as much about customs before you travel o remember that you are there to learn more o be ready to experience life in a foreign country AND to share information about the US o refrain from telephoning or meeting with the rest of the delegation - you are there to meet and interact with your homestay hosts o remember the People to People rules - always become aware of and follow house rules o that which you take for granted here at home may not be the same, or even exist at your homestay, o do not expect that your host will do your laundry nor that you should ask to do it yourself while there. o being nervous is normal - but do not let this interfere with making the most of your experience o Be your (best) self and be friendly o REMEMBER to write “thank-you” notes to your homestay family and leave with the host. President Eisenhower observed during W.W.II, that people who share daily life together form a bond with each other |
| Presentations |
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| Delegate Laurel Carter starts us off discussing the history of Ireland |
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