Friendly Advice for BWF Hosts

Welcome to the BWF Family! We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to host an international scholar or student. We’re sure you have questions about how to be a great BWF host.

The first thing to remember is that BWF students are curious about our culture and how we live. They recognize that there are cultural differences and are usually prepared to be flexible. This is all new to them, though. It may be their first time away from home and their first time in a new country. Often they are very lonely and have “culture shock” at first.

Don’t feel that you have to plan something elaborate when you meet your BWF student. BWF hosts invite their students out for coffee, into their homes for an informal meal, include them in a picnic, concert, day trip, or outing. Fancy entertainment is not called for: students enjoy sharing an evening of conversation, TV or games. The time commitment is small and the rewards are great for both of you!

Here’s where to start:
Contact your student immediately (by phone or e-mail) so they will know you are eager to meet them, even if you are unable to invite them to get together right away. Students are likely to have more free time early in the semester and are more apt to be feeling lonely at this time. Your students have been sent an e-mail informing them that they have been assigned to you but they will be expecting you to contact them.

Get together. Both hosts and students lead busy lives. We suggest planning to meet your student three times during the semester. Some of these occasions may be the BWF welcome reception and the BWF fall picnic. Check the events calendar for details about upcoming events.

Offer to provide or arrange for transportation when you invite them to meet you. Most students do not have cars. Ask your students about dietary restrictions or aversions to pets. Get more detail than what was provided on their registration form.

Don’t be discouraged if your student turns down your first invitation. They often have meetings or class assignments which must come first. Try again a short time later. Send an e-mail just to say hello and give them words of encouragement.

When you meet, talk to your student about the customs, dress, food, and schools in their home country. They may also want to tell you about their families. Discussion of politics or religion should best wait until you know your guests well. Even then, it is best to maintain a tactful respect for the customs of their culture.

FAQ for BWF Hosts
Question: How often am I expected to see my student?
Answer: BWF asks that you try to see your student at least three times each semester. If both you and your student have time to get together more often, that’s great. Sometimes it’s not possible, though, because both BWF members and students are busy.

Question: What kinds of activities should I plan with my students?
Answer: The activity doesn’t have to be a big deal. For example, you can meet your student for a cup of coffee, take a walk downtown or in one of the area parks, go to a free concert in town or at the IU School of Music, have them over to watch TV or share a simple meal. Many students want to learn how to cook our foods, so you could invite them over to help you prepare a meal. Invite them to extended family activities. Don’t forget that BWF offers several events each semester. The general rule of thumb, though, is that students seem to appreciate your time as much as the event itself.

Question: What if they ask questions about financial or legal matters (apartment leases, housing, employment, co-signing for contracts, visas)?
Answer: These are questions that BWF isn’t intended to answer. Refer your student to the trained professionals at the IU Office of International Services at 855-9086.

Question: What do I do if my student asks more of me than I feel is appropriate?
Answer: The program’s purpose is to be their friend, not be at their disposal every time they need a ride to the store. Help them to become self-sufficient by showing them bus stops and ways to get to the places they like to go. Realize that they are young. Feel free to explain the extent to which you are willing to help. Kind candor is the best way to establish a good relationship.

Question: I’m confused about ambiguous responses to invitations, gift-giving practices, etc.
Answer: Every culture seems to have its own rules about social interactions such as invitations and gifts. If you do not feel comfortable discussing this with your student, please e-mail bloomingtonworldwidefriendship@gmail.com and we will try to help you.

Question: How long are we expected to host our students?
Answer: The official commitment is an academic year. However, many hosts continue their relationship well beyond the first year until the international student leaves Bloomington. The host and student make a mutual decision whether to extend the relationship or not. Additionally, many hosts keep in touch with their students long after the students return to their home countries.

If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact us at bloomingtonworldwidefriendship@gmail.com.