This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #JustACallAway #CollectiveBias
I didn’t realize how prevalent hosting exchange students was until my family started hosting about a decade ago. Through the years, I’ve met a lot of host families, and I’ve gathered some tips of the must-haves that exchange students need to go back to school. In some ways, it’s just like back-to-school shopping for your own kids, but in some ways, it’s just a little bit different, and I’m so excited to share the 5 things your exchange student really needs before they go to school in America.
When our students arrive, one of the first things we make sure they have is a welcome packet. We leave it on their bed and let each student know that they have time to go through it, and to take their time. On one side, we include information about the area, maps that might be helpful and useful (we live in a small town and do give students a map of our small town and of the greater metro area, so they can use them if they get lost, but also as souvenirs to keep or send home if they’d like). We also give some booklets that give the historical information of the area and the attractions to see nearby, mostly for a little fun reading before they tackle the intense side of the packet.
The more intense side of the packet is especially important– school enrollment forms and an offer for us to help fill out the somewhat overwhelming packet, as well as rules for our home, which includes curfew times, information about how to turn on the shower, where to find suitable breakfast foods in the house, why homework isn’t optional here (it is an option, rather than a requirement, in many countries), plus a list of our family’s phone numbers, and important phone numbers the student might need (like how to get in touch with his exchange coordinator).
Back to school supplies are often then similar to what you’d get for your own student. Your school district will likely provide a list of what each class requires, but you want to stress the importance of pens, pencils, and paper for taking notes and doing homework. Your student may say that they’ve brought some paper from home, but many countries around the world have different styles of note-taking paper (I’m not kidding. In Germany, it’s often gridded instead of lined, for example) and we’ve found that some teachers won’t accept the difference (mainly because a different size and texture could mean the homework gets lost in the shuffle). That’s why we always encourage buying some paper once they’re here.
A lunch bag or lunchbox is equally essential. While we always give our students the option to enjoy a hot lunch at school, it’s a simple fact that many students either find it expensive (most organizations people host with will require students to pay for their own school lunch, but for families to provide a sack lunch of the student chooses). I suggest a lunch box as a backup in case students decide on taking a lunch rather than eating at school. Even if students do decide to have a hot lunch, if they plan to participate in after-school activities, having a lunch bag or lunchbox may allow them to take some snacks to eat after school but before intense practice. It’s just a good idea to encourage them to have one on hand.
Many students come from different climates around the world, so it’s generally a good idea to ask about their fall and winter clothes. We’ve found that many of our students, especially from warmer climates like in Spain or Brazil, come without any fall or winter clothes. They’re just not necessary in their climate, so making sure they’re prepared with jackets and hoodies is a really great idea if you live anywhere that gets a good winter.
Finally, every student here should have a cell phone with a service provider for US Coverage. The keys to picking the perfect service is to choose one that doesn’t require a major contract and can be cancelled any time, one that has great service in your area, and one that is affordable for talk, text, and web– preferably an unlimited plan.
For that, we always head to Walmart for the Lowest Price Unlimited Plans– with unlimited talk, text, and web for only $29.88 a month for the first line. If your student has a cell phone, they offer starter packages with sim cards, or you can purchase a phone in-store, with the phone plans in the electronic department. We love that the options are quality smartphones like the Samsung Grand Prime, so students can not only keep in touch using talk and text, but also use their favorite apps to document the year and share and connect with new friends here in America. And truth be told, the more students connect with friends in America, the less likely they are to experience extreme culture shock or miss home quite as much, making their transition to the States a lot smoother.
Cell phones with unlimited talk, text, and web are important for exchange students. Why? Because they’re going to be talking and texting a LOT. Your exchange student will need a cell phone to keep in touch with you when they’re out with friends, or after a practice, or in the case of an unexpected emergency at school. It’s always good to make sure your student is connected and can get in touch, especially when plans change. Knowing you’re just a call away can help give them the peace of mind to explore and make new connections in America. Further, a cell phone is great for students to be able to make new friends; what does almost every teenager in America do non-stop? Text. Snapchat. Instagram. Facebook. Teens use phones to make their plans, and having an unlimited talk, text, and web plan is the most affordable way for your student to be able to connect with new friends. It’s just essential. Students in America use these text and data plans so much more than international counterparts, it seems, and your student may not realize at first how much they will use the service, but after a few days in school of everyone asking for their number, they’ll be attached for sure!
What’s great is that the unlimited talk, text, and data service includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data at the $29.88 price point. That means your student will have plenty of speed and ability to get in touch with you any time.
We also love the service for our own family because it’s so affordable and great quality– the perfect way for my brother to get in touch when his soccer practice ends early. Plus, unlike a traditional prepaid plan, which can get kind of pricey, Walmart Family Mobile is a post-paid plan that delivers great coverage at huge savings. Each month, you get a bill, but the great thing is that it’s no contract, which is why it’s ideal for an exchange student. Typical contract terms are simply too long for the typical 10-month academic year exchange or 5-month semester exchange, but since Walmart Family Mobile has no contracts, you can cancel anytime, so when your student leaves, they’re not left with months still on their contract.
It’s just a good idea all-around, and it’s my go-to suggestion for students.
What do you consider a back-to-school must-have, and how would you use Walmart Family Mobile to keep your entire family Just a Call Away? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/kxt3 or your local Walmart for current pricing.
