pax/yes host family orientation

PAX/YES HOST FAMILY

ORIENTATION

To foster global understanding one homestay at a time.

What is Culture?Culture is not always overtWe are all essentially ethnocentricWe observe, interpret and then actWe don’t know when we are offending othersAwareness and knowledge increase our choicesUnderstanding one’s own unique set of values, rules, and preferences is a first step

How Culturally Aware are You?Aspects of culture

Sense of Self and SpaceCommunication and LanguageDress and AppearanceFood and Eating HabitsTime and Time ConsciousnessRelationshipsValues and NormsBeliefs and AttitudesMental Process and LearningWork/Home Practices and Habits

Fears and Expectations

Goals

To identify family members’ and possible students’ fears and expectations about the hosting experience.To recognize that many families/students share these feelingsTo consider if these fears and expectations are realistic and to identify ways of dealing with them.

Write down concerns about the host experience as well as any expectations.

Rules

PAX/YES Program RulesHost Family Rules

Spoken and unspokenWhich rules are firm?Which rules are more flexible?Curfew…Telephone… Internet…

CommunicationCommunication channels between student, family, coordinator and PAX National OfficeCommunication is critical to a successful hosting experience. Host families should not treat their student as a guest, but should speak directly, clearly, and frankly from the very beginning.Communication begins by talking directly with the student. If the problem persists, the host family or student should call the Cluster Leader.As the Cluster Leader, I depend on regular communication.

Problem-Solving

Case StudiesGoals

To underscore the importance of proper communicationTo remind all that there will be challenges during their experienceExplore ways to solve problems

YES Program Students’ GoalsFirst Semester

1. Define leadership qualities.2. Choose a volunteer project (25 hrs

per semester minimum).3. School Presentation on home

country during the International Education Week in November (100% participation a must)

4. Mentoring program in the community.

YES Students’ Goals 2

Second semester1. Evaluate if any new leadership qualities

acquired or polished.2. Continue with a volunteer project (25

hrs per semester minimum)3. Take a leadership role in a school

club/team or community. 4. Send/email success stories/photos to

PAX

PAX YES “Money Matters”$300 HF incidental fund for the student.

ClothesSchool Supplies/Backpacks/SchoolbooksOther school-related expenses like field trips, etc.Maximum of $100 for prom dress$10 for watch

Make up, toiletries, jewelry, gifts, phone cards, CDs should be paid from the student’s monthly stipend.

Keep your receipts and send it with the Reimbursement Report to the National Office, attention Bea Santos.

Practical Matters

Host family handbook; Pages 31-37Any questions???

Wrap-up and Future PlansEnjoy this experience!!Contact me with any concerns, questions, etc.Would we like to get together as a group for a pot luck, etc?