In the first few hours and days, your host family will probably ask you questions about yourself. The questions are usually about your trip, the weather in your home country, and why you decided to come to Nova Scotia to study. These questions are an expression of genuine interest. Your host family is excited to have a new member join their family. However, even with the questions, the first few hours and days may seem a little awkward. This will soon pass however and everyone will feel more comfortable as time passes on.

The first few weeks: the adjustment period

Getting active is the best way to experience new places and new things. Every place in the world is different. The lifestyles some people find normal, other people will find strange. Remember, choosing to come to Nova Scotia is an opportunity to experience something different, so relax and enjoy.

Culture shock and international students

Culture shock happens to all international students in varying degrees. At orientation NSISP representatives discuss culture shock and methods of dealing with the problem.

Four phases to be aware of

The Honeymoon
Students are excited about their new experiences and surroundings. Students will begin to associate Canada with their home country. They will also look for similarities between the two, and this helps them feel more comfortable.

Shock
Sudents start to feel a little disorientated. They will start to notice the differences between Canadian living and home. At this point the student might feel the most homesick. Most students do not display strong symptoms however some may get sleepier or need more time alone away from the host family. Keep the lines of communication open during this time as the student may want to talk about their feelings.

Recovery
Students feel more comfortable, relaxed and secure within their surroundings.

Home free
Students are now members of the family. Students will begin to enjoy the differences of their new life. They will also display more confidence and feel at home with their host family.

Students will go through these stages at different paces and some may not experience any culture shock. Culture shock is temporary for most students. With a little understanding and guidance from the host family, students can recover quickly.

Help yourself to get adjusted

Nova Scotia schools offer many extra curricular activities including sports, arts, and music. The NSISP encourages students to involve themselves in activities. International students have played on local sports teams, were involved in local music groups, and have participated in their high school theatre production, to name a few. It is important that international students meet new people and get involved in activities. It helps to make their time in Nova Scotia more memorable.

Again, this is why taking part in extra-curricular activities is part of the contract you signed when agreeing to participate in the NSISP.

Host Family Rules

Prior to undertaking this international program it is imperative that students and their parents understand that the students will be subject to the rules and procedures of their host family.

• Your host family will treat you as a regular family member.
• Students will have the same responsibilities as every other member of the family. This will include contributing to the completion of household chores, and respecting any other rules (eg: curfews) set by your host family.
• In accordance with the above, student’s liberties may vary from that which they are ordinarily accustomed in their own home. This is part of the experience. All reasonable rules must be followed.
• If there is a discrepancy students are encouraged to contact their home-stay coordinator with questions or concerns about any host family policy.
• Further, all students have a right to essential privacy in their home-stay; however the host family at their discretion reserves the right to search any room or item found within their home.

Topics/Issues you will want to discuss with your Host Family

Use of telephone

• Host families allow international students the use of their telephone and computer. Clarifying the use and rules of the telephone and computer is the responsibility of the host family.
• Most host families do not mind their student making long distance phone calls. However, if students charge long distance calls to their host family, they are responsible for paying the bill upon its arrival.
• The NSISP encourages students to invest in prepaid telephone calling cards. Many local stores sell the prepaid international and national telephone cards. The benefit for the student is they don=t owe their host family money on phone bills because they have prepaid calls.

Use of computer

• Some students bring their own laptops and others use family computers.
• It is important students understand that host families have the right and responsibility to monitor and restrict all computer use.
• Families who enforce time limits for their own children can also enforce time limits for their international students.

Student transportation

• Students can travel to and from school by school bus. There is no charge for the school bus.
• If students live in an area where public transportation is provided and they choose to use this method for travel to and from school, it is at the cost of the student.
• Host families are encouraged to, whenever possible, provide transportation to the school or other local sites to facilitate their participation in extra-curricular activities.

Problems with school or home stay . . .

If students have problems with their school or host family, they should talk about it with their Homestay Coordinator. The Coordinator takes any major problems to the NSISP Director for help in finding a resolution.