OUR GUIDELINES TO STUDENTS

You will participate in a High School Abroad with Nacel. Here are some guidelines to learn how to communicate effectively during your high school exchange program

Always discuss problems or difficulties directly with your host family first, even if your language skills are limited:

  • Respect your host family's decisions.
  • Ask their permission before undertaking any activities.
  • Communicate openly with your host family.
  • Discuss problems or difficulties with your host family first.
  • Share your feelings, thoughts, and emotions with your host family.

Support from Your Local Coordinator

Your local coordinator is there to support you and your host family. They will check in with you regularly.

Follow These Steps to Resolve Issues:

Step 1: Address the issue directly with your host family.
Step 2: Contact your local coordinator if you can't resolve it.
Step 3: Contact your local exchange organization if you need more help.

Avoid telling your natural parents about problems before discussing them with your host family or local coordinator. This can lead to complications and misunderstandings. 

Build independence

Handling small problems on your own or with your host family and local coordinator helps you build independence and problem-solving skills.

  • Your parents will be happy to see you growing and handling things on your own.
  • Talking to friends and family at home can make it harder to get used to your new place.
  • Limiting these contacts will help you focus on your exchange experience.
  • Meet your host family, make friends, and join local activities.
  • Stay focused.

The goal is not to cut off communication, but to manage it in a way that supports your development and reassures your parents. Following these guidelines will help you and your family have a better experience! 

As an exchange student, it's important to manage your communication with your natural parents. Sharing every little day-to-day concern can cause your parents unnecessary worry.

Weekly updates!

Refrain from sharing small daily problems with your parents. These small challenges are normal and can often be solved quickly.

  • Your parents will be happy to see you growing and handling things on your own.
  • We recommend you contact them once a week. This lets you reflect on the past week, discuss the big picture, and share your progress.
  • Use this weekly update to share positive experiences and moments to create a more balanced overview of your time abroad.

NACEL COMMUNICATION CHAIN

OUR GUIDELINES TO PARENTS

Encourage Direct Communication

Support and encourage your child to communicate directly with their host family and local coordinator about any issues or concerns.

Remind your child of the importance of resolving problems through the established communication chain.

Respect the Communication Process

  • Understand and respect that the program’s communication chain involves the student, host family, local coordinator, local exchange organization, and NACEL office.
  • Direct involvement from natural parents should be minimized to prevent misunderstandings.

Trust the support system

Trust the program’s support system, including the local coordinator, local exchange organization and NACEL office, to provide the necessary assistance and guidance to your child.

  • Contact NACEL office AFTER your child has attempted to resolve issues through the proper channels.
  • Take time difference, management time, and availability of the parties involved into account and do not expect immediate resolution.

Stay informed, but don't get involved.

Stay informed about your child’s experience through regular updates from the program but allow your child to handle issues independently within the established communication framework.

By following these guidelines, parents can ensure effective communication, smooth problem resolution, and a successful exchange program experience for their child!

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