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The Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadWhat Effects the Coronavirus COVID-19 Has On HomestayHelllllloooooo! Long time no chat! We were scheduled to come back in early March and then the pandemic struck. Now we are all physically distancing and staying at home, so the Homestay Kitchen had to re-work our podcasting schedule to fit our new routine. In the meantime, we thought we'd check in with you. How are you doing? Erin is now the multi-tasker extraordinaire working from home while maneuvering all five of her kids which includes two students. Mary is also navigating working from home while everyone else is also home, so finding a new routine has been challenging...
2020-04-0800 min
The Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadEnd of the Student Homestay ExperienceIt's coming to the end of the year and some students may be leaving or some students may be heading home just for the winter break. Either way, when it's time to drag the luggage out and dust off that passport, we need to start thinking about our pre-departure rituals. What is it like when your student finally leaves? What strategies are you going to put into place when it comes to saying goodbye? In this episode, we tackle the end of the student homestay experience. And since we are talking about goodbyes, the podcast is going...
2019-12-0900 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadBoundaries and Rules During Homestay ExperiencesBoundaries. We've all got them or we should all have some in place. There are limits and rules to all sorts of things during a homestay experience. Boundaries around the house, food, laundry, safety issues, and even personal boundaries. What are they and how can we enforce them? In this episode, we share our own set of boundaries and how we communicate these rules to our students. What are your boundaries around the house? What challenges do you face when applying these rules? Let us know by emailing us at homestaykitchen@gmail.com. We'd love to share...
2019-12-0200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadDealing with HomesicknessAt one point or another, whether you as the host knows it or not, your student will get homesick. Sometimes it'll show through their emotions or difference in actions. Or sometimes, it only happens when they are hidden away in their rooms, when the lights are out trying to fall asleep. When do you intervene and what do you do to alleviate homesickness? In this episode, we go through some of the stories we've had dealing with homesickness. Situations where students feel a longing or connection to someone they are missing back home. In small doses, this...
2019-11-2500 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadLong Term Students vs. Short Term StudentsSo what defines a short term student and a long term student? Mary defined a short term student as being anywhere less than 6 months, but after she said that (and even after we finished recording this episode), we were still debating what differentiated a long term student from a short term student. Any way you look at it, hosting short term students and long term students can be very different experiences. In this episode, Mary and Erin go toe to toe on the pros and cons of hosting long term students versus short term students. Have you...
2019-11-1800 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadExperiences of Being a New Homestay Host from Jennifer LongworthIn today's episode, Erin had work to do, so Mary got to chat with Jennifer Longworth from Lexington, Kentucky. A new host parent who's only hosted a total of 3 times for very short periods and all from Japan. We talk through what it's like to be a very new host and what were some of the most surprising aspects of hosting. And it wouldn't be right to talk to our fellow neighbours to the south without pointing out a couple of differences from our countries, like hockey for us and southern food for her. Our family has...
2019-11-1200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadFood & Meals for Your StudentsHow do you meal prep for your students? What do you incorporate into your meal plans for them? Food is a big factor when it comes to homestay experiences. Not only the culture of different foods to eat and explore, but also how we eat and when. In today's episode, we talk about navigating all the meals of the day including snacks and dessert. We also touch on preventing food waste and figuring out what your students like or don't like to eat. Hopefully, this episode won't make you hungry, but if it does, you can make...
2019-11-0400 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadFearless Communication Skills and Owning Your Moxie with Heather ThompsonOne of the major challenges of hosting international students is to navigate the language barrier. Communication is key to any relationship, so how do you have the confidence to speak your mind when your student doesn't speak your language? At times you need to be fearless and in today's episode we chat with Heather Thompson who shares this grit with a side of humour. Heather and her family of four has hosted 13 students over 5 years. She discusses her experience as an international student when she was young, being a host to students, and even being hosted by...
2019-10-2800 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study Abroad10 Steps of Culture ShockCulture shock can come in many different forms, not just language for international students. From food, to hygiene, and even the way people dress. It's not about what each culture is doing right or wrong, but about how things are done and are acceptable in different countries. Culture shock can be entertaining and fascinating to new students at first, but then it could also lead to confusion, feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disoriented, which could induce homesickness. So what is this cycle and what signs are we looking for? In today's episode, we go through the 10 steps of...
2019-10-2100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadCultural Expectations with Master Homestay Host Tatiana RobertsonWhen you decide to host international students in your home, it's not an easy decision, especially if this is your first time. And even if you have hosted before, sometimes you've got to weigh the pros and cons. There are so many details that could be overlooked and really, you don't know what you don't know. So we tapped into the knowledge of Tatiana Robertson, who has hosted short and long term students from all over the globe for over seven years. In today's episode, we chat with Tatiana, whom Erin crowned the Master Host Mom, not...
2019-10-1400 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadErin & Mary's Favourite ThingsWhat are some of your favourite things? Things to indulge in, to keep you calm, or things that you love and won't give up. What can't you live without? In this episode, we go through some of our favourite things. Whether they are student-related or personally loved by us, we share what keeps our hearts-a-flutter. Full disclosure, there's a lot of food-related items. So get to know us and then let us know if you love the same things. Or if you have something that we need to know about. Maybe one of our future favourite things...
2019-10-0700 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadPart 2 - Sending Your Kids to Study Abroad and the Homestay Industry with Jennifer Wilson from the Canada Homestay NetworkThis is part two of our conversation with Jennifer Wilson, the Managing Director of the Canada Homestay Network. As relationship experts, they are not only working with you as a homestay host, but also juggling relationships with agencies, student's parents, and of course, the students themselves. However, in this episode, we hear how Jennifer's role reverses by sharing her experience of being a parent sending her daughter to study abroad. Plus, we discuss the future of the homestay industry, and dive more into common issues that hosts might navigate through during their homestay hosting journey. Jennifer Wilson...
2019-09-3000 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadPart 1 - Homestay Expertise and Building Relationships with Jennifer Wilson from the Canada Homestay NetworkHow do you build a successful relationship with homestay students? You ask the experts. In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Wilson, the Managing Director of the Canada Homestay Network. As a second-generation leader of the Canada Homestay Network, Jennifer is passionate about creating opportunities for building relationships, and believes that homestay offers a unique opportunity for all of us to break down cultural barriers and make the world a smaller place. In part one of this two-part interview, we learn about this non-profit society, discuss common issues hosts go through, and how the process for matching...
2019-09-2300 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadBack to School and Navigating AirportsSo with summer here in the Northern Hemisphere fading away, it signals the time for back to school. Which means previous students have left and new students are arriving. What does that mean for your family? Students arrive all throughout the year, but summer and September are the high seasons for student arrivals. In this episode, we talk through what has happened in our homestay lives since our last episode, what is to come for the new school year, and how nerve-wracking it can be for students who navigate airports all on their own. What has your...
2019-09-1600 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadSummer HiatusWe are taking a couple weeks off to be out in the sunshine, experience a little bit of travelling, and visiting family, so no new episodes this week. In the meantime, I just wanted to pop in quickly and say thank you for subscribing to the show and we will be back in time for the upcoming school year - before August is finished. Time to already think about your upcoming students arriving for the new school year... Or perhaps you are doing a quick short stay placement in August. Or enjoying a student free summer... Whatever it is...
2019-07-2900 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadWorld Student Day with Languages CanadaWhat if we had a day to celebrate our world's diversity by bringing the world to your doorstep? Well you're in luck. World Student Day is on July 26th, 2019. This free public event is happening across Canada brought to you by Languages Canada, the voice of the Canadian language education sector. On today's episode, we bring you Felicity Borgal and Linda Auzins from Languages Canada. Felicity has been with Languages Canada for over six years and she is now the Officer for Research and Special Projects. This is the sixth year that Felicity has coordinated the World...
2019-07-2200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadImpact and Benefits for Your KidsHomestay families can be any structure you can think of. Older couples with room in their home, singles, parents with or without kids; as long as you have a spare room and are welcoming to people into your home, you can host! However, if you have kids, hosting students can really be a way to include teachable moments for your own children. There's a whole world that opens up for your kids. Whether it's the global community or the little world within a child's mind, people grow more fully with an expanded mindset when the world is at your...
2019-07-1500 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadHow to Start Hosting International Students TodayHot town, summer in the city! This time of year is perfect for heading outside, exploring our natural playground, and taking in all the great summer events that are ideal to be a tourist in your own hometown with your international student. If you've been wanting to get your feet wet with becoming a homestay host, this is the ideal time. It's when students are travelling during the school break or have summer holidays with their school groups. International programs are usually in high demand for great host families. So take the plunge and get started hosting. Listen in...
2019-07-0800 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadWe Are Canadian Through Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Being Very ApologeticThere is a very famous "I am Canadian" rant that went along with a beer commercial back in the late '90's. In the same vein, in this episode we talk about how we love all things Canadian. It's Canada Day and we are proud Canadians who will share with you some of our favourite or well-known Canadian musicians, inventions, and of course, we wouldn't be the Homestay Kitchen without talking about food. We also shed light on why we are so apologetic, friendly, and full of multiculturalism. So sit back and enjoy this, our reason of why we...
2019-07-0100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadBuilding Student Connections Through a Foundation of Boundaries with Dean FoxEach student has separate, distinct connections with every member of your family. These connections build bonds to strengthen those networks, especially in a crisis. Or perhaps those connections could never be linked. Some relationships are not meant to be and having an awareness of these friendships, or lack thereof, are key to successful placements of international students. Today, we chat with Dean Fox, a veteran homestay host with his wife and two kids. Dean shares with us his perspective of being a homestay Dad with a very practical and matter of fact frame of mind. He describes...
2019-06-2500 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadEncouraging Students to Make FriendsWith new students coming into your home, it's always tough for them to adjust to a new culture. One way we believe that will help support your students in having better success at achieving a great experience, is to make friends. Getting students to make friends is hard, especially when they are here for a short term or with a group from their own school. Coming into a new culture, having the time to settle in, and then on top of that, having to make friends can be daunting, but don't you worry. We've got tips to...
2019-06-1700 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadHomestay Family Mindset with Jodi JohlBeing a homestay parent comes with many challenges and rewards. If you are new to hosting or considering taking on this gratifying experience, you'll want to listen to our chat with seasoned host parent, Jodi Johl. Jodi has great tips for new homestay families about not overthinking it and how a joke can go a long way in settling in with your new student. She also shares how hosting students can have different choices based on your lifestyle, as she reminisces about her past students when she had little kids... to the present, transitioning to hosting while...
2019-06-1000 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadTop 5 Things To Not Do as a Homestay ParentThis episode about what not to do as a homestay parent has a lot of laughter. Not because the subject matter isn't serious, but because humour boots creativity and problem-solving. Laughter encourages risk-taking and develops thinking skills that we use to analyze situations to create more positive outcomes for you as a host and your student's experience. These tips are for all host families and cultures to help integrate your student into their new surroundings. So listen in on what you should not be doing as a homestay parent and flip that around, so that you understand what you...
2019-06-0300 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadFood Culture and Improving Your Food Relationship with Carla Beer-CarpenterFood brings people together, but what if food becomes a barrier? Eating disorders are mental health issues and some students arrive with a negative dependency on food, without you even noticing. So what are the clues? Today, we chat with Carla Beer-Carpenter, a registered dietitian for almost 30 years with a passion for helping people improve their relationship with food while working towards their health and nutrition goals. In this episode, she shares tips and signs to look out for with students who may have food-related issues. She's also been a homestay parent since 2008 and has...
2019-05-2700 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadFinancial Reality of Hosting Homestay StudentsOkay let's get real. One of the top or main reasons families participate in a homestay program is so that they can make some money or at least they think they can. Heck, it's why we both started looking into the opportunity for our own families. However, over time it becomes more than that. We've made real connections with people all around the world. But yes, in an exchange, there is a remuneration. But what does it actually cost to host a student? Have a listen to where our money goes into hosting international students and why we think...
2019-05-2000 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadPositivity, an Open Heart, and Hosting in Toronto with Rosalyn BenatarHow do your intentions bring out the best in your family to have a successful homestay experience? What differences do the big city of Toronto and the west coast of Canada provide to an international student? In this episode, we chat with Rosalyn Benatar, a recent transplant from Toronto to Victoria, BC. She shares her hosting experience from her perspective of living in the biggest city in Canada. She also reveals why you need to keep a positive attitude and an open heart when hosting international students and why your home is your sacred space, so students...
2019-05-1300 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadParenting and Being a Mom to International Students for Mother's DayMother's Day, in North America where we are and in a large portion of the world, is May 12th. To mark this occasion, we give examples of how we mother our international students... or not. It really depends on the situation, the student's needs, and your own parenting views. Whether you actually have your own kids or not, you are still a homestay parent and this comes with some responsibility. In this episode, we share our stories of Erin's way vs. Mary's way, of being a homestay Mom and the unexpected journeys it can take us on.
2019-05-0600 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadAwkwardness and Complexities on English Language and CommunicationHow do you say something in North American English versus British English? Throw in an accent and you can very well have an extremely funny scenario. In this episode, we get into the difficulties of learning English and how you need to see the humour in embarrassing situations. When your student enunciates a word differently, this could result in miscommunication. We provide plenty of examples of how saying a word slightly different can lead to some very awkward situations. But we do it all in stride with plenty of self-deprecating humour. What are some of...
2019-04-2900 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadTop 5 Reasons to Host an International StudentIn this episode, we share our top 5 reasons for hosting an international student. There are so many points, but these 5 things are the core of what we do and love. They encompass our own personal values and how those desires play a significant role in our everyday lives. Living and sharing our day to day with our students has definitely changed our outlook on a few things. What are your top 5 reasons? Or have you got a reason similar to ours? We'd love to hear about it! Email us at homestaykitchen@gmail.com or email us a voice message...
2019-04-2200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadCreativity and Curiosity for Learning English with Greg Demmons From Real English VictoriaWhat happens when you open up your curiosity as a student or as a homestay parent? Education is essentially curiosity. We love this perspective from our guest on the show today. We really enjoyed our chat with Greg Demmons, who currently serves as the Vice-President of the Co-op Board and the original founder of Real English Victoria. He's learned a lot of lessons through teaching English since 2003, with 10 of those years in Japan and South Korea. He's passing on this unique perception to you and sharing his way of thinking has really opened up our frame of mind when...
2019-04-1500 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadRest for ProductivityAnd we're back! Thanks for listening to the show and being so patient waiting for new episodes. In this episode, we go through what happened and why we (mostly Mary) needed this unexpected break. In these moments, Mary realized how important rest is and wanted to share how this impacted the arrival of her sister's student. Mary gives tips on watching out for signs of burnout and what you can do for yourself to get some self care and rest. Key Points From This Episode: Rainbow Brite! _#sharethecartoons #itscalledasprite_ * Erin always appreciates Mary’s handknits. _#matchtheglasses_ * We...
2019-04-0800 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadReturning April 8th, 2019Oh why hello there! Mary here dropping in for a quick hello! We had an unexpected break with family emergencies for me and then I forgot about spring break for Erin, so we're just getting back into the recording and planning mode. We've got a great interview lined up for you on April 15th, but a week before THAT is when we'll be back with new episodes and we'll get into more details about what I was going through and how it pertains to hosting students or life in general! Thanks for subscribing to the show and we'll see...
2019-04-0100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadYour Student Arrival Guide with a Homework AssignmentIn this episode, we take you through the process of getting ready for the arrival of your student. Is the student bedroom made up? Got that extra house key ready? Those are just two main things you should have set up, but yes, of course, there's always more. We've got lots of tips for welcoming your student into your home, culture, and a whole new country. Plus, Erin's got some homework for you and your new student. Don't worry, there won't be a pop quiz. Key Points From This Episode: Erin is...
2019-02-1100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadChinese Food Culture and Cooking with Students for Chinese New YearIn this episode, we are celebrating Chinese New Year. This year for 2019, CNY lands on February 5th and it's the Year of the Pig. In Mary's family, her big thing is her family's New Year's Eve dinner and since Erin has a Chinese student, we celebrated a pre-New Year's dinner at her house. We brought our recording equipment, but there was a recording malfunction, so there were only a couple of clips we could use. So we lost some thoughts from the two students we cooked with. However, we did have a rice intervention with Erin as we go...
2019-02-0400 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadEmotional Bonds and Departure Rituals For When Students Are LeavingIn this episode, Erin gets ready to say goodbye to one of her long-term students. To Mary's surprise, Erin didn't cry during the episode, but trust that this is an emotional experience for Erin who bonded so deeply with her homestay daughter. Before we get to that experience and what Erin has planned for her goodbye, we take a look at Mary's more practical and level headed approach. She's not a hugger, but she may be turning to the dark side. We've got a bonus for you in this episode too! If you need a rundown of what to...
2019-01-2800 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadApplying To Be A Homestay HostIn this episode, we steer you through the journey of applying to become a homestay host to an international student. It's quite the process as you do need to be vetted to host students, especially underage students, but don't let that scare you. Every school will have a different protocol, but there is an application process you should go through. Once that is done, the rest of your homestay adventure will be less stressful. So grab a pen and get ready to jot some notes down on becoming a homestay host! Key Points...
2019-01-2100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadResolutions, Goal Setting, and Fears for Hosting Your First International StudentIn this episode, we are refreshed from our break and ready to tackle the fear of having a student in your home for the very first time. If one of your goals for the year is to become a homestay host, we help you dive into the unknown. What is it really like to have a stranger in your house? How do you get around that fear? Should you really be hosting a student then? We share our thoughts to help you navigate that fear. Whether you are a family with or without kids or you only have a...
2019-01-1400 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadStill On Break - Bonus Episode 1Thanks for being a subscriber to our show! Sorry, no new episode this week, but we'll be back on January 14th, 2019. Just a quick update about us from Mary to you! For full show notes and to learn more about the show, please visit www.homestaykitchen.com Join our conversation! Email: homestaykitchen@gmail.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestaykitchen Facebook: www.facebook.com/homestaykitchen
2019-01-0700 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadReflection on Relationships, New Beginnings, Health and Soul-Satisfying DecisionsIt's the end of 2018... and like everyone else, Erin and Mary reflect on new beginnings, growth, health, and some soul-satisfying decisions that were made in the past year. We also awaken our appreciation for our relationships... to our family, each other, and of course, our students. We get tuned-in on how these partnerships are ever-expanding our lives for the better. So thank you. Thank you for listening, subscribing to the show, and hopefully laughing along with us. We've got some ideas for next year already, but remember, if you have any show ideas, questions or stories to share, email...
2018-12-3100 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadSharing Holiday and Christmas Traditions with Students Who Study AbroadIn this episode, we reveal our Christmas past, present and future with our international students. Mary shares her non-Christmas household, but reveals the little things she likes to do for the holidays. While Erin knows something will come together at the last minute for her family's Christmas dinner. Listen for tips on what to do with students while keeping to a budget and a list of all our favourite holiday movies. Plus, how do the holidays differ in their student's home countries? We find out about a Japanese tradition that is finger lickin' good! Whatever holiday you celebrate this...
2018-12-2400 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadDiversity, Discrimination, and Balancing Canadian and Japanese Studies with YokoIn this episode, we chat with Yoko, a Japanese student living with Erin. We examine some serious topics such as diversity and discrimination that she faces here in Canada and how it can be beneficial back home in Japan. We also touch on how she was able to participate in WE Day, a celebration of young leaders in Vancouver, and the balance of Japanese versus Canadian student culture. Plus, we learn how much Yoko is really a child of Erin's and how she's integrated so closely with Erin's family and being a part of Canada. Key Points...
2018-12-1700 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadBoard Games, Video Games and All the Things to Interact with Your StudentIn this episode, we get into some of our favourite games to play with our students. It's getting to that time of the year here in Canada where the nights are cold and long. Time to bundle up and play board games, video games, and #allthethings to keep one occupied when the family is over for the holidays. Or perhaps you're getting a new student soon... what are your favourite games to play to help break the ice? Here are some ideas for easy games to play with young kids, games that require very little English, and even one...
2018-12-1000 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadBuilding Your Network of People in the World with Veteran Host Parent Mel KilpatrickIn this episode, we chat with our dear friend Mel Kilpatrick. Mel was one of Mary's first inspirations to become a homestay parent. We scratch the surface on some of the amazing stories with her past students and explore how these experiences enhance our network of people in the world... not just for us as hosts, but for the students as well. These experiences are what makes your household grow and learn from each other to extend our connection to the world. Key Points From This Episode: Mel inspired Mary to host...
2018-12-0300 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadAdvocating For and Supporting International StudentsIn this episode, Mary challenged Erin to talk about her being a Mama Bear; tender claws out and ready to advocate for her students. Listen for the way Erin handles challenging situations including when she rescues Christmas for her student's friend and dealing with high school teachers, which can be challenging all on their own. Then we take a little side track as Mary gets a delivery at the door... all before Mary shares her stories about how she saved a student's romantic relationship, which causes Erin to feel like throwing up because of the suspense. How have you...
2018-11-2600 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadSelecting International Students for Your Homestay FamilyIn this episode, we share our experiences of how we select international students to become a part of our homestay family. We chat about how one student in Mary's short-term homestay experience got her to change her number one request on a student profile. We walk through what you should consider when matching a student profile to your family, and ultimately, how we decide to host a student in our home. Then we explore Erin's detailed student profile applications, while she goes on one of her tangents to provide some very insightful tips for what to do with your...
2018-11-1900 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadCanadian Student Life, Parental Pressure Studying Abroad, and a Passion for Music with JennyIn this episode, we dive in with Erin's student from China, Jenny. She's here on a high school program for a couple years and at the time of the recording, is one of two students in Erin's home. Jenny has a love of music that we explore and hear samples of during the show. She truly is talented and has a passion for life, which we'll hear about as she describes her student lifestyle in Canada, the pressures of studying abroad away from her parents, and what her dreams are for the future after completing her Canadian high school...
2018-11-1200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadWeaving Birthday Traditions with Cross Cultural ExperiencesIn this episode, we dive into birthdays! Jon and Blake's birthdays are one day apart, so we talk birthday plans and what Erin's students have up their sleeves for Blake... while Mary reveals her one big mistake in communication about birthdays with her first ever student. Key Points From This Episode: We’re recording in Mary’s empty student room. (Her living room is too noisy because there’s lots of construction sounds next door… like hammering and sawing!) Note the beautifully handcrafted desk, made by Jon. Feel free to overlook the unmade bed. Also, what you can’...
2018-11-0500 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadTraditions of Halloween Past and How We Get International Students Involved TodayIn this episode, we're talking Halloween! We explore what each of our families does for Halloween and how you can incorporate your homestay student into the festivities. We reminisce about our past Halloween experiences to reveal how sometimes these student situations make us feel old. Key Points From This Episode: Mary is prepared for Halloween - her daughter is dressing up as a buzzy bee. Erin is a reluctant Halloween mother and is need of a Halloween miracle! She’s hoping Pinterest can save her. Her daughters have Halloween costumes, but her son and students do no...
2018-10-2900 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadThe One About ErinIn this episode, Mary interviews Erin. We talk about how we first met, reminiscing about Erin's high school experience of being a homestay sister, and we dissect a day in her family's crazy life to reveal how her students are the best part of her day. Key Points From This Episode: Mary has a bubble. Always ask permission before touching her. Also, poking the bubble (or attempting to poke the bubble) makes her nervous. Things Erin has learned from many years of friendship! And yes, Mary's nostrils really did flare. We met when we worked in...
2018-10-2200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadThe One About MaryIn this episode, Erin interviews Mary. We talk about how Mary got started hosting international homestay students. Mary shares some of her experiences with hosting, her love of cooking, crafting, and how she includes her students in her home life. Key Points From This Episode: Chai is patience in a cup Previous homestay parents scared Mary with their stories. Mary hosts short-term students. Average age is 21. Mary really enjoys cooking “Mix mash” is our new made up word for the ultimate recipe cookbook She’s a crafter! Mary is excellent at charades Google translate is an excell...
2018-10-2200 minThe Homestay Kitchen: Cultural Connections with International Students who Study AbroadTrailerComing soon is The Homestay Kitchen. Join us, Mary Chan and Erin Eastman Paulson, as we serve up stories of being a homestay family - the ups and downs of making a connection with international homestay students. We’ll bring a plateful of stories, ideas, interviews, and hopefully, dish up some anecdotes to share with our community. Have you ever wanted to be a homestay host? Are you one already? Or perhaps you’re an international student that wants to share your story… If you have any questions, ideas for future episodes, or want to be on our sh...
2018-09-2400 min