120 likes | 262 Views
PAX/YES HOST FAMILY ORIENTATION . To foster global understanding one homestay at a time. What is Culture?. Culture is not always overt We are all essentially ethnocentric We observe, interpret and then act We don’t know when we are offending others
E N D
PAX/YES HOST FAMILY ORIENTATION To foster global understanding one homestay at a time.
What is Culture? • Culture is not always overt • We are all essentially ethnocentric • We observe, interpret and then act • We don’t know when we are offending others • Awareness and knowledge increase our choices • Understanding 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 Space • Communication and Language • Dress and Appearance • Food and Eating Habits • Time and Time Consciousness • Relationships • Values and Norms • Beliefs and Attitudes • Mental Process and Learning • Work/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 feelings • To 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 Rules • Host Family Rules • Spoken and unspoken • Which rules are firm? • Which rules are more flexible? • Curfew… • Telephone… Internet…
Communication • Communication channels between student, family, coordinator and PAX National Office • Communication 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 Studies • Goals • To underscore the importance of proper communication • To remind all that there will be challenges during their experience • Explore ways to solve problems
YES Program Students’ Goals • First Semester • Define leadership qualities. • Choose a volunteer project (25 hrs per semester minimum). • School Presentation on home country during the International Education Week in November (100% participation a must) • Mentoring program in the community.
YES Students’ Goals 2 • Second semester • Evaluate if any new leadership qualities acquired or polished. • Continue with a volunteer project (25 hrs per semester minimum) • Take a leadership role in a school club/team or community. • Send/email success stories/photos to PAX
PAX YES “Money Matters” • $300 HF incidental fund for the student. • Clothes • School Supplies/Backpacks/Schoolbooks • Other 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 31-37 • Any questions???
Wrap-up and Future Plans • Enjoy this experience!! • Contact me with any concerns, questions, etc. • Would we like to get together as a group for a pot luck, etc?