Host

I could go on and on and on with a nice rant about certain events of today. But one, my spacebar is annoying me and two, even though this blog is in english, and those who could get offended don't speak it so well...I don't feel like taking my chances. Seems like some people don't like 'me' enough as it is. Cool.
I just want to say a few words to anyone out there that might consider hosting an exchange student.
1. Don't take it lightly.
2.But don't have too high expectations.
3.Have an open mind.
4.Realize that an exchange student's priorities are based around meeting new people and experiencing new things.
5.When an exchange student's schooling is only a channel for integration...realize that grades are probably not going to be a priority. Especially if they don't count, anywhere. And especially if that student has done their time at highschool (and worked hard during that time) and sees this new school as a way to learn in a relaxed environment.
6.If you're going to have a lot of rules lay them down right away, so the student knows whats up. Don't let them piss you off before they even know they've done something wrong by you. ...Yet if you're going to have many rules, maybe you shouldn't host anyone.


This next thing is a big one:
7. If your kids are the same age as the exchange student...make sure they're the type of people that are...befriendable. Or at least conversational.
That's all I'll say on that matter before I unintentionally insult people online. That's just a low blow that I don't want to regret later on.

Oh, and if you already have an exchange student...and there are problems (if you don't like them much or you're concerned for their well being....) then just talk to them about it. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but it'd certainly help clear up any gaps.

My hopes are that this post will save some family and exchange student the trouble of an unfortunate time together.

And on a side note:
Here's a fact that I learned the hard way. Language barriers are intense. I've had my fair share of judgement towards others for thinking they were dim because their English was poor. Truth is...their English may suck, like my Finnish can suck, and maybe they're dim when it comes to language learning... But I never realized how hard it is to express the fact that I am a bright person when my speech holds me back.
Maybe I seem slower because I don't always catch a punchline and I never have anything witty to say and sometimes I have to stop and listen and think before a total translation is made in my mind. If I even complete the translation.
Seeing someone struggle with verbal communication is probably one of the easiest ways to judge their intelligence. Trust me though, it's probably a thousand times more frustrating on that other persons behalf.
I have had times where I'll be talking to someone in Finnish and I can see their expectations (and in some cases, all their respect) slowly fade behind their eyes until they just nod their head at what I say and give up on understanding me. Not much else feels worse than trying and failing to express yourself in what has always been the easiest way.
But really...I'm not dumb. And now I see that those people that I have judged probably aren't either. It's hard to see past language bluffs but it's really something to look past right away.

Bleh. I'm feeling tired...FINALLY. I just hope that my eyes don't spring to life as soon as I hit the sack, as has happened all break. My circadian rhythym is on the fritz which, when mixed with insomnia, gets me to sleep a few hours after I go to bed. It's a real treat.

Hrm, I feel like I left a thought hanging somewhere. Eh, I'll come back to it later I guess.
Ah, no, now I remember.
I just wanted to comment on my lovely habit of switching between 'I' and 'they' throughout all of this passage. I'd fix it if I felt like it made a difference. If I reread this later and realize it's confusing then I'll clear it up. For now, though, grammar nazi's can shove it. I'd like to think I've gotten past a grammatical barrier with my writing. Like...I've graduated from it or something. Plus, it's just a blog. Who cares.
Good night.