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Health & Fitness

Keeping Your International Student Safe & Healthy: Top Questions Answered

Parents always ask me detailed questions regarding their host student, for example: " What will they want to do this weekend?" "Do they prefer American food, or Chinese food?"  "Should I pay for their groceries?"  While we are always happy to be there to answer any and all questions,here is a list of the most important questions and answers regarding the safety and health of your student.

1. Do all  students have health insurance?  Unfortunately, we can only strongly recommend that students arrive in the US with health insurance. Only about 50% of our students have purchased a plan, and they are fully aware that any medical need could result in a huge expense.  Fortunately, we have experienced little to no problems in this area. If they do have an insurance plan, there should be a copy of it in your student folder, along with some important health history.

2. What do I do if my student asks me to take him/her to an eye doctor for contacts?  First of all, try and explain the process to them. It generally takes two visits to successfully be fit for contacts or glasses. Make sure there is time to do that. There are some centers that will quickly process these orders, and it is up to you to judge the legitimacy of these establishments. You are acting as a parent on behalf of your international student, so make the same decision you would for your own child.

3. When should I take my student to see a doctor? If your student is injured under your care, you should assess their pain level and the urgency to see a medical professional. We recently had a student who tripped and twisted his ankle. His host family did not take him to the doctor right away because it wasn't medically necessary. However, after the third day, they decided to follow up at an urgent care center, as they were worried that their student was still in so much pain.  It is probably better to be safe than sorry in this case, but use your good judgment. 

4.  Should I call anyone before I take him/her to a doctor?  Yes, it's a good idea when it doubt to call your Local Coordinator to let them know what is going on. They will need to create an incident report if your student became injured under your care. This is created to give the parents and the school information, and is not a reflection of you.  You must definitely call if the injury results in the need for surgery or any drastic measures, so the natural parents can be included in the decision. 
5.  What should I do about the billing situation?  Don't ever sign anything guaranteeing you will be responsible for your international student's bills. If you explain the situation to the hospital or center, they will usually be able to accommodate your student. More written permission may be required in the event of a serious event, which can be scanned and emailed to your coordinator, and a legal parental signature will be obtained as promptly as possible.

6.  My student wants to travel with his friends over spring break, but he is a minor.  Should I let him go?  If you're student has expressed interest in traveling over a school break, he/she must first contact the Local Interaction Coach, and submit all the required information. Next, permission by the student's natural parents, and consent by his or her school must first be given. Your student must turn in the permission slip to travel at least 10 days prior to departure.

7.   My student sleeps until noon or later when he/she is here.  Should I be worried?   This depends on the situation. Try and determine if your student is not feeling well. It could be that they need extra rest, since during week days they live very structured lives. It could also be a result of homesickness, or aversion to relationship building. It is not recommended to allow your student to continually sleep for an exaggerated amount of time. If you would not appreciate your own child sleeping all the time, you should not allow your homestay student to do so. Knock on the door and gently let him/her know that you expect her to follow your schedule and be ready in "30 minutes" for whatever your family has planned.  These are independent family decisions, but it is dangerous to let a pattern develop.

8.  We would like to take our student on vacation with us over his/her school break. How can I do this?  This is very possible, and most of the time, very much appreciated. Simply obtain a Travel Notification Request from your Local Coordinator, and return the filled-out form approximately 10 days before your trip departure.  The earlier you submit the form, the better.

9.  My student wants to ride MARTA alone to go shopping in the city. Should I say yes?   Generally, we do not recommend that students under the age of 18 travel alone. Our cities' transportation is not as safe or efficient as what they are used to back home. However, as you start to know your student more and more, you can assess the independence and intelligence of your student on an individual basis. If you have any question at all, go with him/her the first time to make sure he/she understands what they are getting into.  Never say "yes" out of guilt.  Only say yes if it feels right and you firmly believe your student will be safe. Always create a back-up plan and make certain your student has your contact information.

10.  My student seems very depressed. How can I help her/him?  
If your student is sleeping all the time, being more quiet than normal, or straight up tells you he or she is depressed, it's time to tell someone.  Talk to your Local Coordinator, and he or she will communicate with the school that your student needs to speak with a guidance counselor.  These young students are under immense pressure to thrive here as high school students, but they don't always do so. The more help we can get them during these times, the better. 

Great host families are absolutely essential to this process. We are so lucky to work with families from all over Georgia who are willing and open to sharing their homes, and who are flexible as the need calls for it.  If you have any questions about becoming a host family, please do not hesitate to contact us:
By email, at:  homestay@everydayinteraction   OR  by phone, at:  678-208-9588   Visit our website at:  www.everydayinteraction.com

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