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Original poster

Feel so sad, DD probably missing out on language exchange

41 replies

memememum · 11/12/2022 01:33

There must be many people in this situation. Our home is just too small to host a teenager for a week so my daughter will almost certainly miss out on her German exchange. The only hope is that there's someone who could fit in 2 :(

OP posts:
Tadpoll · 11/12/2022 04:41

I did two exchanges as a teen (they are brilliant for confidence building and bringing up open-minded teens btw) and both times the host had a tiny flat. I slept on the floor with one and at the other she gave me her room and slept on the sofa.

Unless your house is literally one room I would think there’s a way around it.

AnotherAppleThief · 11/12/2022 04:16

sevenbyseven · 11/12/2022 03:49

Could you really not fit one extra person in the house for a few days? They don't need their own room.

Why do you not believe her when she says no. We couldn't either OP dont worry.

sevenbyseven · 11/12/2022 03:49

Could you really not fit one extra person in the house for a few days? They don't need their own room.

Spliffle · 11/12/2022 03:48

I went but had no-one back as I was deliberately paired with someone who didn't want to come back.

ClaryFairchild · 11/12/2022 03:46

@dolor - and because it's a first world problem the op can't be upset about it? FFS....

Nandocushion · 11/12/2022 03:38

If you'd really like to do it then I'd talk to the teacher like PP said and see what you can work out. My son did his exchange and his counterpart wasn't able to travel to us so we actually hosted 2 different students on the return, neither of whom had hosted originally. I understand what some are saying about costs etc but it's only Germany and doing exchanges is the cheapest way for students to travel, so I imagine they'll try to keep them going as long as they can.

dolor · 11/12/2022 02:51

First world problems

MoreTeaLessCoffee · 11/12/2022 02:49

They were never offered at my school or any of the local ones. With budget cuts, lack of spare rooms, Brexit etc surely fewer will go ahead, I don't think they're the rite of passage they used to be.

RSintes · 11/12/2022 02:40

Would say as a German teacher myself too that teachers are always keen to get students involved and ensure there are enough numbers to make a trip viable, so it's worth having a chat with them about it if you've not already done so.

RSintes · 11/12/2022 02:33

I'm a language teacher and organise exchanges. Our line is always it doesn't matter if there's no spare room or anything like that as the guests just want to experience life however it is lived. Often my students sleep on the sofa and give their guest their bed. Or the student sleeps in siblings room on a camp bed. Would that be an option?

At our school we also allow students to travel so they can still get that experience even if they can't host, so is that an option for your DC?

Exchanges are a brilliant experience and teachers are always open to finding a solution that helps as many students take part as possible, even if a creative solution to hosing sometimes needs to be found.

Potatomashed · 11/12/2022 02:19

I never went on one, never had the opportunity despite studying languages for gcse and a level. I still went on to live in those countries on my gap year and became fluent

Summerfun54321 · 11/12/2022 02:17

Does anyone ever actually enjoy exchanges? They’re so awkward.

Original poster
memememum · 11/12/2022 02:02

Thanks

OP posts:
toomuchlaundry · 11/12/2022 01:44

I hated my French exchange if that helps. My DM saved my letter I sent to her when I was in France. Not sure I would have coped as a mum if my DC had sent me a text with similar wording 😭 DS never did a language exchange even though he loved languages. Don’t think he feels he missed anything

Original poster
memememum · 11/12/2022 01:42

Thanks, that's kind of you

OP posts:
Luzina · 11/12/2022 01:36

A language exchange is a great opportunity but not a given. Lots of families can’t fit an extra child in or choose not to. I definitely don’t think it’s something to be especially sad about.