Travel With A Purpose
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Become A Homestay English Tutor
Tutor Conversational English To A Host Family
As you enter into a family's life as a guest with the purpose of helping, you will also have the opportunity to learn. It's stepping into the Global Classroom!
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A Tutor's Guide
Everything you need to become a Homestay English Tutor.
Your Own Bag Of Tricks
Suggestions for the younger students: Ages 3 to 6 Years
Younger language learners eagerly embrace every task without any preconceived notions. They approach new experiences with joy and effortlessly absorb what they are learning. Every encounter is a chance for discovery.
Keep in mind that young learners have a brief and restricted attention span and, although they are receptive to new experiences, they may quickly become tired of a task and seek additional stimulation.
The teacher should always be prepared with multiple plans, including Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. It is important to consider the timing of working with the child and avoid overstimulation, as it can lead to fatigue. Make sure to have a variety of activities ready, both for indoor and outdoor settings, including rainy day activities.
Younger students find great joy in engaging with vibrant colors, participating in activities that require hand-eye coordination, singing songs, playing physical games, and immersing themselves in stories that involve body language. The ability to recognize objects in another language brings them personal satisfaction and earns them praise from adults. Puppets, whether they are finger puppets or hand puppets, provide an excellent means of expressing stories and language. Young learners thrive when they learn through hands-on experiences and interact with their peers. Play and physical activities come naturally to them, and they quickly incorporate new words to match their actions and experiences. It is unnecessary to overly analyze or correct mistakes made by younger learners. Instead, repetition is key to providing them with correct models to follow. It is important to communicate with parents to understand their goals and how their child responds to different situations. Adjusting your expectations based on the child's age is crucial, and flexibility is essential.
Things to Remember
- Short-term tasks
- Lots of color in anything you do
- Visuals
- Puppets: simple stories
- Task-specific simple vocabulary
- Materials for drawing or painting
- Use of the child’s own toys in creative activities. Play games that include:
- What is this/that...
- Where is this/that...
- I see something (color)...
- When is...
To make learning more engaging, incorporate activities that align with the child's age, such as understanding concepts like in/out, up/down, directions, and telling time. Additionally, take into consideration the child's cultural background to enhance their learning experience. If possible, try to visit the child's school as an observer to gain further insights.
Building a strong rapport with the child is essential. Engaging in activities like taking walks and visiting the park with the child and their parents or family members can help you become a part of their daily life. It is also important to understand the child's schedule and determine their optimal learning times based on their energy levels and tiredness.
If you happen to play a musical instrument, it can be a wonderful way to connect with the child and teach them simple songs. If you know that you will be visiting a home with young children, consider visiting a children's store to buy a book of songs specifically for young ones.
It is crucial to keep in mind that language teaching and learning can incorporate a wide range of materials and activities. As an educator, you have the ability to be creative and imaginative, and children are usually receptive to your ideas. Utilizing activities that involve color, movement, short tasks, simple vocabulary, and adjusted expectations based on the situation are all essential for achieving your teaching goals.
Suggestions For Middle/High School/Adult Learners
Here we go with some conversation starters
Brown Bag Impromptu Talks:
To make it more interactive, you can write various topics on separate pieces of paper and place them in a container or hat. Then, have the students randomly select a topic and give a brief talk about it. This list can also be used for casual conversations or if the host family wants to practice English during dinner, these ideas can create a fun-filled meal with the family.
- My favorite song. Why.
- My plans for the future.
- The proudest day of my life and why.
- What I like about people and why.
- What I dislike about people and why.
- The subject I like the most in school and why.
- The subject I like the least in school and why.
- My favorite actor or actress.
- My neighbors (describe).
- The greatest mistake of my life and what happened.
- My home (describe).
- My parents (describe)
- What I do in my spare time.
- My favorite holiday and why.
- My hometown (describe).
- The best vacation I ever had, and why.
- My favorite book and why.
- My favorite sport and why.
- My hobbies.
- My country is famous for......
- Foods I like and dislike.
- What is friendship?
- Something that is not fair.
- Something I hate doing.
- Something I love doing.
- The best thing to happen to me today.
- Riches are for spending. Agree/Disagree
- An unexpected event (describe).
What Would Happen If ...?
- Everyone who told a lie turned green? (good for a ‘white lie’ discussion)
- If men were not allowed to become doctors or pilots
- If gold were found in your area?
- If a film was made at your school (with a famous actor or actress)?
- If you won a trip for two to the city of your choice?
What Would You Do If ...?
- If you have seen a teacher steal something from another person’s belongings?
- If it rained every day of your holiday?
- If you received a love letter from someone, you didn’t like?
- If you found a snake under your bed?
- If you could not remember numbers (How important are numbers)?
- If someone hit a small child very hard in your presence?
- If you found a large sum of money in a library book?
- If you suddenly found you could become invisible by eating cucumbers?
- If you broke an expensive vase while visiting a friend’s home?
- If you could never sleep at night?
- If...........
Add your own to the list. These are all good discussion topics and a good way to compare cultures.
I’d Rather Be.....
(A ‘choice’ exercise. Students should defend their choice).
- soft – hard
- hammer – nail
- glass – wood
- rose – cactus
- Water – fire
- mineral water – whiskey
- bitter – sweet
- square – round
- beauty – ugly
- cold – hot
- sparrow – snail
- candle – light bulb
- hawk – mouse
- village – city
- chicken – egg
- orange – potato
Create A Story
Generate a list of 10-20 randomly selected words that can function as nouns or verbs, or have multiple meanings. Encourage students to construct a story using each of the words. They can rearrange the words and form sentences to create their narrative. To make the activity more interactive and engaging, have the students work in pairs for increased fun and interaction. If needed, dictionaries can be utilized to clarify the meanings of the words.
Here Are Some Random Questions
- How does a person decide whom to marry?
- What is the best age for a person to get married?
- How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
- What do most people do on a date?
- When is it OK to kiss someone?
- Is it better to be single or married?
- Any What, How, Why, When questions...... Be Creative!
Hangman is always a good quick vocabulary review
Word search puzzles are a valuable tool for vocabulary building. Bringing Word Search puzzle books is an excellent way to enhance students' vocabulary skills. Additionally, utilizing English language newspapers can improve their reading abilities. A great activity to further develop their language skills is to have students describe the chosen article.
Group Discussion Topics
These can be used as discussion or writing topics. They ask for opinions. Students may wish to keep a private journal of their writing.
- Misunderstandings between the older and younger generations.
- Women’s role in modern society.
- What sports are popular?
- The population explosion.
- How we can improve our natural environment.
- Goals of developing countries.
- Responsibilities of developed countries.
- Features of the English language that a non-native speaker finds difficult.
- The role of TV, books, radio, movies, and magazines in our lives.
- Qualities of a good student/teacher/parent.
- Childhood is the happiest time of life.
- The younger (older) generation knows best.
- Travel is the best education.
- Examinations are unnecessary.
- Old traditions prevent progress.
- Civilization brings progress.
- Fashion contributes much to society.
- The education system should be reformed.
- Parents are too permissive with their children these days.
- It is better to marry for money than for love. (Or you can reverse this)
Idioms are always found in all languages.
Consider bringing along a small idiom book for some added fun during discussions. For example, phrases like "He got the answer right off the bat" can be explored. Many of these idioms can be found in the student's class books or storybooks.
Maps
Navigating and understanding directions is crucial in every culture. Encourage students to describe how to reach a specific location in the area or city from their current position. They should use terms like right, left, straight ahead, names of buildings and streets, as well as any necessary modes of transportation.
Exploration
Exploring the city, visiting museums and parks, or simply engaging in a walk-and-talk session with the students can be a delightful experience. Consider taking a silent walk and then asking the students to share what they observed or heard upon returning. Each student will have their own unique perspective and insights to contribute.
Stereotyping
Engage in a thought-provoking activity with the students by discussing different professions and asking them to share their immediate associations with gender. Create a list on a board or large piece of paper, including professions such as doctor, nurse, taxi driver, clerk in a store, teacher (elementary), teacher (secondary), college professor, airline pilot, airline service attendant, bus driver, bank manager, business owner, etc. This exercise encourages students to reflect on stereotypes and preconceived notions, promoting a discussion on cultural differences. Feel free to use your creativity and include other professions like hairdresser, masseuse, truck driver, etc.
Magazine photographs and advertisements are always good for descriptions.
Proverbs
This activity is an enjoyable opportunity to explore and compare different cultures. It not only expands vocabulary and familiarity with idioms but also encourages students to analyze the meaning and applicability of proverbs. They can discuss whether the proverb provides good advice, share any similar sayings from their own culture, consider the historical context or origins of the proverb.
- Variety is the spice of life.
- It’s an ill wind that blows no good.
- Many hands make light work.
- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- Children should be seen and not heard.
- A fool and his money are soon parted.
- Beauty is skin deep.
- Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today.
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- Every cloud has a silver lining.
- Haste makes waste.
- The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
- Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
- Let sleeping dogs lie.
- Birds of a feather flock together.
- Rome was not built in a day.
- Better to be safe than sorry.
- Charity begins at home.
- Oil and water don’t mix.
- No news is good news.
- When poverty comes to the door, love flies out the window.
- It’s no use crying over spilled milk.
- A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Give him an inch, and he’ll take a mile.
- Necessity is the mother of invention.
- Misery loves company.
- Spare the rod and spoil the child.
- A rolling stone gathers no moss.
- Don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Honesty is the best policy.
- Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.
Free Download (Or read the pdf online)
Internet Resources For More Ideas
Looking for some quick inspiration? Browse through the websites listed below for creative ideas. It's also helpful to consider what resonates with your own cultural background and keep a record of successful ideas in a "Good Idea" file for future reference.
Dave's ESL Cafe
(Good exercises and ideas; good site to learn about other ex-pats worldwide.)
Transitions Abroad
The Original Guide to Purposeful Travel, Work, Study and Living Abroad.
ESL Headquarters
Great spot for flashcards and worksheets.
Quizzes, tests, exercises, and puzzles to help you learn English as a Second Language (ESL).
Lots of links for students.
There are countless other websites waiting to be discovered. Additionally, your college or university may provide a valuable resource directory. The ideas presented in this booklet are just the beginning, designed to assist families with children of various ages.
Packing Your suitcase
What to pack in the suitcase (Beyond the personal items)
In most cases, you'll have a good idea of your destination and family circumstances, including the ages of the children. However, it's possible that you may not know what teaching aids will be available, down to the glue sticks. That's why it's a great idea to pack useful items that can be used with children of various ages. This way, you'll be prepared no matter what. Plus, any items that go unused can be left behind, making room in your suitcase for gifts and items for your own home. So, let your imagination run wild as we explore a partial list of possible items to pack.
You can leave behind anything that goes unused and use the extra space in your suitcase for gifts and items for your home. While we can assume that you will primarily be working with younger children, there is also the possibility that you may assist older children in their studies. So, let's dive into a partial list of possible items to pack and let your imagination guide you along the way.
More Things To Consider When Packing
Deciding what to pack from your closet can be a challenge, especially when you're limited to just one suitcase and a carry-on backpack. For a simple and efficient packing strategy, opt for a stylish outfit that can be dressed up for special occasions. It doesn't have to be a tuxedo, but something that stands out from your everyday attire. Keep in mind that different cultures may have different dress codes, so avoid packing short shorts, tight-fitting tops with exposed midriffs, or relying solely on flip-flops. It's important to consider how others perceive you. Opt for mix-and-match outfits that are easy to wash and wear, and don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes.
To maximize space in your suitcase, try rolling your clothing instead of folding it. Not only does this method minimize wrinkles, but it also allows you to neatly stack your clothes like logs. Additionally, consider using plastic baggies to store your items. You'll be surprised at how versatile they can be for various purposes later on.
When selecting a suitcase, it's a good idea to choose one with wheels and a pull handle. The four-wheeled swivel suitcases are particularly convenient. If the suitcase also has outside zipper pockets, that's an added bonus. Soft-sided suitcases are lighter in weight, which can be beneficial. Keep in mind that weight allowances can vary depending on whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, and from country to country. It's always best to check the specific requirements wherever possible.
Packing Checklist -- Important Items
Passport/photocopies – You can conveniently carry them in a pouch around your neck or in a purse slung across your chest and over one shoulder. It's important to remember to keep a copy in another location and one at home or with a friend who can send it to you if needed. Avoid carrying valuables in trousers or shirt pockets.
- Extra Passport Photos
- At least one credit card good for international expenses
- Record of vaccinations, especially COVID and boosters
- Insurance Coverage for international travel
- Band-Aids
- Diary or journal
- Small sewing kit – similar to hotel kits
- Seasonal materials – If you know you will be abroad during a typical North American holiday.
More Things to Consider When Packing Your Suitcase
A sturdy backpack that can also serve as a convenient day pack is an excellent choice for your second piece of luggage and carry-on. If you plan on bringing a laptop computer, it's advisable to keep it with you. Make sure to consult the airline regarding their guidelines for carry-on items. If you have any doubts or concerns, it's best to pack those items in your checked-in luggage.
It's important to keep your passport and other essential documents needed for exit or entry with you at all times when traveling. Avoid packing them in your check-in luggage. Also, make sure to carry them along with your money and wallet. Once you're back home, there's no need to carry them daily. It's a good idea to have two photocopies of your passport face page, one in your suitcase and one kept at home, just in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, consider having a card in your wallet and another one in your suitcase with next of kin information and emergency contact details. If you take any medications, it's beneficial to have that information (name and dosage) readily available. Similarly, if you wear contact lenses, having a backup pair or a pair of glasses is always a good precaution. Including prescription information in your personal details is also recommended.
Culture Shock
Experiencing culture shock can be quite overwhelming. It is a deep reaction to the psychological disorientation that occurs when individuals are uprooted from their familiar culture and immersed in a new one for an extended period. This can lead to intense discomfort, with manifestations such as irritability, bitterness, homesickness, depression, resentment, confusion, and even psychosomatic ailments like rashes, headaches, and upset stomachs. Culture shock can vary in duration, sometimes being brief and at other times lingering for a prolonged period.
While frustration can be a part of culture shock, it should not be confused with culture shock itself. Frustration typically arises from a specific action or situation that can be resolved or changed. On the other hand, ambiguity refers to a situation that does not align with our preconceived expectations, the inability to see desired outcomes or the use of methods that do not suit the problem at hand. These factors contribute to feelings of frustration.
However, culture shock refers to encountering differences in how things are done, organized, perceived, or valued that are different from your own. These differences have the potential to challenge your unconscious beliefs, customs, assumptions, values, and behaviors, making you question what is considered "right" or "wrong."
Culture shock doesn't just come out of nowhere and surprise you. Instead, it slowly creeps up on you, gradually building up over time through a series of small events that are hard to pinpoint. There isn't one specific thing that indicates you're experiencing culture shock.
All of us have what is called "cultural baggage" that we carry with us wherever we go. It includes our known ways of acting, cues that we unconsciously follow, cultural body language, subtle ways of expressing ourselves and our feelings, and cultural meanings that we understand instinctively. This "cultural baggage," or our personal cultural bubble, shapes how we view the world and assume that life will work for us. But what happens when this support system suddenly disappears in another culture? Our behaviors and assumptions are no longer acceptable in daily life. We are faced with ambiguity, a lack of clear rules, and our own values being questioned. We find ourselves in situations where we are expected to perform with maximum speed and skills, but the rules have not been clearly explained. Will we feel disoriented? How will we react? These situations can range from knowing what to say when meeting someone for the first time to navigating social customs like handshakes, accepting or refusing invitations, and understanding the meaning behind gestures or responses. How do we interpret these cultural differences and cues in our everyday lives? Will these differences ultimately affect us on a deeper level?
Because you're entering a new culture for a relatively short period, your experience will be intense. It's natural for us to gauge our "distance" and psychologically adapt to the time frame. Initially, everything will be fresh, different, and exciting. New people, students, lots to explore... where are the differences? We're all the same. We're human. But after a while, you might start feeling overwhelmed by the differences because you can't control or fit them into your cultural mindset. Small things in the host culture may become significant in your own value system. For example, North Americans have certain cleanliness standards and specific attitudes toward punctuality. What about the value of human life? Or animal life? Pets? How do you feel about everyone's chopsticks going into the same bowl during dinner? And what about your sense of privacy? How will you react when things on your desk are considered everyone's property?
At about this time, when your cultural sensibilities have been assaulted, you will begin to start complaining about the host culture as being the cause of your discomfort. Everyone experiences culture shock differently, but there are reactions that people go through. In those areas that are unpleasant to you, you might either withdraw, or you might get aggressive and fight back. You might lose your temper, complain bitterly, or express negative attitudes to people around you. This might not be appropriate behavior in the host culture.
Let’s take a look at some of these manifestations of culture shock.
When individuals immerse themselves in a new culture, they inevitably go through a series of stages. These stages are universal and apply regardless of the duration of their stay in the host country.
Initial Euphoria
In the beginning, there is a sense of excitement, with high expectations for the task at hand and a positive mindset. The person is open to embracing the host culture and appreciating the differences. They are eager to learn and discover the unique aspects but also recognize the similarities that bind us all together. It's truly impressive to realize that people around the world share common traits. This feeling of euphoria can last for a week or even longer.
Irritability and Hostility
Over time, individuals may shift their focus from the cultural similarities to the cultural differences, which may seem to be prevalent at every level and may cause some discomfort. It's natural for these differences to sometimes feel more significant than they actually are, and you might be experiencing certain symptoms of culture shock.
Gradual Adjustment
As you begin to decipher cultural cues, you'll find a sense of comfort and purpose returning to your life. Your sense of humor will resurface, and the disorientation you once felt will fade away. It's a realization that the situation is far from hopeless.
Adaptation and Biculturalism
You'll know that you're starting to overcome culture shock when you feel confident functioning in two cultures. You might even embrace some of the personal attitudes, customs, and ways of doing things from the host culture. These are things that you'll likely miss when you return home and may even seek out in minority communities as a way to counter "Reverse Culture Shock."
Research has indicated that individuals typically experience two periods of emotional difficulty during their time in a host culture. Additionally, they adapt their mindset and expectations based on the duration of their experience. For instance, your perspective on a short-term program may differ from that of a year-long program, influencing how you navigate cultural differences and similarities.
So... You are experiencing Culture Shock. How do you combat it?
L. Robert Kohls, in his text “Survival Kit for Overseas Living,” lists the following, below paraphrased:
- Understand that culture shock is a common experience for anyone who spends a significant amount of time overseas. It is completely natural and does not mean that there is anything wrong with you. Just like thousands of others before you, you will overcome it and come out stronger on the other side.
- Prepare yourself for the lessons of culture shock. Culture serves as a survival mechanism that not only teaches its members that their ways of doing things are right, but also instills a sense of superiority. Culture shock occurs when you deeply engage with another culture and discover that there are different ways of doing things that are neither wrong nor inferior.
- Pay attention to your body and familiarize yourself with the signs of culture shock.
- Gather information about the host nation by keeping a daily diary or journal where you can note down the similarities and differences you observe. It's important to do this daily because each day will bring new experiences that you might quickly forget if not recorded.
- Choose one or two topics that pique your interest and delve deeper into them. This could be anything from exploring the local cuisine, understanding the daily routines, immersing yourself in sports, or discovering the unique learning styles of the culture. Whatever it is that brings the culture alive for you, take the time to investigate and learn more about it.
- Take a moment to consciously explore the logical reasons behind anything in the host culture that may appear strange, difficult, confusing, or threatening. Try to put yourself in their shoes and view your experience from their perspective. Look for patterns and connections, and be open to letting go of some of your own cultural biases as part of the learning process.
- Explore the underlying values behind every "strange" action you observe. How do mothers in the host culture teach their children? Does the local holiday hold the same significance as in your own culture? Take note of the differences in values, such as independence versus dependence, respect versus backtalk, and caring for parents versus pursuing personal interests.
- Create a list of all the wonderful aspects you can appreciate about your current situation. Then, place the list somewhere visible throughout the day as a constant reminder.
- Steer clear of other expatriates who constantly dwell in culture shock and spend their days seeking company to commiserate with. Negativity breeds negativity and can often dampen an otherwise enjoyable experience.
- Avoid belittling the host culture or making derogatory remarks. Refrain from making jokes that may demean or disrespect the culture.
- Work on cultivating a positive sense of humor. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. We all make silly mistakes that can make us feel a bit foolish but remember that these moments of embarrassment will eventually fade away. Share your funny mishaps with your friends and let out a good laugh to release any lingering discomfort.
- Seek out someone who has spent more time in the host culture, gone through culture shock themselves, and has a positive outlook on the local customs. They can provide valuable insights and help you gain a fresh perspective on your own experience.
- Connect with locals and foster meaningful relationships with some of them. Embrace the opportunity to delve into diverse cultural perspectives and explore the richness of these differences.
- When seeking advice, it's important to prioritize how you're feeling rather than focusing solely on what you believe to be the causes of your discomfort.
- No need to be concerned about compromising your values when faced with new perspectives. Embrace the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the world through different points of view, rather than clinging to a narrow perspective from one culture.
- Stay engaged, stay productive, and keep your mind stimulated. Avoid idleness and self-pity.
- Find humor in the situation.
- When you're feeling down, escape to a picturesque spot; go for a leisurely stroll; discover something fresh; contemplate how you'll share this extraordinary experience with loved ones back home; embrace the fact that you're part of a truly unique adventure.
- Rest assured that you will overcome culture shock and emerge from the experience with newfound wisdom and strength.
Free Download (Or read the pdf online)
Free Download (Or read the pdf online)