What if it doesn't work out?
At EF we strive to provide the best preparation and personalized experience for all parties involved. However, even with those efforts, difficult periods may arise. EF has a support structure in place to help families and students work through these challenges. Here are a variety of steps and resources to guide you to resolution.
Family meeting
While every conflict is handled according to the needs of the situation, a common step in the mediation process is to hold a family meeting. This is done with your student, family and Regional Manager (or other EF staff) in attendance. During a family meeting, the EF staff member present helps to facilitate open communication and outline actionable steps everyone can take to move forward.
Progressive discipline
There are some situations that warrant additional written feedback, or warning letters, to help correct and redirect a student’s behavior. These documents depend on the situation and can only be issued by EF support staff.
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Student moves
Moving a student out of the home is typically used as a last resort, after all other mediation and redirecting efforts have not been successful. Moves are completely based on the individual situation and must be approved by EF support staff. When students leave a host family’s home, they must move into a support family's home or another home screened by EF. In some cases, the student may remain in the original host family’s home, if agreed on by all, until a new family is found and screened.
Early return
Some more serious situations may require the student to return earlier than planned to their home country. This is not as common but can happen after these supportive efforts have been exhausted or if the student's behavior is against EF Rules and Regulations or Irish law. Early return decisions are taken seriously, and only EF support staff can approve and arrange for a student to return home early.
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Before your student arrives
Preparation is key: how to make sure your family is ready
Add a personal touch to your student's room
How to prepare your exchange student for school
Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what?
8 things you need to know for your student’s upcoming flight
How to start building your relationship before your student arrives
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The first days
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Life with your student
Who to talk to if you have a question
Participation is important: help your student get involved locally
Overcoming challenges and misunderstandings with your student
Navigating religious differences and expectations
My student is struggling academically: how can I help?
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Find your student now
Are you ready to experience a new culture at home? Talk with us and start your hosting journey now.
Tell us about yourself
Speak to an EF exchange advisor
Choose your exchange student