Resources

We are pleased to present this compilation of articles and reference materials that may be of interest to exchange students and their parents, host families, and Rotarians and others that are involved with the Youth Exchange Program.

Articles on Culture Shock and Cultural Adaptation

"Culture Shock" by Dr. Dennis White - A basic article on the concept of culture shock and how it may affect Youth Exchange students. The article describes stages of culture shock and a typical progression in a year-long program.

"One World ... or Many?" by Dr. Dennis White - A presentation of the concept of developing intercultural sensitivity by moving from ethnocentrism to ethnorelativism. These concepts, applied to the Rotary Youth Exchange experience, are developed from work by Dr. Milton Bennett of Portland State University

"The Middle Wave of Culture Shock" by Dr. Dennis White - For many Youth Exchange students, there is a potentially difficult period of culture shock combined with homesickness that can "hit" around November or December. This article describes the phenomenon and attempts to help prepare students, parents, host families and YEOs.

"It's Time to Go Home" by Tracy Fordham - A former Rotary exchange student, now a cultural researcher, shares some thoughts about the end of an exchange year, and the challenge of determining where "home" really is.

"So You Think You're Home Again" by Dr. Dennis White - Observations and advice for students returning "home" after completion of their exchange years.

"So You Think They're Home Again" by Dr. Dennis White - A look at the returning student phenomenon for and from the parents' perspective.

"The Things No One Told Me" by Lori Ruhlman - Simultaneously a mother of an outbound student and a host mother for an inbound, the author shares her experiences and emotions from both sides of the program.

"The Values Americans Live By" by L. Robert Kohls - Written originally for foreigners coming to the USA, this article acts as a mirror allowing Americans to view their own culture through someone else's eyes.

"Seven Lessons in Intercultural Communications" - Some lessons that can emerge from cultural awareness exercises, simulation games or other experiences. Taken from the work of Craig Storti, who has published several books at Intercultural Press.

Using Films to Explore Cross-Culture Experiences

Film List - A partial list of popular films that depict various aspects of cultural differences. The study guides below provide further insight into some of them.

• Study Guide for "Outsourced"
• Study Guide for "Dances with Wolves"
• Study Guide for "Mr. Baseball"
• Study Guide for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
• Study Guide for "The Terminal"

Handbooks

Youth Exchange Officer Handbook

State Department Regulations Study Guide

Host Family Handbook

Inbound Student Handbook

Outbound Student Handbook 2012-2013 

First Night Questions

How to best write your Journal

US Department of State Contact Information

In August, 2009, the US Department of State, which oversees exchange programs operating in this country, implemented a toll-free phone number for the use of high school exchange participants. This toll free number can be used by host families, exchange students, and the public to report circumstances impacting the students’ health, safety and well being during their exchange visitor programs. The toll-free number is 1-866-283-9090. The department can also be reached by e-mail at jvisas@state.gov.