On being a good Host…..

“Open your hearts to the cultures of the world, embrace the experience of building new friendships, be proud to showcase what our culture and city have to offer and it will be an enriching experience.

Prepare for the visit Some Do’s Some Don’ts What to do if things go wrong

A Good Host Is flexible and sensitive Is attentive to the needs of others Understands other points of view Is gracious and respectful Is fully engaged in the Activities Program “Be yourself – be your best self”

PREPARE FOR THE VISIT Learn something of the culture and language of your ambassador’s country. Understand your hosting responsibilities: night host, day host, dinner host. Make sure you will have plenty of time to spend with the ambassadors – building a friendship requires time and effort. Attend the Hosting Planning Meeting as arranged by the Inbound ED. Communicate with your ambassador prior to their arrival - send an with your picture - share information.

DO’s Participate in as many program events as possible; accompany your ambassador throughout the day. Day hosts should accompany the ambassador 2-3 days during the exchange. Night hosts should accompany the ambassador on the other days of the exchange. Dinner hosts should participate in as many activities as possible See and experience through their eyes; share the experiences and the fun. The focus is on them. Be sensitive to any of your ambassador’s needs: cultural, religious, health, comfort.

MORE DO’S Involve ambassadors in your daily activities and show them as much as possible about our culture and way of life. If you go to a restaurant, choose one that will make your ambassador comfortable in both price and quality. Remember that you represent your country, your city, your FF club. HAVE FUN!!!!

DON’Ts Don’t make your ambassador feel as though they are taking up too much of your time or interfering with your normal daily activities. Don’t suggest an activity other than what is planned on a particular day – participate fully in the planned activity. On a “free day” don’t stay at home. Do what the ambassador would like to do OR suggest activities that might be of interest. Don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity to make a new friend.

WHAT TO DO IF THINGS GO WRONG!! Illness: ask the FFO ED to help. Don’t wait until the problem escalates. Hosting Situation: be tactful; discuss with ambassador those things which can be solved by minor adjustments. If needed, discreetly and quietly speak to the FFO ED. There are few problems that cannot be resolved with a little diplomacy. Above all, don’t let your actions cause irreparable harm to Friendship Force. Remember, “Today’s crisis may be tomorrow’s anecdote” MOST THINGS ARE WORKABLE FOR ONE WEEK

REMEMBER……. Faces, not places