Great Approach for Middle Eastern Students

Here is some great feedback from a Host who has put in the extra effort with outstanding results.

In their own words.....

I was asked to host a young male from Saudi Arabia. My first reaction was one of hesitance purely by family and friend's saying negative things about muslims and arabs. All this negativity fuelled the fire in me to say YES YES YES!! How can one make judgement when not having an experience!! The media has a lot to answer for! Anyhow, I was started to get ready to welcome our student into our home. I was able to download information from the website, put in our address details and print out a map showing the direction of Mecca for his religious needs. I also rang the mosque in Arundel to make contact and to get a list of the prayer times for the Southern hemisphere. I then downloaded some Arabic music, went shopping for chick peas, rice, pita bread and more and cooked a delicious Middle Eastern feast for the family. Everyone in the mode to welcome him! On arrival he gracefully held his hand out for us to hold and shake - the connection had been made!

We welcomed him into our house with smiles and love. I had bought a new set of cutlery for him so to ensure him they had not been near any pork products.

His warm smile, willingness to join in our family life, learn about Australian culture is still continuing to this day. We talk about this, that and everything! So open minded! We respect him and in turn he respects us.

And for anyone who may have heard that they think of women as second class citizens.........I have never been treated so well in all my life!! When shopping together, he insists on pushing the trolley and won't let me carry any bags! I am being spoilt indeed! He ensures I always enter the house before him and his manners are immaculate!

So..........take time to think before simply taking heed from what you hear and trust your gut feelings.

EMBRACE THE CULTURES OF THE WORLD.

Let us continue to enjoy our wonderful students and provide them with a loving, warm and friendly atmosphere so as they can spread their wings!

Success always comes after work.

Congratulations to this Host for making a difference with the cultural exchange program.