HOME EXCHANGE

Here are a few suggestions about the exchange itself, how to proceed before, during and after it. Please follow these guidelines and your exchange will be a successfully experience. Your suggestions are kindly accepted. If you have anything else you think should be here, write to us.

Be convinced about the people you are going to exchange with. Ask them about their life, their hobbies and try to find a family which matches your needs.

Be sure to clarify what exchange partners can do in your house and what they cannot do: clear understandings breed long friendships.

Try to have a contact person in your home who can receive your exchange partners when they arrive, a friendly person who can show them how everything works.

Cleanliness is always welcome and is expected. When you leave your exchange house please clean it and leave everything as you found it. If you have damaged something, be honest and tell the owner.

A short phone-call or email to your exchange partners to wish them an enjoyable stay as soon as you (they) arrive is always very well received. Courtesy is always appreciated. In this way both parties will be relaxed enough to enjoy their stay without worrying about their own property. After that try not to give the impression that you’re controlling their every move; trust them as they trust you.

It’s always helpful to leave a piece of paper in the house with a few instructions and a welcome message. Your partners will immediately feel at home.

If you want, leave them a small tourist guide or a list of "things to do". Addresses of local museums, art galleries, sports centres and your favourite restaurants are always well appreciated.

Be honest and truthful, pleasant and understanding. Behave in their residence as you would have them behave in yours.

If you need, you can find more information in our F.A.Q. or you can always write to us.