COMPASS
LEARNING ABOUT YOUR HOST
COUNTRY BEFORE YOU GO
Compass
In anticipation of your exchange experience, you will need to think about what clothes to take, what gifts to
buy, and what papers and forms you will need to fill out. Make sure that in the shuffle, you do not forget to
plan some time to learn about the country that you will be living in.
You should go abroad with a basic knowledge of the geography, history, and current news of your host
country. You may be surprised by how excited you get to find out that wow, that mountain really is that tall!
Or whoa – people really do eat that! Your host family and new friends will be so happy that you showed
an interest in learning about their country before you arrived. In fact, they may even expect you to know
about their country. Learning before you go will also allow you to discuss things, rather than only having
questions. “Is it true that…?” is an interesting way to get a conversation going.
You will be surprised at how many ways you can begin studying about your host country. Keep reading!
RESOURCES FOR EXPLORATION
Internet. The internet is a great place to start learning
about your host country. The CIA World Factbook,
the US Department of State’s Background Notes, the
World Bank and the Library of Congress Country
Studies all provide detailed demographic, political and
cultural information about most countries in the world.
However, while the internet is a great place to start
your research, do not stop there.
can be extremely helpful in finding more than the
obvious history and encyclopedia references. You
should explore geography, culture, and countryspecific sections, but don’t forget journals, large city
newspapers, magazine articles, and specialty books.
For example, cookbooks from different countries often
have wonderful information in their introductions.
In addition to the internet, there are smart phone
applications for almost all major newspapers,
including international ones. AP Mobile is one that has
both international and news within the United States.
You can use this both before you leave and while in
your host country as a resource.
Embassies. Embassies are always looking to educate
and improve the relations between countries. Visit your
host country’s embassy website. Write, email, or call
to request more information about your host country.
By explaining that you will be living in that country as
an exchange student and want to prepare yourself for
the trip, you will usually get helpful information.
Libraries. Libraries are also a great source of
information. School, public, and university libraries will
all have information on your host country. Librarians
Travel Specialists. Tourist and airline offices may have
relevant brochures. Travel guidebooks such as the
Lonely Planet guides frequently have background
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Compass: Cross-Cultural Resources for Exchange Students