A Recipe for Success

We at Twinn Palms have developed a recipe for success consisting of five key ingredients. We felt this was the perfect time to share our recipe with you to ensure your international student is afforded the best opportunity for success while here in the United States. This recipe requires not only active participation from your student, but also full support from you as the host family. We invite you to find ways to make this recipe fun and interactive to help dispel any potential shyness or apprehension with being a new student in a foreign land.

Twinn Palms Recipe for Success

Settle In

Take the time to properly settle in to your new home with your new family in your new town. Fully unpack and set up your bedroom and study space with what you need to be successful in life and learning. Take a tour with your family to get to know your neighborhood and town. Spend the time getting comfortable with navigating life in a new place. You will feel more confident, start the school year off on the right foot, and set yourself up for having a great experience.

Get Involved

You’re in a new country with new and exciting experiences awaiting you. Why not get out there and get involved? Learn to play a new sport, join a club, meet new people, and really experience being a high school student in the United States. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay busy and make new memories that you will cherish for years to come.

Establish a Routine

Routines build healthy habits. Healthy habits are essential ingredients in a recipe for success. Establish routines in all areas of your life, but especially for getting ready for school, being at school, and studying for your classes. Once routines are established; the stress of last minute deadlines and pressures tend to subside giving way for endless opportunities that might not have been possible without routines.

Ask for Help

Inquisitive people tend to be more successful because they aren’t afraid to ask for help. No question is ever silly or unimportant. If you aren’t sure what to do or say, or you don’t understand a rule or something you are learning in school; the best and simplest thing you can do is ask. You have a huge network of people who are here to support you and ensure your success...all you need to do is reach out and ask when you need help. It works every time.

Stay Positive

We understand, homesickness and feelings of being overwhelmed are natural. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and you have a wonderful support system at school and at home. Stay positive, know that you’re cared for, and the feelings and emotions you’re experiencing are temporary and will subside once you remember to have a positive mindset. Associate yourself with other positive students, students who understand what it’s like to be in a new place far away from home; students who have successfully navigated the feelings of homesickness and being overwhelmed. Find people to talk to, share your thoughts and concerns, and listen to what they have to say. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling better and life will be that much more rewarding for you.