Preventing Homesickness and Integrating Your International Staff
- Offer the ability to call home when the staff first arrives, just to let family know that everything went smoothly and they are on their way to a fantastic summer.
- Another success story we've heard was about a camp director who searches the internet for news articles from his international staff's home countries to keep them in the loop with what's going on back home. He'd then announce the news at a staff meeting, or post them in a common area so that everyone could share in the knowledge
- If possible, provide Internet or phone access, as homesickness can be easily cured by a good chat with a parent or close friend. Of course, in some locations this is not possible, but by offering as many ways for your staff to remain in contact with home, you will have happier, calmer, and more productive international workers.
- Many camps benefit from weekly staff meetings. These meetings can be useful by discussing issues that international staff have during their stay in the USA. Having an open, non-confrontational environment to talk about what's going on and what needs to happen is a powerful tool in developing trust and rapport and preventing homesickness within the staff. Staff meetings increase morale, and that directly affects work performance!
- Appoint a staff member or returnee to act as a liaison for international staff. This person would be available to discuss all aspects of life at camp, not just work-related issues. We've heard of camps that use a "Camp Father" or "Camp Mother" who serves as a parent away from home for participants. It can get lonely at times, but having someone to go to who is dedicated to helping out with these issues can keep your staff's spirits lifted.
- Having a returnee as a liaison, can serve as a go-between for the Camp Management and the counselors. This way, if staff are uncomfortable speaking directly to the Director, the issues can still be addressed.
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