If you have agreed to pick-up your international student from the airport upon arrival...thank you! Having the assurance of a host family to meet and greet at the airport is a wonderful way for students to start off on a positive note.
Tips and guidelines for picking up a student from the airport:
Check online to see if their flight is arriving on time.
If the student is arriving from an international flight, plan for customs to take at least 1 hour.
Have a method for contacting the student via text, WeChat or email once he/she has arrived at the airport.
Park your vehicle (do not plan to pick up at the curb). Please plan to greet them immediately after they exit the customs gate.
Arriving at a foreign airport can be an overwhelming experience for any adult, and even more so for a teenage guest traveling alone. Students may be tired and overwhelmed, so try to be gentle and patient with your greetings.
The pick-up person should display a clearly visible sign with your student's name.
Wait at the gate for the student to arrive once they have exited customs.
Make introductions (and take pictures)! 📸
Once arrived at the family home, students under age 18 should be encouraged to contact their natural parents to let them know they've arrived safely.