CAO 2 - WELCOMING AN AMBASSADOR
• SHEET 3 •

THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS

“

The best way to know a community is to share its life.

”

STARTING QUESTION

How can we help the ambassador naturally find their place within their new community during their first week?

WHY THIS SHEET?

The first day leaves an impression. The first week builds the first habits.

It is during these few days that the ambassador begins to understand how the host family, the club and the school work, and more broadly, their new culture.

Gradually, faces become familiar. Habits become natural. The first worries fade.

The aim of this week is not for the ambassador to already know everything. The aim is for them to begin to no longer feel like a guest.

They begin to become a member of their new community.

OSE ambassador sharing a friendly meal with their host family during their first week

THE FIVE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL FIRST WEEK

1
Gradually establishing points of reference

The first days are for discovery. Without rushing, the ambassador gets to know:

  • their host family;
  • their home;
  • their neighbourhood;
  • their club;
  • their school;
  • daily routines.

Each new point of reference reduces their uncertainty and builds their confidence.

2
Encouraging the first relationships

Memories are born from encounters. Gradually introduce the ambassador to:

  • club members;
  • their teammates;
  • a few family friends;
  • the people they will see regularly.

A few sincere relationships are worth more than a multitude of introductions. Trust always grows one person at a time.

3
Involving them in daily life

A week after their arrival, the ambassador should no longer feel like a guest.

They take a natural part in family life. They join in at mealtimes. They help out whenever possible. They discover local habits.

They also begin to take on a few small responsibilities suited to their age and situation.

Gradually, they stop simply being welcomed. They begin to live alongside others.

4
Helping them succeed in their first experiences

Early successes build confidence.

  • First training session.
  • First day at school.
  • First meal with teammates.
  • First outing.
  • First social occasion.

Every positive experience strengthens their sense of belonging. Every difficulty overcome also strengthens their confidence.

5
Observing with kindness

The first days are full of enthusiasm, but also sometimes of tiredness, homesickness or hesitation. All of this is normal.

Let us remain available. Let us listen. Let us encourage. Let us support.

Without making a drama of the small difficulties that are a natural part of any adjustment.

Integration takes time. So does trust.

A WEEK TO BECOME ONE OF US

Integration depends neither on the number of activities offered, nor on the quality of the programme.

It depends, above all, on the quality of the relationships experienced.

By the end of this first week, the ambassador should no longer simply know people.

They should begin to feel expected, recognised, useful… and gradually become one of us.

MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Wanting to rush everything.
  • Multiplying activities without leaving time for relationships.
  • Leaving the ambassador alone for long periods.
  • Overprotecting them or, conversely, leaving them entirely to themselves.
  • Interpreting every difficulty as a problem.
  • Constantly comparing their home country to the host country.

GOOD PRACTICES

  • Taking a moment each day to talk with them.
  • Acknowledging each of their early successes.
  • Gradually introducing them to new people.
  • Encouraging them to ask questions.
  • Giving them a few suitable responsibilities.
  • Letting them do small favours so they naturally take part in community life.
  • Maintaining a simple, warm and reassuring atmosphere.

THE CHECKLIST

By the end of the first week…
The ambassador knows the main members of their host family.
They are beginning to naturally find their place in daily life.
They know their main points of reference (home, school, club, transport…).
They have taken part in several activities with the club or the family.
They have formed their first friendships.
They are beginning to take on a few small responsibilities.
They dare to ask questions when they do not understand.
They are gradually gaining independence.
They feel expected, recognised and useful.
THE FOUNDER'S EYE

By the end of a week, an ambassador should feel that the fine place offered to them has become their rightful place.

Luis

A sheet is not meant to be read. It is meant to be lived. Take the time to talk it over before deciding.