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Get a feel for the range of people who are members from the country of you choice, monitor your own reactions to the data, and follow your hunches, when you see an entry that catches your eye.
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If you feel that a real exchange where you visit your partner and they stay with you is too risky, why don't you try contacting a Day-host on your next trip? You'll see how great it is to meet someone who lives in the country you're visiting as they can direct you to places you'd never go to as a tourist. Also, this way you can meet some locals and this might give you a taste of what exchanging is about.
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Contact any member who seems to have potential as a partner. Of course, it is important that your partner has common interests, wants to host when you want to travel, and is interested in visiting your country; but members are often more flexible than their data implies, and the key thing is to establish a few comfortable contacts via e-mail.
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Get to know a number of members well via e-mail, and when you are setting up an exchange, prepare it by detailed and careful correspondence. E-mails are fast and you can exchange a lot of letters even within a week. If you think it takes too much energy, just think how much time and energy you would spend finding the right accommodation on any trip anyway.
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When would it be convenient for your partner to host you?
When would your partner want to visit you?
Interests not listed in the database?
Location and transport?
What would you need to bring (bedding, etc.)?
Will your partner be busy when you visit?
Do you and your partner want to travel with someone?
Do you/they want to stay with the same host?
Smoking / non-smoking guests preferred?
Any illnesses or allergies?
Pets?
How many people live together with your X-CHANGE partner?
Would your partner like something special from your country?
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When you receive an e-mail initiating a partnership, go to our search site, and enter their name and e-mail address to verify the sender's membership. Also, before agreeing on an X-CHANGE partnership with anyone we suggest you to contact the person's referee via e-mail or by ohone.
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Since it is your responsibility to whom and when you hand out your home address, you may want to ask for a further letter of reference. Since department phone numbers also appear on our database, you can also contact the department by phone to verify the student status of any member.
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Once you have confirmed your X-CHANGE visit you are ready to pack. Before you set off on your trip it is a good idea to buy a present for your partner. A small gift from your home country will set a nice tone for your visit.
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After you have made your visit or hosted your partner, please let us know about the success of your partnership by sending your comments to myxchange@xchange.org.hu. We'll pass on relevant information to other members here on our site.
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