Making the Most of Your Homestay
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Transcript of Making the Most of Your Homestay
Basic Tips Spend time with them
Learn about them and their family Hang out with them when family members
come to visit Ask questions about them and their lives! Talking with them is also another way to
practice the language Stay in more nights instead of going out all
the time You can party with Americans in the United
States, get to know your host parents
Basic Tips Follow cultural customs that you learn
ie. If the population follows a routine, do the same thing they do
It is the easiest way to learn the language culture, and immerse yourself
Don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s not good or bad, it’s just different.
Be open minded This will give you the best experience!
Basic Tips If you studying language, ask them for
help with your homework. They want you to study, learn and be
successful My host mom would check our homework
and help us with our language practice constantly
Some host parents, do it for the money and some do it for the enjoyment of hosting international students Make sure you figure out which one your
host parents are in order to understand your boundaries
Basic Tips When filling out a housing survey to be
matched with a family, BE HONEST! Two parents vs. single parent? Kids vs. no kids? No smoking? No pets? Certain foods you can’t eat Family structure preferred
Basic Tips Always follow cultural customs
Some things that we consider polite are not always viewed the same in other countries.
Use them to learn about their country Government and politics History Sight-seeing
Basic Tips Ask them for tips:
What to see/what not to see? How to get there Where to go/where not to go? Where to buy certain items?
BE RESPECTFUL!
Communication Talk to your host parents! Learn the language
DO NOT expect them to speak YOUR language, you are in THEIR country and should be learning the language and culture
If your plans change, call them and let them know when they can expect you home!
Communication Let them know when you are coming and
going If you are going out and not coming back
until the morning, TELL THEM! If you are not home when you told them,
they may call your program provider Your program provider will NOT be happy if
they have to try and track you down while they are worried for your safety.
Communication Tell them if you don’t like a food item
that they cook They will not be mad, they will respect your
preferences. They want to know how to make your stay
enjoyable and successful. Answer food questions honestly It is better to say you don’t like the food
before they cook it, than to not finish your plate
Respecting Them Ask for permission
In this case it is easier to be told “No” than to get into trouble for doing something wrong
Treat their items better than you do your own Don’t wipe mascara on washcloths Don’t use items without permission Don’t touch items that are fragile or
delicate
Respecting Them Adjust to THEIR routine, don’t try to
make them adjust to your routine! If you break something on accident, tell
them. Always be honest about everything. DO NOT have guests over unless they
are invited by your host parents. Don’t ask your host parents if you can
have guest over.