How to live with a host family abroad
Living abroad with a host family can be very good. You can make new friends, see new places and immerse yourself thoroughly in a new culture, complete with the local language and slang, food, customs, music, books and even television programmes! But when it all goes wrong, living abroad with a family can be horrid. The following points help students to know how to live with a host family:
Be polite!
Always use “please” and “thank you” when asking for anything and when anything is done for you or given to you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
If you are not sure if you can do something, or how you should do it, just ask!
Try to communicate!
Even if you don’t speak the language perfectly, you’re here to learn! Tell them about your day at school, your own country etc.
Discuss issues!
If there is something that is a problem for you, speak about it. Don’t go snapping around or sulk in your room, use a polite tone and try to explain what is bothering you, and try to find out a solution.
Take time to get to know your family!
You may have a first impression after arrival, but a few days after, when you get to know them; this is likely to change for the best!
Spend time with your family!
Don’t stay alone in your room, try to spend time with your hosts, participate in family activities, watch (and help) cooking. If you feel like relaxing alone, just explain that you are tired, so that they don’t misunderstood your behaviour! Ask what the rules of the host family are: how long you can have a shower, if dinner time is flexible, and whatever comes to your mind. This will help avoid problems!
Your Key:
If you have a key for the house, take care of it. If you loose this key, let the family know immediately! If you don’t know how something works (electronics, shower, or whatever), ask to the family. They will understand that it is different in your home country!
Your Room:
it depends on what kind of room you have selected in the school or KI application form (single or twin), you may have to share your room with another foreign student, usually from a different country. This will be something you will know before departure. Also, in some houses, rooms can be small: if you don’t have enough room for your things, tell your family and they will try and find you a place to put your things!
Washing clothes:
Ask to your host family when they will do your laundry, so that you can give them your clothes. Offer to do your own laundry if they will allow you to use their washing machine.
Bathroom:
You will have to share the bathroom with the other members of the family. Try not to use it for more than 15 minutes. Ask your host family which time is the best for you to take your shower. Bring your own products (shampoo, soap…).Please do not spill water on the floor and make sure the bathroom floor is dry after you have a shower or bath.
Sundays:
Sunday is a relaxing day in the UK, USA and Europe. Some host families are happy to take students with them for a trip.
Household:
In the UK, USA cleaning is usually done on weekends. Since most women work, all family members participate in the house chores, most probably clean your own room and maybe offer to assist with any other jobs that you feel comfortable with. You will be expected to do little chores on a daily basis: make your bed, keep your things tidy. Offer to set the table before meals, and after eating help to clean up.
Culture shock and culture differences:
Culture shock is basically a process of adapting to a new environment, very similar to feelings when we adapt to a new job, so people go through changes of mood and attitude. Students come from different countries with different backgrounds and the level of their English differs from zero-beginner to advanced. Therefore, students may have difficulties in copying with such things as speaking to strangers. On the other hand, most of the students are normally very excited and positive about the new country and new culture. However, deeper cultural differences sink in and this initial excitement disappears. Then students start missing their family, friends and general life style. Culture shock may cause a wide range of behaviour changes, confusion, tiredness, anxiety and anger. Cultural differences can raise misunderstanding for host families as well as students. We can feel offended when things are said in the wrong way. Host families expect students to use “PLEASE” and “THANK YOU” as it is very normal and common politeness.
Food and cooking:
Eating habits and ways of cooking may vary from one country to another. Students are expected to adapt to the host family’s cooking program. If there are special dietary needs, student should discuss them immediately with their host family who will try and accommodate them where possible. If you can’t be home for a meal or plan to come back late or stay out overnight, please phone the family to tell them! In conclusion, make sure you follow this formula and you will be fine: