Living with a family, your own or an American
family, takes understanding and patience. You
may have misunderstandings and minor problems,
but they can be worked out. The advantage of working
on your relationship is a lasting friendship with
a family of another culture, and increases your
personal growth as well.
Be observant. Notice ways you can be helpful to
your family. Clear your dishes from the table after
dinner. Clean up the kitchen if you do your own
cooking or fix a snack for yourself. Keep your bedroom
neat and clean. If the family is doing work around
the house or in the yard, offer to help.
Let your family know if you plan to be gone for
dinner or for the weekend, or if you will arrive
later than usual. Your host will appreciate knowing
how many persons to cook dinner for and will want
to know where you are in case of telephone calls
or an emergency.
Pay for your room, or room and board, in advance
each month or try to pay on time. Avoid having to
be reminded by your host.
Make telephone calls to your country collect or
with a phone card. Or you may have your family and
friends call you. Long distance calls are very expensive
and they are your responsibility.
Let your host know what kinds of food you enjoy
eating. Sometimes she worries that she is not cooking
food that you like and would appreciate your telling
her what you like. Thank her if you particularly
enjoy a meal! Remember, she will cook "American"
food and not your native food. It may take a week
or two to adjust to different foods and flavors.
If your host family takes you to a movie or special
event, pay your own way. Sometimes families want
to include students in their recreational activities,
but don't have the money for the tickets.
If you have questions, about the house rules or
procedures, please ask. Do you know when can do
your laundry? Where do your dirty clothes go? Is
smoking allowed in the bedroom? Is it OK to bring
a friend home to watch a movie? Your family wants
you to "feel at home" and the best way
to do this is to find out what rules the family
has for its members.
Electricity and gas heat are very expensive in
the US, sometimes as much as $200.00-$250.00 per
month. Please turn off the lights after using them.
Ask if there are any special rules about keeping
the thermostat at a certain temperature. Ask before
opening the windows-the air conditioning or heat
may be on. Make sure that you shower or bath does
not last so long as to inconvenience other family
members.
Try to learn about American culture through your
experience. Ask about their customs and beliefs,
notice the ways which they do things - there may
be small or big differences from how you are used
to living in your own country. Although you need
not change completely, you will find that by copying
some of the customs of your family you will feel
more a part of the group and more comfortable with
Americans in general.
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