Host Family Questions for International High School Students
Most important part of an international student program is living with a family. The host family takes you in and lets you participate in their daily life. You will be part of the family with the privileges and duties that come with it. It is important that you accept the host family as YOUR family.
Not only when all is well, but also when you have problems with them. It is just like being with your natural family: you cannot just swap it when things go wrong or get on your nerves. Have you ever asked yourself why a family applies to become a host family? You must consider that we do not have a “professional” host family. Your host family welcomes you into their home because they want you to be part of their life. Their reasons are idealism, friendship and hospitality. In the same way as you want to learn from them, the family wants to learn from you. They are just as interested in you as you are in them. The family is central to your stay here. It is therefore very important that you make an effort to establish a good relationship with them. Their home is not a hotel, a restaurant or a launderette for you, but YOUR home. It isn’t always easy to become a member of a family. You must be prepared to work hard at it.
How can I get along “better” with my host family?
- Dont hesitate to ask questions about them; Show real interest in them and their lives;
- See how you can best fit in to the daily routine and contribute to household duties and chores without making a point of it.
- Avoid potential jealousy or resentment by taking on no more and no less than the others. To help out in the home goes without saying – a tidy room, laying the table, washing-up, to mention a few things, but again: don’t overdo it.
- Say Thank You once in a while to your host parents. You can soon capture the heart of the cook for example with a simple thank you, the meal was wonderful.
- Include the host family in your activities; when a picture is being taken, ask to have it taken with them, or you may be invited to a parties other children in the family may not be. If they want to come, you should at least ask if they might come along too. However, if your family has planned something for the weekend on which the super party is taking place – thats bad luck for the party. Family activities always take precedence. Naturally that does not mean you cannot ask… (But dont leave it until the last moment).
- Host families often arrange for example trips or outings to places of interest in the area. They think they are doing you a favor. Show interest and gratitude, even if you’d rather be elsewhere. If this happens very often, talk to your family about it.
What if I think I have problems with my host family?
Talk to your family about it. Whatever the problems are they must be discussed with the family. You should always remember that the family would still be living with what you have said in the community long after you have left. Later on you may see things from a completely different point of view anyway. The only person you should approach outside the family is your local homestay coordinator or Agency representative who is always there when you need her, or the other members of the program. Problems, which may occur with the family, should only be discussed with the above-mentioned persons.
What if I have a question or a problem and my host family as well as my homestay coordinator are unavailable or unable to help me?
You can call your agency representative in Canada on our 24-hour emergency hotline in case of an emergency at any time. The representative will do her best to help you as fast as she can. Please keep in mind that the representative will not be able to drive to where you live. What she can do for you is to listen, to give you advice about how you should act or to contact other people who will be able to help you. Your agency representative can be reached at: Tel.: +1-902-646-1967
What should I bring with me from home?
- Naturally most of your luggage will consist of clothing. We suggest bringing apart from the usual things like jeans, sweat shirts, etc. something dressier. This may come in handy for attending some of the high school festivities. Dont worry – we do not ask you to buy a smoking or a ball-dress. Simply add a dressy skirt or a jacket to your wardrobe.
- Apart from clothes, and considering the weight restrictions for your luggage, stroll through your hometown armed with a camera and take a few pictures from your area. You may be asked to talk about Germany and pictures of your home and your family is a very useful and interesting tool. Further, bring a few recipes from your home country. Your host family will certainly be enthused being surprised with your favorite meal.
- Last but not least: Bring a good dictionary (just in case).
- Another interesting book to consider taking with you would be a book including facts about your home country. While in Canada, you will not only learn about foreign cultures but also may have to answer questions about your own country.
What kind of present should I bring for my host family?
The more you know about your host family beforehand the easier it is to find something suitable as a little thank you for their hospitality. Here are also a few more ideas that worked well in the past:
Pictures from your hometown (in a special design); A book, or an illustrated book about your home country (in English); A cooking book with popular recipes from your home country (in English);
Lace tablecloth or window decoration; Crystal; Wooden toys; Chocolate
