Several differences that I've noticed between most of our students and
their American families over the years is as follows:
Food:
-
Food is probably the biggest complaint students have about American
families, but a little bit of communication about it can go a long way.
- Students want to eat 3 meals each day including breakfast. Please
provide students with breakfast even if they have to prepare it
themselves. Most students will not want to eat something sweet or cereal
for breakfast.
- The diet of students from most countries includes more fresh foods
and less processed foods than that of most Americans. Students often
complain about gaining weight when they come here. They may not be
accustomed to the fried foods, breads, cream sauces, cheese, pastas,
etc. that they might find on the menu in some Americans'' home. In fact,
some of these things might even make them feel sick.
- Most Asian students are shocked at how sweet American desserts and
sodas are.
- Let your student know when you are going grocery shopping. Ask them
if they'd like to come along or if there's anything special they might
like. Perhaps ask them to help you plan a meal for one night out of the
week so that you can get an idea of what types of foods they feel
comfortable with.
Chores:
-
Homestay families are supposed to be the students' servants. Students
are not supposed to be the homestay family's servants.
- Many of our students come from families where either they have a
maid or their mother is a homemaker. Some of these students have never
had to do any sort of chores before.
- Students may not know how to do their own laundry or cook simple
things for themselves, so you might have to teach them.
Temperature:
- Many students find American homes to be too cold all year round.
Please be sensitive to this difference. Show them how to close the vents
in their bedroom if it's too cold in the summer. Ask them if they need
extra blankets at night during the winter.
Specific Culture Information For:
In the future, we will try to put some generalized culture information here
for more nationalities. In the meantime, call me if you have any specific
questions. Chances are that the way that a student is responding to your
family is because of their culture. It's easier to work through any problems
with a firmer understanding of each other. If you need a mediator, please
feel free to contact us at ULI.
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