Help handling an exchange student?

Question

We just got a new exchange student. I don't know if he's really shy or just doesn't want to be here. he's 16 and from japan.
All other previous exchange students would try to jump into conversations as much as possible to practice their english and have their electronic translators beside them at all times. They kid won't talk unless we start a conversation and still tries to answer only yes or no. I've next to never seen him use his translator. My friend had to pick us up last week and he wouldn't even talk to my friend until my friend introduced himself, there he only said his name.
This student virtually waits to be served. We told him he has to worry about breakfast. My brother and I overslept one morning and he just sat at the table waiting for us to bring out the plates, bread, PB&J. We had already showed him where everything was. he didn't even make himself a PB&J sandwich until we opened all the jars.
How do I help this kid?

Answer 1

i had 2 japanese exchange students at 2 different times. i told them up front and a few more times. my house is your house, eat anything, get anything. but out of respect they still ask or wait to see the routine, my boy was alot more shy then my girl, my girl dug right in. my boy told us he does not speak good english and for us to speak slower. but he didn't tell us right away, he didn't talk at first alot, and would get his translator, it was more difficult for him, patient is good too. when he went to prom, my daughter ask a girl that would say yes, for him, and he was thrilled and they had a good time.

Answer 2

I was an exchange student to Japan in 2005.
Have you ever had any male Japanese students before?

Like it or not, in Japanese culture the woman is supposed to prepare the food and do the laundry and everything. He might not be used to being expected to do that himself. That's why he's with you, though. To learn about your culture. Be patient.

As for the shyness, everyone is different. I know that when I was in Japan, I really liked being there, but I lacked the confidence to speak in Japanese at all.

Just be nice to him, and learn a little bit of Japanese to use with him. It'll make him feel more secure.

Answer 3

Did you try finding other Japanese speaking people to speak with him? What about calling his parents and asking them for help.