What are the most common problems an exchange student might encounter?

Question

What are the common problems an exchange student might have with their host family and how can they prevent/solve these problems?

Answer 1

When I lived with a host family for a year, the most frequent problems we encountered were: communication, phone use, internet use, vacations that I was not invited to go with them (I know, sad, huh?), going to parties w/ my older host sister, different cultural expectations, language barrier, shyness (my shyness).

I'd say COMMUNICATION is pretty much the best way to deal with ALL of these problems. However, like most cure-all remedies, it's easy to say, hard to do. My host family and I struggled to maintain good communication, as I was a young exchange student, and they had never hosted a student before. I think it takes effort on both sides: the host family should make sure they know what's going on with their student in a non-invasive way, like asking "how was your day?" or what she/he did at school. And likewise, the student should make an effort to provide a 1-2 sentence response to this question. My host family and I were always polite to one another, but as our communication lessened, cultural misunderstandings were magnified. These problems can't be prevented, but patience, and recognition that BOTH parties are learning how to live with one another is a big part. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Homesickness - have calling cards at the ready so they can call their family. Also keep them busy with activities with your own family.

Food issues - food doesn't agree with them/they don't like it. Ask them to teach you to make some of their favorite dishes. Take them to the grocery store so they can pick out some things they do like

Language barrier - try to have a translating machine, dictionary or speaker of the language around at all times. keep the phone number handy of someone who could help translate more difficult stuff over the phone

edit: OH! I assumed you're the host. If you are the exchange student, you can do variations on these. Bring money for phone cards and important phone numbers with you... Bring recipes for favorite comfort food that you'll be able to make with basic ingredients (i.e. mashed potatos, chicken soup, etc) and offer to teach your hosts or at least cook for them too... You could even bring small dry food items - like a pouch of gravy mix or a box of mac and cheese or the like. ...and of course, keep you translating dictionary handy!

Answer 3

I am 23 and I would not date a man older than 33

Answer 4

1. differences in diet. vegetarian,etc.
2. language issues
3. differences in culture or religion.
4. differences in rules about dating or relationships.

Communications and tolerance are key. If you're flexible, you can get along with any host family.

Answer 5

They will probably make you sleep in the garage on the dog's bed.