Guest Suggestion

Posted by admin on December 9, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

WAYS TO BE A GREAT GUEST

Bryan-College Station Sister Cities

Revised 1.7.10

Taste everything you are offered by your host family and others associated with the exchange. If you don’t like it, be polite, keeping your opinion to yourself unless asked.
Be willing to try each activity the host plans. You may opt out after giving it a try if necessary.
Keep all phone calls and computer time very short. Your hosts may pay per minute of use and it generally is quite expensive compared to our costs. Take an international calling card with you for calls home and use an internet cafe for longer usage.
Bring a gift for your host family and give it to them soon after your arrival. Also, take small gifts for the host student and any siblings.
If you attend your host’s school you may be a curiosity and the center of attention. Pay close attention and be polite to all. Be prepared to respond when asked how your school compares to theirs.
Keep all negative judgmental opinions to yourself. It is okay to comment that we do this and that differently, but don’t say that we do things better. No one wants to hear that! You may be shocked to learn that they may do some things better than we do!
Keep your sleeping area orderly even if you don’t at home. If your host family is typical, they will have a neat, orderly home with less space that you are accustomed to. They will appreciate you following their lead.
Follow any house rules. Remember, it’s their house.
Don’t hog the bathroom. Most apartments/homes have a single bathroom that the entire family must share. Be thoughtful of the others. You will likely use the same towel on multiple days.
Be ON TIME for everything. Punctuality is important to our hosts.
Your host family may offer to do your laundry. Understand that their clothes washers are typically small and may take 1.5 hour per load. Not all families will have dryers.
Recycle, recycle, recycle!
Ask how you may help around the house but don’t be surprised if they decline your offer. Get enough sleep so you have energy to fully participate in ALL ACTIVITIES.