Student+Meeting++-+Family+Stay+Meeting+the+Family

=Family Stay - Group Activity: Meeting the Family=


 * Small group time needed: 45 mins **
 * Large group time needed: 15 mins**

Collaborate with your peers in a small group and do some research on-line! If you can't find the answers on-line, problem solve together where you might find the answers. Can you ask your teacher? Your peers or other classmates? Do you know people from your destination country that you can ask? Show your resourcefulness to get the answers you need.


 * Is it the custom to kiss, hug or shake hands when meeting people for the first time in your destination country?
 * What is the customary greeting in your host family’s language?
 * Should you communicate formally when you greet your host family or is informal communication the proper etiquette in your destination country? Are there different forms of address between peers of the same age and between youth and adults?
 * Should I begin a conversation with my host family sometimes or should I only wait for them to start a conversation and reply?
 * If I have a problem or complaint, how will I communicate effectively and respectfully?
 * If I don’t understand something, how will I ask for clarity?

When your small group is done compiling answers, come together as a large group to compare and discuss responses.


 * Remember: **
 * It’s normal that you will not understand everything your family is saying. No need to worry! You are a language learner and host families know that.
 * It’s O.K. to ask your host family to speak more slowly – especially for the first couple of days.


 * When you get there, keep these questions in mind during your family stay: **


 * Is it fair that I would compare my host family with my own? Can I accept them for who they are?
 * What is the impression that I would like to make with my host family? Positive? Negative? Neutral?
 * Am I showing interest in the things my host family is sharing or telling me each day? What can I do to demonstrate that I appreciate their effort to share stories or information with me?
 * If I’m uncomfortable or if something is bothering me, is it because I’m in danger or is it simply because I am not familiar with something or I don’t like something?
 * What am I learning about my host family? What am I learning about myself?