Understanding my new environment

Uncovering the layers of a new culture takes time and can be frustrating.  You may find that it is becoming more and more difficult to understand how Americans think and behave.  The information you were given about this country before coming here may now seem incorrect, or overly simple.  You may find that you don’t understand the unspoken rules of making friends, solving academic problems, and of course, sharing a house with an American family.

The team of staff members at your school is going to be one of your best resources.  You should go to them with questions about confusing situations.  For any question or problem that relates to your host family housing, please contact Sheila at SheilaDobbyn@gmail.com .  You can make an appointment to meet with her so that she can help you sort through any confusion due to cultural differences or other issues.

You will find that your host family will be a valuable resource for answering questions about American culture.  They may be able to explain some things that you have been wondering about.  This will give you a chance to share about your own culture.  This exchange is why the host family program exists.  We hope you take advantage of it.

Useful phrase of the week: "What are the ingredients in this?"

Ingredients is a word that means the different parts that something is made of.  It is used when talking about food.  If you have an allergy to a certain type of food, or if you have to follow a certain diet for religious reasons, this will be an important word to use. 

Here's An Example:

Host Mother: I just made some pizza for you!  Try some!
Student: How kind of you!  What are the ingrediants in this pizza?
Host Mother: It is made with flour, tomatoes, mushrooms, olive oil, and chicken.
Student: Sounds delicious.  Thanks for remembering that I can't eat pork.
Host Mother: You're welcome!

Dinner Time

Dinner is the meal that most Americans enjoy together as a family, and is therefore the best time for you to practice English and strengthen your relationship with your host family.  It is normal for students to be feeling tired at this time of day: physically tired and mentally tired.  You may feel like you are missing big parts of the dinner conversation, or you may have trouble finding the words to share something with your family. Don't worry, and keep trying!  Your English will benefit from this regular interaction with your family. 

Missing dinner once in a while is ok.  There will be occassional nights when your host family does not eat dinner together, and there will be occassional nights when you may have special plans with your friends.  Just be careful!  Some students get into a habit of missing dinner at home, and the more this happens, the more uncomfortable it feels to spend time with the family.

Using English to build a relationship with your American Mom, Dad, brother, or sister is hard work, but keep trying!  Your new family appreciates your effort and they are enjoying the experience with you.