We have a lot to learn about "family".
If you have ever known someone who grew up in a completely different cultural environment, then you might have some idea of the ways we can think about about and act like "family".
In our culture, for example, Christmas dinner usually involves travel to spend time with our loved ones. If there are many of us, and few rooms to sleep in, we don't hesitate to rent hotel rooms, or stay in separate houses. Among other families, this is unheard of. Families in Korea, for example, often share a two bedroom house between 15 people just because they want to be in uncomfortably close proximity to each other. In fact, when I asked several Korean fathers and mothers if their family would stay in a hotel to be more comfortable, each one laughed at me and said, "of course not--the point of the holiday is to spend time with our family."
We have so much to learn about families around the world, and doing so will help you understand your own family needs and values better than ever. For example, you might hear a story from a Chinese student describing how her family does not verbalize "I love you" to one another, because they truly believe that actions can say this without words. You might then reconsider the meaning of "love". I'm not suggesting that you change your values or actions, but just give it a thought. Some of us, (myself included), say "I love you" more than five times per day. I question whether the phrase has lost any meaning, and respect families who reserve these words for the most sacred of situations.
You might be surprised to recognize that many families in other cultures firmly believe that in-laws should live under the same roof as their married son to help care and be cared for. To this, we might say, "in what world could that possibly be normal?" But alas, it happens every day.
To the families who sacrifice their dinners, weekends, and sometimes even years to give the gift of education to their children, we often look upon them with judgment and misunderstanding. The power of sacrifice can often be mistaken for stoicism, or apathy, but true sacrifice comes in many forms.
Therefore, when you have the chance to help someone else's child that has come here to in search of academic opportunity, you are not only honoring the strength in their family, you are building something stronger in your own.
Students, we welcome you to share our families. Like you, each one is unique and grounded in roots of a unique family history. We have a lot to learn from each other.
Questions? Contact us at homestay@everydayinteraction.com
To Apply to be a host family, simply ask for a "Family Profile Application". The process is thorough, but not difficult.
There is no cost to you to you to do, and in fact you will be given a modest stipend to cover any additional costs.
