Way to Russia Talk Lounge

cook · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 7:54 am Post subject: Russian host family

Alright this is a question that has been bothering me for some time now, so if anyone has any advice/thoughts on the topic, I'd be very grateful- this semester I'll be staying with a Russian host family while I go to school. I've had 4 roommates so far over the past three years in school in an 11x8 dorm room, but dorms are a bit different b/c no one gives a shit about what happens in them, so I'm still kind of weirded out by the whole concept of taking up space in a stranger's house. Part of my tuition goes to actually paying rent with the family, so it's not like I'll be freeloading or anything, but I'm still going to feel like I am. Anyway, to smooth the transition I was trying to think of some things to bring and so far I've decided on some local (Michigan) wine. That's all I could come up with. Does anyone on this site have any experience with homestays (first hand or otherwise), or with what to bring to the family as a sort of gift? Basically I need any sort of information that might give me some idea of what to expect. Thanks.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

This question was answered many times on this forum. Search for "gifts"

Basically, warm wool sweaters are a great gift for any russian, especially male (say, scottish sweater). You can buy a wallet for a woman or some kind of cosmetics item (buy something French - Lancome/Cristian Dior - russian women love french cosmetics). If there are small children, you can buy some kind of toy for them. Some cool T-shirt (possible Michigan/America related) would be a great gift. Say, one that has DETROIT written all over it or some other funky t-shirt. All this stuff will be appreciated.

cook · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 5:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks MrSpice. Gifts aren't the only thing though, if anyone has any personal experience with how things normally go with a host family (daily life, space, etc), I'm interested in hearing about that as well.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

Even though I don't have personal experience in dealing with this, I can imagine that it pretty much depends on people you are going to be living with. In russian families, women often would try to feed you. In general, most regular russian families don't go out to eat that much (because of money, mostly) and also like family-style cooking. If you get your own room - good. Since you are paying for it, there's no reason for you to feel uncomfortable. I would imagine that will appreciate the fact that you are helping them monetarily and would not want to lose you as a tenant - unless they are well-off and do it as a cultural thing. In any case, they will try to make you welcome. Unless you do something disrespectful, they should be nice.

cyndy22 · Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:41 pm Post subject:

I think it is normal to feel a little nervous about staying with a family, especially in a foreign developing country. Where will you be located? I think if you are a considerate person and is respectful re the family customs with regard to meals, late hours, helping out with chores, and you show interest in family members and are open and encourage them to get to know you, you will have a nice experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. If you like to cook, at some point you might consider cooking dinner some night, preparing a dish from your country. I wish you the best and hope you have a great experience.