Host Household Guidelines

Dinners in US Homes Program

October - January

Thank you for your willingness to open your home for 2 or 3 International Students. We at the Ecumenical Center and International Residence recently surveyed almost 5,000 students from other lands at the University of Michigan. We found that a large majority wish for an opportunity to visit in an American home. Your invitation is your personal response to their yearning. Here are a few notes that will be helpful to you.

• It is the host's responsibility to contact the students assigned to you immediately. We don't want any disappointed students - so be persistent. You will probably need to provide transportation. A written follow-up invitation with date, precise time, and telephone number place of meeting, transportation arrangements, and how long the visit will last- can prevent misunderstandings, especially if there are language challenges. Sometimes it is difficult to find a mutually agreeable time, but please be persistent!
• Find a mutually convenient time for all persons involved. This may take a little work! On the day of the shared meal, don't be surprised if your guest is late. Americans may "live by the clock," but this is not true in many other cultures.
• When planning the meal, note food restrictions on the application forms. A fairly simple meal is often best. Inquiring about foods and mealtime customs in the student's culture may help the student feel comfortable asking similar questions of you.
• All students speak some English - since they are taking classes at the U of M. But some family members may be less fluent. Speak slowly and listen carefully! Ask the student what name you should use in addressing him or her. It may take practice to pronounce some names correctly. Make the effort. Also, tell the student how to address you and your family members as well.
• International Students can be lonely, especially when they first arrive in this country, and they may enjoy talking about their family and friends. If you have children, include them in the conversation. Students often enjoy children because they are easier to converse with and may "substitute" for brothers and sisters at home.
• Remember that your guests may come from a wide variety of religious traditions or none at all - so be as respectful of their faith as you will wish them to be of yours. If it is your family custom to pray before each meal, you may obviously do so on this occasion. The purpose of this visit is person-to-person interaction, and learning to know each other; proselytizing is not acceptable.
• Before the day of the dinner, try to become familiar with the student's country: location and size, form of government, the capitol and other major cities or regions, major religions and holidays. This will help "prime the pump" for conversation - but your guest will be your best resource for learning about his or her culture. Please take a photo of your time together which may be used in future publications and send the photo by mail or electronic link to us.
• If you run into a problem please try to do some problem-solving call Akshaya Varghese 734-662-5529 or email info@ecir.org.

This invitation and home visit is a one-time-experience. Neither hosts nor guests expect more than that. BUT - if the experience goes well and if you wish to possibly attempt another visit in the future - that's up to you. A brief note of thanks sent to the student(s) who came to your home might also be a good idea.