Are you a host family planning to house a Japanese exchange student? Here are some things you should know. (Pictured below are 4 homestay girls from Japan along with my niece):
- They will slam your car door.
- They will stare in disbelief at the size of American sized soft drink cups (you know, the super-size stuff). It will be a subject of conversation for weeks.
- No single person (men, women, boys, girls) under the age of 30 can cook anything but rice and cup noodles.
- They are punctual, don’t be late.
- They will always think its cold even during the hottest summer.
- They will bring their own rice and shoyu (soy sauce) to your house.
- American cake, pastries and sweets are too sweet for them but they will be polite and eat them with a smile.
- They will want to do their laundry every day - you need to stop them if you don’t want this to happen.
- They will bring you omiyage (gifts) from Japan (probably nice chopsticks and a fan), you should be prepared to return the favor when they leave.
- Teach them how to lock your front door or it will be left unlocked.
- They will become your lifelong friend.
- Show them how to use coins in a pay phone.
- They will flash you the “peace” sign when you take their picture.
I’d love to hear from other host families on this subject. Or exchange students, what do you think? If I can think of any other “truths,” I’ll add them to this list.
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It would be an interesting comparison to see what the Japanese who visit Canada to ski are like. One of my fellow ski instructors who taught out west and had many Japanese students said that they are always happy.
Clint
Left by Clint on March 9th, 2006