12 useful tips on surviving in Russian family here

Learning foreign language through immersion is very efficient. At the same time it can become a real challenge. Students of Enjoy Russian language school stay with local host families. We carefully select all our families. After that they take part in the training program. But secret of warm and pleasant communication is that both sides should be prepared for host living. We present 12 useful tips on surviving in Russian family. We hope your experience will be enjoyable.

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1. Remember the famous Scouts’ motto – Be prepared.

Your host family is bound to be interested in you and your life. So why not bring along several postcards from your native country or some pictures of your family? This would make a great starting point for conversation., as you can describe the people in the photos and the places in which they were taken. Try to avoid short answers (да or нет) and instead try to develop your answers to make the conversation more interesting.

2. Don't forget that communication is a two-way thing.

If you want your host family to communicate with you more, don’t be shy –you take the first step! All it takes is telling them about your day. Even discussing your lunch menu may become a fascinating topic for conversation.

3. Keep asking questions.

Members of your host family will be glad to answer your questions about their life, customs, and traditions. Why not ask them how long they have lived in Petrozavodsk, whether they have any relatives nearby etc. Do they visit any clubs? Do they have any hobbies? Inquire about the city’s history. Try reading a local newspaper and discuss what you find out with your hosts.

4. Stay with the host family after dinner.

In some Russian families it is custom to stay together in the sitting room after dinner to drink tea, watch the news or discuss the day’s events. Don't feel afraid to sit with your hosts!

5. Offer to help with the housework.

Your host family will appreciate your help in laying the table or washing up. At the same time it’s a good chance to practise your Russian and to pick up new, useful words.

6. Share your food preferences.

Speak about which kind of foods you like and don't like, and be sure to let your host know that you enjoy their cooking, they'll appreciate the compliment! Your host will need to know what you like to eat and whether there are any foods you are allergic to. If you enjoy cooking, why not treat your hosts to a dish from your host company?

7. Respect the house rules.

Be sure that you know about any house rules and procedures there may be how, such as how to lock the door if you come back late at night, where you should leave your washing, whether you are allowed to use your hosts' computer etc. If you have any doubts or you think that you haven't understood something, don't keep silent. Ask for help!

8. Be ready for children’s curiosity.

Little children often get quite excited when they meet new people and are very curious about their things! It's probably best to keep all of your valuables away from young children. Inform your hosts if the children keep going in your room but try to be patient and tolerant – it is hard to explain to little children that your room is no longer there territory.

9. Try not to spend all of your free time with your host family.

Your host family understands that you meet a lot of new friends during  your stay in Petrozavodsk and will not be offended if you wish to spend your free time with them, and there is nothing stopping you from going out in the evenings.However, your host family is there to take care of you, so please let them know if you will not be having dinner at home or will be spending the night somewhere else.

10. Remember - Your host family is still a family.

Please do not feel rejected if your host family wants to spend weekends without you. Try to use your free time to relax at home or visit your new friends.

11. Go Shopping.

Do not be afraid of asking your host family to take you with them when going shopping. It will be great practice for you and the family will appreciate your help with carrying the bags.

12. Tell them about any problems.

If you have any problems, don't keep them to yourself. Discuss them with your host family. Alos, don't forget to inform the school administration about any trouble or worries you have.