Are there any typical difficulties faced by visiting overseas students?
Where students are coming to London for the first time they may have very different expectations of life here. Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings for both the Host Family and the student.
People may naturally feel offended where things are said in the wrong way. We expect our guests to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as we do. The way we use these social skills may seem like common politeness, but different cultures express social skills in very different ways. A student that says “give me the salt” at the dinner table may not be disrespectful, merely unaware of what is polite and impolite language. We also express ourselves through body language and tone of voice, which can also vary from culture to culture. Many languages do not have such a wide range of intonation as English so foreign learners may sound unfriendly when, in fact, they are not.
Host Families that successfully integrate students into their home will have learnt to be sensitive to different cultural backgrounds and understand that adapting to life in London for the first time can be very challenging for an international student.
Whilst the vast majority of students adapt very well to life in the UK, some can experience feelings of alienation and homesickness when they first arrive. This can be caused by things such as differences in routine and travel arrangements, unfamiliar official procedures and differences in family life. Students with a more elementary level of English may also find adjusting a little bit more difficult.
Although there is not one way to help in these situations, providing a comfortable and welcoming home environment will go some way to allaying culture shock and homesickness. Often some kind words and some friendly advice will be all that is needed to reassure and encourage them.
The Host Family is there for the student as a point of support and guidance for the duration of the student’s Homestay. This should be one of the hugely rewarding aspects of being a Host Family.
Do not hesitate to contact HFS London if we can help you in any way. In any situation we are able to ask for the support of the student’s place of study. We are here as your point of support before, during and after any student placement.