Questions a Student should ask on their first night

This section contains some of the questions you will want to know the answers to early on in your student’s exchange. They are written from the student’s perspective as we hope they will take the initiative to speak with the Host Parents. Minimizing conflict through understanding expectations is important. A complete list of first-night questions can be found online or will be provided to you by your student’s Country Officer.

GENERAL
  • How would you like me to refer to you? Mom? Mrs. First Name?
  • Would you please call me _______
  • May I have your cell phone number?
  • My cell phone number is: __________________
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AROUND THE HOME?
  • In the kitchen
    • Are there set times for meals?
    • What can I do to assist at mealtime: set the table? clear the table? help wash the dishes? put the dishes away? empty the garbage?
    • Between meals, may I help myself to food and drink, or should I ask first?
  • In the bathroom
    • What is the order of usage in the morning? How long may I be in the bathroom?
    • Do I buy my own shampoo, soap, and toothpaste or use what is there?
      Where may I keep my toiletries? May I bathe or shower every day? Morning or night, or both?
    • How should I dispose of waste?
    • Would you like me to clean up the bathroom after each time I use it.
  • In the bedroom
    • Do I clean my own room?
    • How often do I change sheets, covers, pillowcases?
    • May I put pictures/posters in my room?
    • May I rearrange my bedroom?
    • Where may I store my suitcases?
  • Feminine Hygiene
    • Where do I buy my sanitary needs?
    • How do I dispose of sanitary pads, tampons, etc.?
  • The computer – if you need to borrow the family computer
    • May I use the computer for e-mail or internet access?
    • How long and how often may I use the computer?
  • Letters & Packages
    • When I have written a letter, how do I send them?
    • What does it cost for international postage? Local postage?
    • Where will I find mail that has arrived for me?
    • What address do I use for my incoming mail?
  • Laundry
    • Where do I put my dirty clothes?
    • What are the arrangements for washing clothes?
    • May I use the washing machine, dryer, sewing machine at any time?
    • Should I wash my own underwear?
    • How are my clothes dried?
    • Is there anything I should do to help?
    • Where will I find my washed clothes?
    • Would you like me to iron my own clothes?
  • Going Out
    • What arrangements do I make with you if I go out with friends?
    • Do I need to ask permission before going anywhere or making plans?
    • What time must I be home?
    • If I am delayed, what should I do? To telephone, what is your number?
    • When we go out as a family, do I pay for my own entrance fees, meals, etc.?
    • Am I to attend Rotary meetings? When are they? How do I get around: Locally? To the city?
  • Around the house
    • What time must I get up on weekdays? On weekends? What time must I go to bed?
    • Am I allowed to eat in my bedroom?
    • Are feet allowed on the furniture?
    • Are any areas of the house strictly private? Is there anything else I should know or do?
    • What are your rules about friends visiting me during the day? May they spend the night?
    • Where do I entertain them?
    • What are your rules about playing music: tapes or CD’s?
    • I play an instrument. What are your rules about practice?
    • If I am taking any medications, do you need to know why? Where should this medication be kept?
    • What do I do if I feel sick?
    • Is there anything I should do to help around the house? Do I have a key to the house?
    • What religious observances should I know about? My religious observances are:
    • What other holidays/events are celebrated?
    • When are your birthdays?
  • Pet peeves (dislikes)
    • Parents
    • Sons / Daughters
    • Other family members
  • Punctuality Expectations
    • Family
    • Student
  • School
    • How do I get to school and at what time? Can I buy my lunch?
    • Do I pay for lunch?
    • Can I take a prepared lunch? Do I prepare it?
    • I have been told I have to pay for any school uniforms.
    • Where do I get that uniform? How much does it cost? Can the Rotary Club help me with the cost?
    • Are there any other items I need for school? Am I to pay for these?
    • Can I apply for a bus pass to travel to school?
    • Does the Rotary Club pay for my cost of travel to school? Can I obtain a student discount card for public transportation if needed?