Host family tips in Africa and Asia

You decided to stay with the host family, but you are still a bit unsure what exactly you are expecting there? Here you get helpful tips for the host family in Africa and Asia, In order to prepare you optimally for your stay in the host family, we have a list of the most important Dos and don'ts compiled. These are designed to help you prevent misunderstandings from the ground up, so that your stay in the family becomes an unforgettable and positive experience for everyone involved.

Do not go back

In the first days of your Volunteering abroad you will collect a lot of new impressions that can sometimes overwhelm you. You are in a country that is foreign to you, in the middle of an unfamiliar culture and you live in a family that is also completely unknown to you. It is therefore quite understandable that you feel a bit strange at the beginning. However, you shouldn't hole up in your room. It is better to approach the host family on your own and be open to them, then you will quickly make friends. Your host family will give you a warm welcome so that you can feel comfortable with them from the start.

Note family rules

Every family has its own set of rules to live by, which all family members, including you, should abide by. It's best to speak to your family directly about it. Of course, you can always ask again if you don't understand a rule. This way you can settle into the new family without any problems and avoid misunderstandings.

Involve your host family

Let your host family know if you're going to be staying late in the evening and let them know who you're traveling with and where you're going. This way, your host family will know who to contact in an emergency. If you don't make it to an appointment on time, let your family know that you will be late. Even if punctuality is defined differently in many of our destination countries than in Germany, your family should always be able to rely on you. If you want to bring a guest to your family home, be sure to ask their permission first.

Support in the household

During your time with the host family you are a family member. Not only do the same rules apply to you, but also the same obligations. Please keep your room tidy and clean at all times. If you want to cook your own meal in the kitchen, please ask permission beforehand and clean up afterwards. Your host family might also be happy if you prepare a typical German meal for them. Offer your help around the house yourself and help out. The host family will welcome your initiative and be grateful for your help.

Be considerate

Your host family goes about their normal everyday life during your stay. It is therefore important that you are considerate of family members and their needs. Even when dealing with precious resources such as water and electricity, you should adapt to the host family and not be wasteful. It is also important that you behave tolerantly towards the customs and habits of the family. If you show openness here, you can gain many interesting experiences.

Guest gift for the host family

A small guest gift is considered a special sign of courtesy in Africa and Asia. Our recommendation: Bring something that is typical for Germany or for your home region - this way you also have the opportunity to tell your host family a little more about you and your home. German sweets, which are often sold very expensively abroad, are also particularly popular, such as chocolate or gummy bears (but be careful when transporting due to the high temperatures). Of course, you can also think of a suitable guest gift yourself and be very creative, but please do not throw yourself into the expense.

Tips for gifts for your host family

For the host parents:

Useful things

• Dishcloths
• Towels

Care products

• shampoo
• shower gel
• hand soap
• cosmetics
• Perfumes
• Creams

Favors for children:

• Sweets such as chocolate, pralines, gummy bears etc. are very popular
• Pencils
• Malblöcke
• (Footballs
• Spielzeugautos

Gifts for the whole family:

• Card or board games like UNO (language independent)
• Souvenirs (souvenirs) from your home
• Magnets for the fridge
• Photo calendars or illustrated books from your home
• Cookbooks about typical German cuisine in English
• Note: It is better not to bring animal products or alcohol with you, since Muslims, for example, do not consume some things.

In general: just be creative! A small photo album of you and your life in your home town is great for getting to know your host family. In addition to your host parents, do not forget your host siblings. You can always make younger kids happy with little things. And for peers: it's best to think about your own interests.

Get involved in the family

Don't be alarmed if something in the family doesn't go as expected right away. Other countries other manners! But no worries, the people in Africa and Asia are mostly very sociable and don't take things as seriously as we Europeans do. In most cases, our host parents and our participants get used to each other very quickly. Of course, differences of opinion can also arise – as you know from your own family. However, our experience has shown that everything can be clarified as long as there is communication. Of course you can also ask our local RGV team for help if you are unsure how to approach your host family.

Staying with a host family often results in international friendships and beautiful memories that last for many years.

Enjoy the African and Asian home stay!