Your home in the United States of America:
by Beth Dunn and others

Hier einige Tipps und Hinweise, die insbesondere bei Studienreisen von Schülern bei Unterbringung in einer amerikanischen Gastfamilie Beachtung finden sollten!

Culture:

• There are differences between cultures and that experience is part of the exchange.

• Most American teens use social networking:  Facebook seems to be the preferred method.

• American teens do not typically walk about town late at night.  They use transportation to get where they need to go.
• American parents appreciate being consulted before teens make separate plans.
• The smoking age in America is 18.
• The drinking age for alcohol in America is 21.
• American teens can become a licensed driver at age 16.

Host Family:

• Early communication with your host family is very important.
• We make every effort to match you with an American student who shares some of the same interest as you.
• Do you have allergies to pets?
• Let your host family know in advance if you have certain health or food restrictions.

Housing:

• You will have a bed to yourself.  If you need an extra blanket or pillow, just ask your host.
• You may share a bathroom with other family members.  You may shower as often as needed.  Your host family will provide towels and wash cloths.
• Your host family will have a washing machine and dryer for your use.  If you need laundry done don’t hesitate to ask.
• You will need to bring your own adaptor to allow charging of electronics and personal small appliances to function.
• Your host family will allow you to use their computer to email your family.
• Past experience has shown that students who call home frequently suffer from home-sickness more often than those students who do not call home often.  If you choose to bring an International cell phone, please be courteous and limit your calls to times other than meals and planned activities.

Pets:

• Most American families have pets.  Let your host family know if you have any issues with pets.

Meals:

• Many meals will be provided by your host family.  The food will be different from what you have in your country, but this is part of your experience.  Keep an open mind and politely let your host know what you like or don’t like in a gracious way.
• Typical American teens eat cereal for breakfast on school days and pack their lunch before school.
• You may need to purchase some meals when you are out shopping, sightseeing, or at an entertainment venue.  Budget some of your money for meals.  Expect to pay around $4-$7 for a fast food meal.  If you are in a moderate priced restaurant you may pay $8-$10 for a meal.  If you cannot afford to buy extra meals you can pack a lunch in advance.

Trips:

• Sister City may offer to provide educational trips such as historic sites at no cost to you.
• There may be optional tours, entertainment, activities, and transportation that you will be expected to pay for.

Money:

• You should bring American cash or make currency exchange in the larger airport you travel through.  The banks in Lynchburg do not exchange Euros for American Dollars at the counter.
• Expect to budget your money for some meals throughout your stay.
• Expect to budget your money for some tours, entertainment, activities, souvenirs and possible transportation.
• Most international teens enjoy shopping here in America.  You will find the prices to be reasonable and the shopping plentiful.

Transportation:

• You will be flying into one of the large airports in America.  You will go through customs in the American airport and then take another flight or train to Lynchburg.  Do not bring alcohol, tobacco products, fresh fruit, meat or plants.  You may not take drinks through security, but you may purchase drinks after you go through security and those may be taken on the flight.
• You will be responsible for the cost of your transportation to and from Lynchburg at the beginning and end of your trip.
• There may be some optional day trips where you will be expected to help pay for transportation.
• Transportation to and from school will be handled by your host family.
• Transportation to and from most educational activities will be handled by carpooling.  Most host families work together in getting students to and from activities.

Faith/Religion:

• Many American families attend church on a regular basis.
• Let your host family know your feelings toward church attendance.
• If you choose not to attend other arrangements can be made for that time.

Additional Information:

• Please consult this web-site for up-dated information concerning permitted and prohibited items on flights.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm