FRENCH EXCHANGE TIPS?!?!?

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i stayed at a french family's house for two weeks and it was very fun.

you should probably try andspeak french when you are staying with her and then speak english when she is staying with you (except obviously when you guys are trying to figure out what the other is saying and you need to go back and forth to figure it out or something.) so she can practice her english too.

you should definately bring the family a gift. when i went, i brought them stuff that was from my city back home like salt water taffy and a picture book of california and other fun stuff. maybe some sort of food that is special to where you live or some other product that your region is known for. also you could burn her a cd of music you and your friends listen to because it's fun to see how tastes are different in different places or whatever.

for etiquette, just kinda roll with the punches and be very observant. if you see them all doing something then do it too. they won't freak out if you don't already know. just say sorry and that you guys don't do that where you live. they won't be mad or anything its not youre fault.

the most fun is seeing the differences between you guys and teaching each other about your lives so embrace them and try and be as respectful as possible of the differences.

as for the smoking. ya, it sucks. they aren't going to smoke ALL the time most likely. my host parents only really did it after meals or every once in awhile during the day. they probably won't be offended if you cough thats not your fault. just deal with it and be polite.

i hope this helps. you're luckiy and it's going to be a lot of fun.

and it's totally normal to be freaked out or worried or nervous but you'll relax and it will be awesome.

abigail;x

just be yourself, dont worry yourself :)

Thatsme.

Okok calm down to startes im on a french exchange too, and she came to mine in october im going in march

Ok hen she gets to yours it will automatically be uncomfortable, just make casual convorsation say 'how are you' and 'how was your journey' and ask her if she wants to call her parents. When she puts her stuff down and everything call one of your friends who also has a french exchange and ask to meet up, theres alot less tension in groups becuase you dont need to know alot of french. The awkwardness will go down I promise :P Ask her what she likes do some miming actions or just show her. My french exchange gave me some shower stuff and a photo holder, perhaps you can take a photo of you two and put it in a photo holder and some english chocolates for the gift.
Dont: Joke around with them or be sarcastic, they wont understand and they will get upset. Plus they dont understand what the word joke means.
Do: Be casual and act like a friend. And speak slowly:)

cant think of anything else "/
errr good luck!

hope I helped x

Jess

I've done 3 exchanges, to in France and one in Germany. When they come to you try to live your normal English life, when you are there they will try very hard to make sure you have a good time. Best thing is to try all the food and join in with as much as possible! Have fun :-)

Kate

When she comes to visit, take her to some of your favorite places. Serve her your favorite things. Even if it seems just "normal," it will seem cool to her.

But also give her some alone time -- it's exhausting to be "on" all the time, not only with a family to whom you need to be polite, but also having to speak a foreign language!

When you go over there, be polite and try as much food as possible. Also, we would have great conversations talking about Hollywood stars. Even if you don't speak much French, it's an easy conversation. "Aimez-vous Jim Carrey?" "Oui, j'aime le film Liar Liar."

Don't worry about the smoking. You're their guest, so they won't be obnoxious about it, and if you need to cough, by all means, do!

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