Do not loan money or make investments. Families do not refund missed meals or weekends out of town. Appreciate that food and utilities generally cost more abroad than at home and foreign hosts are paid relatively little. Most participants recognize this and are prepared to accept local norms, conserve on utilities, and eat what the hosts eat. Conserving energy is high priority in most countries.
Many areas are subject to water shortages.
Observe the different realities and adjust accordingly. Exercising conservation and consideration of these amenities abroad will be appreciated by your foreign host family. Express an interest in the family and culture, and the family will extend themselves as much as possible to make you a member of the household. Making yourself familiar with the foreign customs and adapting yourself to their lifestyle and culture will help bridge the cultural gap between you and your hosts. Occasionally students have complained that they had little contact with their family.