---
title: How to Handle Cultural Misunderstandings as a Host Family
description: Cultural misunderstandings can be opportunities for growing, learning and bonding with an exchange student.
image: https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/teenage%20boy%20looking%20through%20a%20magnifying%20glass.jpg
---

[![ices@2x](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png?width=77&name=ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png)](https://www.icesusa.org/)

 

- [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/international-student-exchange-programs/)
- [HOST A STUDENT](https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/)
- [AMERICAN STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/american-student-exchange-programs/)
- [WORK WITH US](https://www.icesusa.org/student-exchange-careers-and-partnerships/)
- [ABOUT US](https://www.icesusa.org/about-us-overview/)
- [CONTACT US](https://www.icesusa.org/contact-ices/)
- [BLOG](https://blog.icesusa.org)

[Let's Talk](https://blog.icesusa.org/contact)subscribe

### I’d like to learn more about Campaign Creators!

 read

# How to Handle Cultural Misunderstandings as a Host Family

By [Brenda Padilla Ericksen](https://blog.icesusa.org/author/brenda-padilla-ericksen)

![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/teenage%20boy%20looking%20through%20a%20magnifying%20glass.jpg)

“There’s no food in this house!” This is a message I received from a desperate exchange student who had just arrived in the USA. Alarmed, I quickly sent an urgent email requesting immediate assistance for this poor, starving student. Within hours, I received photos of a kitchen full of food. What was going on?

![woman looking into empty freezer with a worried expression on her face](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/woman%20looking%20into%20empty%20freezer%20with%20a%20worried%20expression%20on%20her%20face.jpg?width=720&height=405&name=woman%20looking%20into%20empty%20freezer%20with%20a%20worried%20expression%20on%20her%20face.jpg)

Was the student exaggerating, or was this a [cultural misunderstanding](https://blog.icesusa.org/lost-in-translation-unraveling-cultural-misunderstandings)? Much like [optical illusions](https://es.pinterest.com/pin/319051954845633611/), two people can look at the same situation and [perceive](https://www.pbs.org/video/brain-david-eagleman-episode-1-clip-4/)it very differently.

It was indeed a cultural misunderstanding. I quickly learned that when a foreign exchange student says, “There’s no food,” it usually means, “I don’t know what to eat or how to prepare anything with the ingredients in this kitchen.” The foods are as foreign to them as a new language might be.

What’s the moral of the story? Cultural misunderstandings are opportunities to learn, grow, and see the world differently. Here are seven strategies for navigating these critical incidents effectively.

 

## 1. Keep Calm

“This student is rude and disrespectful.” My jaw dropped as I read the complaints about a student from Germany. When I met her at orientation, she seemed like a perfect candidate for the exchange program. But her host family felt she was constantly arguing with them.

[In Germany, it’s considered important for teenagers to form opinions](https://blog.icesusa.org/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-teenager-in-germany), express them, and even engage in lively debates with parents and teachers. This practice is seen as essential for developing independent, thoughtful citizens.

![middle aged couple posing in thinking positions](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/middle%20aged%20couple%20posing%20in%20thinking%20positions.jpg?width=731&height=411&name=middle%20aged%20couple%20posing%20in%20thinking%20positions.jpg)

When you first feel irritation or confusion, remember to stay calm. Cultural misunderstandings are normal and bound to occur. It's time to switch on your curiosity and prepare for a learning adventure.

 

## 2. Listen Like a Detective

![woman looking through a magnifying glass](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/woman%20looking%20through%20a%20magnifying%20glass.jpg?width=718&height=404&name=woman%20looking%20through%20a%20magnifying%20glass.jpg)

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” [Stephen Covey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey)’s wise words from "[The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People](https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/)" are crucial here. [Listen like a detective](https://blog.icesusa.org/listen-like-a-detective) who really wants to understand. Start by gently asking your student about their perspective on the situation. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions. Practice [active, reflective listening](https://positivepsychology.com/active-listening-techniques/) to understand their viewpoint fully.

 

## 3. Explain the Cultural Context

“In the USA, it’s common for parents to meet new friends before you go out with them.” Cultural misunderstandings often stem from a [lack of awareness](https://blog.icesusa.org/10-culture-shocks-in-the-usa) about what is considered normal, polite, or acceptable in different countries.

![teenage boy listening to woman speak to him](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/teenage%20boy%20listening%20to%20woman%20speak%20to%20him.jpg?width=725&height=408&name=teenage%20boy%20listening%20to%20woman%20speak%20to%20him.jpg)

Your student didn't grow up with American customs—they come from a background with its own unique set of rules, schedules, foods, social activities, and etiquette. After you've listened carefully to your student and made them feel understood, it's time to [explain how things work in the USA](https://blog.icesusa.org/you-can-become-a-diplomat-no-passport-required). This helps them navigate their new environment and succeed.

 

## 4. Seek Common Ground

“I’ve heard complaints that a student isn't showing gratitude, while the student feels they are being thankful.” In every culture, gratitude is expressed in different ways. Often, students simply [don’t know how to show appreciation in the American way](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-to-express-appreciation-in-the-usa).

![stack of hands on a table](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/stack%20of%20hands%20on%20a%20table.jpg?width=731&height=411&name=stack%20of%20hands%20on%20a%20table.jpg)

Finding common ground in every misunderstanding is helpful. In this case, it's the value placed on gratitude. Most students will agree on the importance of showing appreciation. Once on common ground, you can build empathy by discussing how a lack of expressed gratitude might feel to both you and someone in the student's home country.

 

## 5. Create an Action Plan

![notebook with the word plan written across a page](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/notebook%20with%20the%20word%20plan%20written%20across%20a%20page.jpg?width=733&height=412&name=notebook%20with%20the%20word%20plan%20written%20across%20a%20page.jpg)

“What’s the plan?” Misunderstandings often highlight areas needing attention. What changes are expected moving forward? What steps should be taken, and by when? Is there anything you can do to assist?

 

## 6. Conduct Check-Ups

![mother speaking to teenage girl](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mother%20speaking%20to%20teenage%20girl.jpg?width=720&height=405&name=mother%20speaking%20to%20teenage%20girl.jpg)

“It’s so hard.” I've heard many teenagers say this as they [struggle to adapt to many changes simultaneously](https://blog.icesusa.org/cultural-adaptation-what-is-it-like). Adjusting to a new culture requires time, effort, and patience. Regularly check in with the student to review progress and offer encouragement.

 

## 7. Welcome Expert Advice

![older woman working at her computer](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/older%20woman%20working%20at%20her%20computer.jpg?width=706&height=397&name=older%20woman%20working%20at%20her%20computer.jpg)

“We don’t want to bother the coordinator.” Many families hesitate to reach out, but coordinators are there to help. They have experience with recurring issues and can provide valuable insights.

By approaching cultural misunderstandings with [empathy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empathy) and understanding, host families can create a positive experience for both them and their exchange students. These challenges can become opportunities for learning and growth, providing new perspectives on life.

Always remember: Each misunderstanding resolved is a step towards a deeper understanding and stronger [bond between you and your student](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-to-be-an-awesome-host-family).

 Tags: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Student Support](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/student-support), [cultural understanding](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-understanding), [cultural immersion](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-immersion), [empathy](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/empathy), [cultural misunderstandings](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-misunderstandings)

### Related Articles

<https://blog.icesusa.org/mid-year-check-make-your-year-great>

## [Mid-Year Check: Make Your Year Great!](https://blog.icesusa.org/mid-year-check-make-your-year-great)

*( read )*

 Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Student Support](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/student-support), [cultural understanding](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-understanding), [cultural immersion](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-immersion), [empathy](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/empathy), [cultural misunderstandings](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-misunderstandings)

<https://blog.icesusa.org/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-say-yes-to-hosting>

## [Why January Is the Best Time to Say Yes to Hosting](https://blog.icesusa.org/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-say-yes-to-hosting)

*( read )*

 Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Student Support](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/student-support), [cultural understanding](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-understanding), [cultural immersion](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-immersion), [empathy](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/empathy), [cultural misunderstandings](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-misunderstandings)

<https://blog.icesusa.org/how-different-cultures-celebrate-the-new-year>

## [How Different Cultures Celebrate the New Year](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-different-cultures-celebrate-the-new-year)

*( read )*

 Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Student Support](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/student-support), [cultural understanding](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-understanding), [cultural immersion](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-immersion), [empathy](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/empathy), [cultural misunderstandings](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-misunderstandings)

### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter

### Posts by Tag

- [Cultural Exchange (141)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange)
- [Exchange Student (106)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/exchange-student)
- [Host Families (97)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families)
- [Host an exchange student (78)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student)
- [Youth Exchange (68)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange)

## Subscribe to Our Blog Today!

![Boris_ICES_Ads](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Boris_ICES_Ads.png?width=749&height=698&name=Boris_ICES_Ads.png)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Brenda Padilla Ericksen",
    "url" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/author/brenda-padilla-ericksen"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2024-09-20T11:51:30.738Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-09-20T11:51:30.000Z",
  "headline" : "How to Handle Cultural Misunderstandings as a Host Family",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/teenage%20boy%20looking%20through%20a%20magnifying%20glass.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/how-to-handle-cultural-misunderstandings-as-a-host-family",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject"
    },
    "name" : "International Cultural Exchange Services"
  }
}
```