It can be scary when you first meet your host parents. Try to be in contact with them before you meet them. It is very important to have a good relationship with your new family.
Being in a new place can sometimes make you feel threatened or on edge so just remember that your host family may be a little strange, harsh or uncomfortable to be around but they have opened up their home to you so you need to be thankful and appreciative of that. On the flip side it might be the most enjoyable and comfortable part of your exchange. On many occasions your host parents can become like your second parents or grandparents. Your host siblings might become like a real sibling or best friend. There is the potential for relationships to form all over the place.
Do your best to be considerate of your new family and have the same respect for them as you would for your own. Write a bucket-list to give to them of all the things you would like to do while on exchange. This could also be a great icebreaker. Be open with them and talk to them. If they feel like you are a boarder in their home things will not end well for anyone – trust me, I know from firsthand experience. Make a massive effort to be a contributing part of your host family. Try to help to cook meals and clean the house, even if you would never lift a finger in your home country. Do something nice to show them that you appreciate them!
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