talk shows. Some educational programs that teach
English to young people such as Sesame Street may
be helpful for students just beginning to learn the
language.
4. Keep a list of expressions and words that are new
and useful and try to use them in conversation.
5. Take advantage of college resources; join clubs and
groups for special interests. The Campus Coordinator
can direct you to tutoring services or language
laboratories.
••Show concern for personal appearance and
grooming. Although your wardrobe may be limited by
airline baggage allowances, you should dress properly
for most occasions. Dress appropriately both in terms of
the occasion and what your friends are wearing.
Personal habits differ from country to country. How
people bathe or shower, and how often, varies from
culture to culture. Generally Americans are concerned
about cleanliness and body odor. It is customary in the
USA to shower or bathe daily and change into clean
underclothes. Both men and women use underarm
deodorant. Women generally shave underarms and
legs.
••Assume your share of household responsibilities.
All members of the family usually share jobs around the
house. You can shovel snow, help with meals, babysit,
cut grass and do chores other family members do.
Discuss household responsibilities and chores with your
family. You are expected to do your share when living
with a family.
••Do not overuse the telephone. You must pay your
own telephone bills, and always ask permission before
using the telephone to make long-distance calls. YFU
discourages frequent calls home, or to relatives or
friends in other parts of the USA. It is recommended
that students call or video-chat (for example, Skype)
with their family at home about once per week at
maximum. Calling home too frequently can cause
homesickness and will slow the adjustment process.
••Limit Internet and computer use. Most families
have only one computer which is shared by all family
members. Host parents may use the home computer
for work and children may need it for homework
assignments. Many families in the United States
subscribe a limited internet plan, and will have to
pay an extra fee if they go over their allotted amount
of data. Discuss computer usage expectations and
16 - CCP HANDBOOK
schedules with your host family. Students should
respect and adhere to the family’s schedule. If more
computer time is needed, use the computer labs
located on the community college campuses.
••Respect nonsmokers’ rights. If smoking is not allowed
in the home and you are a smoker, discuss this with your
host family. Depending upon the host family attitude
and lifestyle, you may be asked to smoke only outside
the home.
Restaurants, stores, and many public places also do
not allow smoking. Many colleges nationwide are also
banning smoking on campus. Smoke-free environments
are the norm in the USA. Students must follow all
college rules and regulations regarding smoking.