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In Smolensk
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Information on Home Stay, Gifts and Tipping

 

Home Stay

            You will stay with a family where at least one person will speak English, possibly a parent or a teenage child.  Many times, the host families will plan to have Americans over for lunch/ dinner or to go to the “datcha” (a place to garden). 

            Initially, we will not know who your host family until your arrival in Smolensk; you will be notified if we learn this information beforehand.  We will like for families to stay together, however; this may not happen.  Most Host families have are the same as American family different in size but most have two parents and a child or parents, grandparents and children. 

 

Gifts

            Giving one large gift to an entire family is recommended.   

There is a saying: “You can never out gift a Russian”. You will find that your Russian host family will do whatever they can to make your stay with them wonderful. This includes giving you gifts for yourself and family.

**** DO NOT give your gifts until your last night with your host family. This is so the host family does not RUN out to get you more if they feel your gift is much better.  Most of the families do not have much money and we don’t want them using it on us.

Try and think of what you would appreciate if you were to receive a similar gift in return. Something unique that represents your area, some memento that represents your culture.

            Ideas…

                        Home made gifts                Small set of hand tools

                        Gardening terms                  Watch

                        Set of hand towels             CD player with batteries

                        Picture frame with your family picture in it

                        Home made CD’s                Artwork

                        Afghan                                   Candy

                        Hat/ T-shirts                                        Hand bag

                        Toys/ Crayons                       Soccer ball

                        Bath & Body stuff                 Winter hat/mittens  

            Your host family could have friends over to meet a “American”, they will have gifts.  Therefore, you will need small gifts for them in return.

 

Boarding School Gifts

            Having small gifts with you for the teachers/staff/children will be great.  Pens, crosses, jump ropes, balls, rings, crayons, nail stuff, make-up (light in color), teaching things, bracelets, and post cards etc. (www.orientaltrading.com) 

 

Tips

            To show our appreciation to the Head cook, Assistant, Bus Driver, Cleaning ladies, and interpreters, we leave a tip and a small gift.  In Moscow will tip the bus driver and tour guide.

Things to Know…

 

Ÿ               Russian people want to know more about Americans and their life style. Take photos of your family, church, garden, etc.

Ÿ         It’s a Russian Tradition to take off your shoes when you enter an apartment. They will probably offer you a pair of slippers to wear or you can bring your own.

Ÿ         Main meals is usually at 1 or 2pm but Russians always offer food to their guests. Be prepared to taste everything on the table. “Try it, you’ll like it!! Russian do not use ice in soda (warm) is more likely to be on the table than water. Tea (chai) or coffee (kofe) are available, but not in decaffeinated form.  Sugar substitutes is not available.

Ÿ         Russian are incredibly generous and hospitable. 

Ÿ         You may be asked what Americans think about current events. Be prepared to share your views, but avoid being dogmatic or critical. Be sensitive to other opinions and cultural differences. Always speak the truth of love.

Ÿ         Be prepared to practice  your faith. As a sign of your common witness, we don’t accept alcohol. If the family doesn’t observe grace before meals, quietly bow your head and off your own grace silently. If they ask  you about what you are doing, tell them simple and modestly. Be prepared to give an account of the faith that is in your  faith

Ÿ         Be prepared to build bridges of friendship, to share the joy of your faith

Ÿ         NO Alcohol - vodka at meals is a tradition with Russians. For the sake of the integrity of our witness and our tradition as Ums we respectfully decline. An occasion of witness about who we are.

Ÿ         Be open, be a good listener - we do not have a corner on the truth, we are there to learn and grown as well as share

Ÿ         Be prepared to talk about your job, your family, were you live, field questions about United Methodism

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