Wednesday, July 17, 2013

the visitors are coming!

First, some brief updates:
1) THANK YOU for your many comments and feedback on the the commenting system debate of yesterday! It was a long day of replying, replying, fiddling, and trying to figure things out. I'm not sure how much progress I made, but I can say it was WAY MORE TIME CONSUMING than normal, so...there's that! Keep testing things out today (try hitting the 'subscribe' button if you weren't getting notified of comments posted here...although sources say that may actually mean you get notified of EVERY new comment and not just ones in a particular thread, so...beware, also!) and tomorrow we will settle this thing once and for all by means of a most American institution. Be ready!!

2) Amanda S. generously and hilariously took a picture of her Shetland Sheepdog running ensemble, complete with detailed commentary about each trendy item in the outfit...all of you who plan on running in our 7th-grade-tshirt-themed 5k (1k) seriously need to check it out and get inspired. And laugh your face off.

3) An astute blog reader (and fellow Athens-dweller) informed me that she SAW THE MASCOT for the Brazilian wax place and it is a PINK PANTHER. Seriously. I laughed my head off, while simultaneously pondering the connection. I don't get it. Anyone wanna help me? Pink panthers and Brazilian waxes? Help!

Alright. Enough updates. On with things...

We are currently both nervous and excited about some visitors that will be staying with us at the end of the month. As you probably know, Athens is home to the University of Georgia (obviously my alma mater!), which is a large research university (with a pretty awesome football team). As such, people from all over the world move here to study/teach. So late July tends to be when a whole bunch of smarty-pants foreign students arrive each year, and as it turns out, most of them take a few days or a week to get their American lives really going...and that is where we are going to come in!

The International Student Life office at UGA (not sure if that's the official name, but something like that) networks with a whole bunch of local churches and community groups in order to wrangle a bunch of volunteer 'host families' who will host the foreign students for a week or so when they first arrive in America. The students will have plenty to do on campus during the days, as they get oriented to life both on and off-campus. They'll go to meetings and orientations, as well as get help doing things like setting up bank accounts, getting phones, and finding apartments. In the meantime, though, they need a place to stay-- and two of these very lucky students are going to get the fantastic privilege of calling MY house their home.

Isn't that fun??!!

When we heard about the opportunity (the group basically goes to a ton of churches and makes a presentation and gives people a chance to sign up if they're interested), at first I was like no way. What on earth do I have to offer foreign students? We live out in the sticks...we're boring...we eat really American (and Mexican) food. But after thinking it through for about 4 seconds, I changed my mind. We have guest bedrooms and bathrooms and really that's the main thing they need. We drive to campus (campus is in downtown Athens, where both of us work) every single day, so it doesn't matter that we don't actually live there...the students will still be able to get to UGA. And I have a lifetime of Southern hospitality training and a pretty firm grip on the idea of loving your neighbor as yourself and I know that if myself was being plopped into a new and strange country, myself would be very happy for strangers willing to open their home and show me the ropes a little. And so we said we'd do it. 

And they're coming!! In a little over a week, our two students (one actually a 'visiting scholar,' so maybe he's a little older than typical 'student' age?) will be here! We have two males, both from China. We are nervous and excited. A lot of our friends and other families in our church are also hosting and so it's fun to be nervous and excited together. We're planning things as a group so that our students will get to a) meet other new foreign students, and b) get to experience a bit of the community we love so much and so that is getting us pretty excited. One of our students even specified in his information that he likes playing tennis, so...HOLLA! If all else fails, we can play tennis every night. :) 

The group that is organizing the host families and students sends us information about how to prepare, what to expect, etc. They also send similar information to the students (copying us on the emails) telling them things about what to expect in American homes, what things are culturally acceptable/not acceptable, etc. These emails are SO fun and a wealth of information to me! Here are some of the most interesting tidbits I've learned:

From the email to the visiting students:
-US Americans can seem foolish about their pets. Dogs and cats are often treated like family members, and go throughout the house. Your host(s) may even kiss or hug their pets (UGH)! These pets are tame and (usually) clean and pose no danger. Pets are not eaten in this country.   If the pets make you feel really uncomfortable,  let your host(s) know. Usually the pets can be kept elsewhere for a while.

-US Americans are open about disagreements on particular issues. If they disagree with you about something, it is not considered wrong for them to indicate so.  Again try not to be offended.

-It is not usually acceptable to ask about their ages, how much money they make, how much does the home cost or why they have no children. [HALLELUJAH!!! I think we should send these tips to ALL HUMANS...well, the last one anyway.] 

 -In order to make you more comfortable, your host(s) may joke with you. Try not to be offended by this. If it bothers you, let your hosts know you don’t understand this joking. [Oh God help me. I am the WORST at making awful jokes when I'm nervous. Bless these students that have to live with me....]

In the email to the host families, they give us helpful tips about what kinds of foods to maybe keep on hand, what household things to explain (apparently the American system of shower curtains and sheets/blankets on beds can be particularly confusing to Chinese students?), and other things like that. I love reading through the emails, but I can't decide if it makes me more or less nervous!! I feel like a have a lot of research and planning to do before they arrive...I want to make their stay as comfortable and fun as possible, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about things. 

Anyway. So...if you happen to be Chinese, or know a lot about Chinese culture...give me your tips!! Also, how do you think the Chinese men will feel when they are subject to watching the Bachelorette finale (or second-to-last show, can't figure it out right now) on their 3rd night in America? WELCOME TO AMERICA, BOYS! HERE'S HOW WE ROLL!!!

60 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. That's what THEY think!! But Lola is one particularly succulent mutt, so who really knows...

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  2. Yay for the "why don't you have kids?" warning. That's good stuff. I don't understand how a shower curtain can be confusing... I'm guessing they have shower stalls with doors?!?! I wish you could politely videotape yourself explaining how to use a shower curtain!

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    1. It said something about how shower curtains are not typically used in China, so...no idea what they do instead! I'm going to see if there are any How to Use a Shower Curtain tutorials on Youtube...

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  3. Sounds like fun! We've often said we'd host a hockey boy visiting for a tourney, though they are usually American. I'm not familiar with the cultural differences, so I have no advice...sorry! My guess is the boys will help you out with their likes/dislikes and you'll be fine. Enjoy your houseguest...post your fun, exciting and any embarrassing moments for us please!!!

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    1. You know I'm all about embarrassing myself online, so I'm sure this will give me many excellent opportunities!!

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  4. Nothing says "Welcome to America" quite like reality t.v.! You can tell them you are providing a total immersion experience. Seriously, though, you'll be a great host, simply because you care so much that they have a good experience. When I was in Russia, for the most part I couldn't understand a thing being said, but their smiles said enough. Looking forward to hearing about this adventure!

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    1. 'Total immersion experience' sounds way better than 'I am too lazy to do anything except watch bad TV,' so I'll definitely use that terminology!!

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  5. Such a cool opportunity! I feel like a total dork but I was just reading in a Missions Magazine (yes that is just as nerdy as it sounds) about churches doing international adjustment ministries and thinking what a cool way to serve people and share Jesus... and here you are doing it. So now I am going to live through you because there is no college near me. Yes, TOTAL. DORK. - with no advice to share :)

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    1. 'International adjustment ministries'?? So it has a real name? Ha! That's awesome! Well...live vicariously away, my friend!

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  6. That's awesome! Hope it goes well with the students!! PS so now are you just replying through blog and not through email. I might be confused. I'm one of those who NEVER goes back and checks and doesn't want a million emails with everyone elses responses either :)

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    1. Today I am responding mostly on the blog unless requested otherwise or unless it's like a super private question/remark, like 'what is your favorite recipe for cooking your pets?' Not sure if this will always be the case though, cause this is like double the work!

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  7. Sounds like a fantabulous experience. I think you would be the perfect host for "Welcome to America." Idk about the whole shower curtain thingy but the whole culture difference can be crazy sometimes. My aunt stayed with a family in Germany and she said the daughter always walked around naked. That to me is out of the ordinary in America. Have fun!

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    1. I hope they aren't surprised when I walk around naked all the time. That would be awkward. ;)

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  8. That's awesome! I've always wanted a foreign exchange student to live with us. In high school one of my friend's families hosted a girl from Brazil. I think the poor girl gained 20 lbs while she was here. I remember going to Ruby Tuesday for dinner and she ordered a brownie sunday - for dinner. I probably would have too, if I didn't have access to that kind of food. I also remember that she had a little, teeny bikini. Not all that accepted here.

    And about the jokes, my husband is the worst! When we were in Costa Rica, our driver was telling us the name of a mountain. It sounded kinda funny, like achooo, and Tim kept saying, "bless you!" I was so uncomfortable. Jokes just don't translate well!

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    1. I wish that brownie sundaes for dinner and teeny bikinis went better together!!

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  9. This cracks me up! I used to nanny for a family and the dad is Taiwanese. We always teased him about stuff like this. His wife and I are probably racists by the Paula Deen standards, but he always took it in good clean fun and pushed it right back at us, so I think we're good.

    When I was in college, around this time all the foreign students would arrive at Missouri State. MSU has a campus in China so we always had a high number of Chinese students. They live in student apartments on campus and the school provides buses to different places around town during those first weeks. I somehow got into the middle of one of the big groups at Target once. The little old ladies helping from MSU were trying to explain to get back on the bus and it wasn't going so hot. Anywho, it was a challenge to get out of the group. The Chinese students also would just walk out in the road in a giant group on campus. So maybe mention to not do that.

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    1. Ha!!! I think that properly introducing people to Target would take at least a week. A day on shopping cart/dressing room etiquette, another day for finding the best deals on the 70% clearance racks, two days for properly dispensing slushies in the food court... hahaha

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  10. Very brave of you to sign up for that - and also very generous! Should be an interesting experience with lots of blog-worthy moments :)

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    1. I am not responding to you here because you will not come back to read it. Hater.

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    2. Okay I'm laughing out loud at this in a houseful of (used to be) sleeping people!!! Ha ha ha!!!

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  11. hahaha that's awesome! Thanks for the laugh. I've also heard that in the states, it us rude to take your shoes off to go inside someone's house, while here in Canada it's the opposite. Is that true?

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    1. Interesting! I don't know that there are any hard-and-fast rules regarding the rudeness of shoe-removal...I wouldn't NORMALLY go in and immediately remove my shoes in someone's house unless they specifically asked me to OR if I noticed in the entry way/mudroom that there were lots of other shoes and noticed that no one else was wearing shoes indoors? But if I were say, settling in to watch a movie with them or something, taking them off would be perfectly fine. I think it's more a personal preference, but keeping them on isn't normally considered RUDE unless they specifically asked you to take them off (I guess to keep their carpets clean or something, maybe). Or if your shoes were muddy. That would be rude. ;)

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  12. How fun! I spent a summer in Spain as an exchange student when I was in high school, but my host family wasn't nearly as cool as you two--those guys lucked out! Hope you have an exciting experience! Can't wait to hear all about it! :-)

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    1. It's doubtful that anyone in Spain is as cool as we are, honestly. ;) Except for my favorite golfer, Sergio Garcia, of course!!

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  13. I love the email send to the students! I think it will nerve racking and exciting all in one to host a couple of foreign students. I come to to visit from Canada...will I be considered to be foreign? Kudos to you and Matt for taking this on!

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    1. You will be considered TOTALLY foreign. I will be sure to speak really loudly and slowly to help you out, though!

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  14. you will be great! the program is so smart to inform both you and the students of cultural norms that may be unusual! that will help everyone! this will be a very fun experience for you and a great start to their college! I learned in China that for the most part (generalization coming) it is only well of families that can afford to send their children to college in the US - so likely these students will be familiar with many "modern convienences" like sheets, showers, etc! but even some of the nicest places we went stil had "traditional" (re:squat) toilets! they will probably love that you live out in the country because it will be more space than they are used to! can't wait for updates on this!!!

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    1. That makes sense, your generalization. These are all post-grad students, so I wonder whether the same generalization will apply? I will be sure to introduce them to all of the farm animals living around us...nothing like a stinky cow to say WELCOME TO AMERICA!!

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  15. What a neat opportunity! I'm sure it will be super interesting to have them there!

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    1. We are really excited!! I mean, when we're not scared, that is.

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  16. First off, do you really not get the pink panther thing? Or was that sarcasm that even I managed to miss? Because it seems pretty grossly clear to me.

    My good friends had 2 Korean students live with them for a year and they wanted to spend most of their time at home alone in their rooms. So maybe we won't have to try to explain the Bachelor to them? And don't be offended if they do that, because they'll probably be overwhelmed and jet lagged a lot of the time. Come to think of it, I spent most of my at-home time alone in my room when I studied abroad too.

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    1. What would be overwhelming is if they had to see the awful hordes of men Des had to sort through this season to get to where she is. THAT would be overwhelming.

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  17. A pink panther? Ohhhhhhh kay.

    I can't wait to hear how this works out with the students. :) Did you know there are some adoption agencies that have a program where you can host international children available for adoption? Some adults come over and they need hosted too.

    I'd love to do it one day but we weren't in the right city this past time.

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    1. I've never heard of that kind of program! Don't know if I could handle it if they were adoptable kids...sounds like a kidnapping just waiting to happen!!

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    2. Tee hee.. that is kinda the point. The adopting, not the kidnapping. ;) Usually it is for older children that are less likely to be chosen.

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  18. Cool! And I love the fact that you think about things for 4 seconds before diving in because ME TOO.

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    1. Any decision that requires longer than 4 seconds to make is really not worth making. ;)

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  19. Apparently along with not being blog savy and I am also not Chinese savy...why is it that they don't get the sheets on a bed and the shower curtain thing?? hhmmm must google! I have to say this is so generous of you to do though, you are an inspiration :)

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    1. Well, according to my informative email, in China they typically just have a bottom sheet and then maybe a blanket or something and they sleep on top if it all? So they suggested you point out that there are two sheets and they sleep between them. I think I stayed in a hotel in Holland once that also had the beds like that...so maybe many cultures don't do the 2-sheet thing. Not sure about showers, though...

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  20. That sounds so cool! I can't wait to hear about it when they're there!!! I wish I could help you with tips!!

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    1. You can help me by coming down and following my dog around with a vacuum all week. They are going to think Americans are the grossest people ever when they see how much fur she sheds all over the house!!

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  21. This is so much fun; I'm sort of jealous. When I was younger I always wanted a foreign exchange student! Can't wait to hear stories. Glad to hear they won't eat your dog.

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    1. When we were little our cousins would host foreign exchange students and we were pretty jealous of that, too. This is like Exchange Students Lite or something. Intro to Hosting Foreign Exchange Students. The version for people who have low ability to commit to their decisions, like me!

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  22. I can't wait to hear about your adventures with the international students... please, please, please overshare with them about your infertility issues and document their response. Please!

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  23. This is so awesome & fun! I can't wait to hear about it! The tips are crazy & hilarious & interesting. When i was in high school i BEGGED my parents for us to get a foreign exchange student (sounds so weird - like it's a pet or something!), and they gave in. Her name is Maria but she went by Piki & she came for an entire year when i was a junior. She new VERY LITTLE english when she came but was fluent when she left. She is from Ecuador & we still keep in touch with her a little. We love her! It was a great experience!!

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  24. So fun! I can't wait to hear more about this when they get here :)

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  25. Shower curtains and sheets...ha! This sounds like so much fun. Enjoy and hopefully your pets are eaten in the process.

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    1. I hope that you meant 'are NOT eaten' or else I might need to reevaluate our friendship. ;)

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    2. Oh my gosh! I feel like a freakin' idiot. Yes, pets no eatey.

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    3. I'm gonna let your little mistake slide by this time...but if you ever come visit me, I'm keeping a very close eye on Lola. ;)

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  26. How fun! I missed alot of the debate yesterday. Will I still get an email reply if you reply here?

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    1. No. ;) You could 'subscribe by email' but then you'll get notifications of ALL comments, which would probably be really annoying really fast. But I can still respond to you individually by mail (like I always have in the past).

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  27. I went to China but they had shower curtains and bedding so I don't know why that's confusing. Of course I was in a hotel which likely catered to international travellers... My guess about the shower curtain is that in many foreign countries I've been too the whole bathroom is cement so EVERYTHING gets soaked when you shower because there is no separate shower place. You just have a showerhead without the cubicle. That is my guess.

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    1. I experienced showers like that in Mexico before...and in relatively nice places, too, so I think perhaps it's just customary some places and not necessarily a reflection of SES. And I've seen it in lots of places on House Hunters International, which is pretty much as close as I'll ever get to seeing most of those countries!! ;)

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  28. ummm... i hope mollyanne explained the pink panther thing. because it is not work appropriate for me to do so via this comment box.

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  29. I'm so impressed with you guys! What an awesome opportunity. If I was coming to America I think getting to stay with you would be awesome! Such a fun time!

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  30. That list of tips for the students was fascinating! I especially love the "foolish" about pets part. Yep, I definitely fall into that category. (-:

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  31. Lol!! I just about died reading the pets paragraph. :)

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