As in any family, students should come to an agreement with host parents about responsibilities in the family and should be prepared for compromise. Most American college students are accustomed to leading quite independent adult lives in their families, and the Russian habit of over-protecting children, even grown children, can be a problem when students wish to go out in the evening and arrive home very late or do not eat as much as host parents think is healthy. Each student must work out these problems in the families and direct explanation is usually the best policy. Typically, Russians have a high fat diet and have few fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. It is perfectly acceptable to explain this difference in diet to the family and do some cooking of your own. If there are foods that you do not like, just say so politely and perhaps prepare some food that you do like and share it with the family. Similarly, if the family curfew is a problem, talk about it directly and politely and work out a compromise with parents. If a problem cannot be worked out in the family, talk to the Academic Coordinator and the staff at the Gimnazium and seek advice from them.
Although all the families are well off by Russian standards, Americans must be flexible and prepared to adjust to a new culture and a new and struggling economy. Students must be ready for the hardships and the adventures of a different economic life, the unavailability of conveniences that they take for granted at home, and the lack of consumer goods to which they have become accustomed. It is often inconvenient and sometimes aggravating, but it is an essential part of learning about life in Russia. Angry outbursts and complaining about what should be or could be only make life more difficult for everyone and serve to humiliate Russian hosts who take great pride in their hospitality. Sensitivity, understanding, and politeness will solve more problems and will contribute to learning.
