Foundation · Study / Exchange

With a host family

Your goal: understand house rules, meals, and basic living etiquette in a shared home. Polite communication for a comfortable stay.

1

Survival Phrases

House rules

  • What time is dinner?
  • Can I use the kitchen?
  • What time do I need to be home?

Being polite

  • Thank you for the delicious meal.
  • Is it okay if I have a shower now?
  • I'll be back around 8 PM.
2

Model Dialogue

Host Mom: Welcome! Dinner is usually at 7 PM.

Student: Great, thank you. What time do I need to be home at night?

Host Mom: We usually lock the door at 11 PM. If you are going to be late, just send me a text.

Student: Understood. Can I use the kitchen to make tea?

Host Mom: Yes, of course. Help yourself to anything in the fridge.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationPolite (Host Family)Casual (Other Students)
Asking rulesCould you let me know the rules?What are the rules?
RequestingWould it be okay to...?Can I...?
4

Typical Mistakes

  • What time for dinner? → What time is dinner?
5

Culture Note

  • Independence: Even in a host family, you are expected to look after your own room and clean up after yourself.
6

Practical Task

  1. Practice. Ask your host parent about the dinner time and if you can invite a friend.
  • ☐ask about dinner time?
  • ☐ask about inviting a friend?