Phrases for the perfect stay in a host family

I’m writing about this topic because a lot of students studying at Liden & Denz stay with a host family. With the help of these phrases you’ll have a pleasant stay in Russia and they will definitely help to improve your relationship with your host parents. One of my colleagues at Liden & Denz also wrote about living with a host family, so be sure to check out their post “5 Top Tips on Living with a Russian Host Family”.

Как вы любите проводить совместный досуг?

How do you like spending time together?

In many countries it’s not that common to stay with a host family and if you do they often don’t want to spend that much time with you. But usually Russian host mothers are very caring and will love spending time with you and getting to know a little about your culture.

Какие семейные традиции вы соблюдаете?

What family traditions do you follow?

This is also an important phrase to get to know the Russian way of life. Depending on where in Russia you stay, family traditions may vary a lot. With this in mind make sure you enjoy your stay and learn as much as possible about Russian culture.

У вас есть домашние животные?

Do you have pets in your family?

If you have any allergies or are afraid of animals, this could be one of the most important questions to ask. In some host families you’re also expected to look after the pet; which may include taking it for a walk or baby sitting it.

Можно ли курить у вас дома? Если да, то где?

Can I smoke at home? If yes, then where?

For the smokers, having their cigarettes is important, so you should know how to ask if you’re allowed to smoke in the house and if so where. Many host families will ask you to go outside to smoke because it is not that common to smoke indoors.

Что вы обычно готовите из еды?

What do you usually cook?

Don’t expect the same food you’re used to at home. Russia is different. But if you don’t like the food at your host family you’re always able to get something to eat in the city, with some places even open 24/7. But I would recommend you try Russian cuisine. Some host families cook international cuisines too.

Ничего, если я буду готовить для себя сам?

Is it okay if I cook for myself?

If you’re on a diet, or you just like to keep on top of what you eat, it may be easier to cook for yourself. The Russian cuisine is a little greasy, so if you try to stay clear of greasy food you may want to ask if you could cook for yourself.

Где я могу постирать белье?

Where can I do my laundry?

If your staying in Russia for a while, you will inevitably need to do some washing.

Могу ли я приводить друзей?

Am I allowed to have some friends over?

If you stay at Liden & Denz you’ll definitely make some new friends or at least meet new people. So if you want to do some homework together, or just want to have some people over, you should check if it’s ok with your host family beforehand.

Есть ли у вас какие-то правила пребывания?

Do you have any regulations on staying out?

Normally, if you’re over 18, Russian host parents aren’t that strict on what time you have to be home. But it’s good manners to ask them when you should be home and for how long it is okay to stay out, because they do have some responsibility for you.

With these phrases your stay at a host family in Russia will be perfect, or at least they will help you to settle easily. Try them out and tell me what you think.

Which one is your favourite?

Did they help you?

Do you have any useful phrases of your own?