When I purchased this book, it was with the intention of giving it to my Host Families prior to their student's arrival. I expected it to have the students' 9 stages with suggestions on how to help them through each one. Well, the author does do that, but also prepares host parents for the probability that they will begin to rationalize their own culture!
High school exchange students arrive loaded with questions about the American lifestyle, and it is their innocent yet intense questions that provoke us to recognize that almost every thing we do is based on our learned culture. The author prepares us to recognize our students' and our own strange reactions as ignorance of each others' cultures, not rudeness or even anger over simple things like refusing a special dessert.
I have put this book on my "Must Read" list for prospective host families. Reading it can definitely prevent huge misunderstandings and enhance the experience for everyone involved in the adventure of a lifetime.
Not only is it a "Must Read", I will also refer to it frequently during my Orientation Meetings with both Host Families and Exchange Students.
