Interacting with an Indian Host Family

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Naresh on June 16, 2010 at 4:41am

Dinner hosted at host family in New Delhi.

Permalink Reply by Naresh on June 16, 2010 at 4:50am

We can provide the entire experience in an Indian family.Indians have the habit of eating meals with their hands,however, they are free to use fork and knife.There are families which are totally vegetarian and do not cook any meat.

There is tremendous diversity and some families cook amazing fish and meat cuisines. You could enjoy once in a lifetime experiences.A request for recipe classes can also be arranged.

Permalink Reply by Lauren Berry on October 24, 2010 at 8:09pm

While I was in India, I always made sure to ask about taking my shoes off when entering a house. My host family never went barefoot, and would actually make me put on sandals, but some families find it very rude to wear shoes in the home. Contrary to what most believe, Indian families are very affectionate! Before going, I was told to avoid contact, and to definitely not hug my family when I first met them. However, when they picked me up at the airport, the first thing my mom and dad did was give me a hug and kiss on the cheek! Having said all this, the norm varies, so my advice is to just observe what goes on between your family and friends, and go from there. Just don't be surprised like I was if your family welcomes you affectionately!

Permalink Reply by Kyle H. on July 18, 2011 at 3:42pm

Hi Lauren,

That is an interesting point about how there can be differences between what you expect and what you experience. Were there any other surprises for you during your time in India that you experienced either with your host family or with another aspect of Indian culture?

Permalink Reply by Kyle H. on July 18, 2011 at 3:41pm

Hi Ruby,

That is a really great strategy- to tell your family up front that you would need help learning their customs. I am sure that made it easier for you. Could you give us an example of how this did help you during your year?

Permalink Reply by bhawna on July 20, 2011 at 7:34am

Hi! I would like to add that since India is a vast country with so many different languages and states, likewise its culture also varies from not only in every state but in every family. Most states have their own traditional customs whereas big metro cities are a blend of various cultural background people living there eg. Delhi, Mumbai. Its always good to ask and observe the family members and adapt the same way, if not Indians are generally open to what other person feels comfortable with. Eating meals and the type of food prepared and eaten in the family is totally unpredictable, every family is unique and different in the way they carry themselves. To conclude I would say since I know more about North India, they will be quite friendly and helpful towards someone new to adapt in their family. India is fun, so Explore & Enjoy !! :)

Permalink Reply by Kyle H. on July 20, 2011 at 11:55am

Hi Bhawna,

Thank you for your insight. That is such a good point about the vastness and diversity in India, a person's experience in the north might differ a lot from an experience in the south. I think that can be said about a lot of countries around the world. Could you give us some more information about what a typical family from the north is like and what it might be like to live in a family in North India?

Thanks for sharing,

Kyle