Random Frequently Asked Questions

How do I communicate with my guest child? I would like to communicate with my guest child and his/her family in Belarus.  I do not speak the language.  What should I do?
We have added many phrases towards the end of this booklet to help you communicate with your child. There are many translators via the internet who can help to translate letters for your child’s families. Ask other link members who will be able to point you in the right direction.

My child wants his/her ears/body pierced. Do I allow them to do it?
No, this is not allowed. Belarussian parents could possibly become angry their children altered their body while away from home and without permission.

Do I have to submit an application if I am sharing the hosting of a child with another host family?
Yes, we must have an application from every host family regardless of who they are hosting.

Do I have to submit an application if I am planning to host an interpreter or be a back up family?
Yes, we must have an application from every host family regardless of who they are hosting.

What do I do if my child becomes homesick?
You can expect that your child may become homesick at some point.  Interaction with other Belarussian children may help, and your chairperson can be of assistance.  A quick call home to their parents can also help.

What are the children like?
They are just like your own children.  Each child has his or her own personality with particular likes and dislikes.  At the end of the four weeks, you will see these children as if they were your very own children.

Where can I purchase a Russian-English dictionary?
Your local bookshop should carry Russian-English dictionaries and phrase books. If they do not, check www.Amazon.com.

What is the time difference between our countries?
Belarus is 2 hours ahead.

Will my family be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation?
No. There is no danger whatsoever. It would be like expecting that a person exposed to an X-ray could walk around and infect others with radiation from it.

Who do I contact if I have a problem or concern with my child?
All questions or concerns should be addressed to our link chairperson.

What can I expect regarding the child’s behaviour?
The child may be shy and reserved at first.  After all, this is a new country with its own culture and language.  With time, the child should warm up to you and feel more relaxed.

Do I need a spare room for the child?

No, the child could either share with your own children, or be provided with a sleeping space in a different area. 

What do the children like to eat - or what are meals like for them at home?

Every child is different - don't worry if they don’t seem to be to adventures - at home they will probably have a large breakfast of last nights meal - this is quite normal as Belarusians do not throw anything away. They like Cold meats and Salami, cheese, bread, jam, Chicken, Sausages, Pasta, Noodles - some children like cereals and yogurts (however they often do not eat Cereal when they are going out on a trip - as they think it can bring on travel sickness) - They love, love, love fruit, this is really the best thing for them to help improve their immune system - if you go to the supermarket with them, they will soon point out what they like - however be careful as they can get carried away - it could end up costing you a fortune.

If my child feels a little under the weather - with a mild cold or cough - am I able to give them medicine?
Yes - suggest you give them Calpol or a similar product - sore throat lozengers etc - Should you need or are worried about the condition of your child then please contact our Chair Person.

Can we take them swimming?
Yes - you might need to buy them a swimming costume - and keep a close eye - some children say they can swim, but really they are not very strong swimmers - They really love to swim any chance they can get. They also like to visit the sea side - as Belarus is Land Locked – a lot of them have never seen the sea - you will get great pleasure at seeing their faces - just keep a watchful eye.

Telephoning home?
Just watch out - some of the older children like to call their friends - Belarus now have Mobile phones and calling them from a land line can be very expensive - if you are happy for them to call a mobile - just explain that they can only have a limited amount of minutes - they will understand.

Do they understand our toilet facilities?

The sanitation in Belarus is very basic - in a lot of the children’s homes they are not able to flush toilet paper down the loo - this is not a problem - just explain as soon as they arrive that they don't need to put the paper into a bin - please be understanding if they by mistake forget and do put paper in the bin - this is only because they have had a life time of not flushing paper down the loo.

What are suitable gifts to send the children back with?
Coffee - there are a lot of things in Belarus that are available - after all it is not a third world country - however they don't have the same quality of things as we do - in fact we are really spoilt in England - however Coffee is one thing which really isn't great over there, you can get Nescafe Gold but it is very expensive for them - we suggest you buy Tesco’s Gold coffee - they will love it!!

Can I give my child Multi - Vitamins?
Yes - we suggest you start as soon as they arrive to help their Immune system - not being scientist - however we have identified why they eat Seaweed or Sea Kelp - this is full of Iodine and this absorbs the radiation. It's worth a try.

What to expect as soon as they arrive?
As soon as your Child gets to your house - they will take their shoes off at the door - It would be good if you have a pair of slippers ready for them - this is normal practice in Belarus. Give them a tour of your house, showing them all of the rooms and where everything is - They will then present you with a number of gifts, not only for you but other members of your family. It might be an idea to produce a little calendar of the itinery - showing them their days out and days off.  Show them this regularly so they know what to expect and also when you need them to go to bed early to be fresh for a long day ahead.  

Do they have to go on every trip arranged?
No - it's your choice - however being a new member to the group, it is really beneficial as you get to meet other host families and a good chance to talk out any problems you may be having with them - you will also make some really good new friends.

Do we need to take them to a pick up and drop of point daily?

If possible, for all trips you plan on your child attending we ask that you drop them off and pick them up at specified times. However, if for some reason you are unable for a day or two, we all help each other and will always find someone to pick up your child for you.

Can they share a room with a student from another country?

Yes, however they must be the same sex, and preferably about the same age group.

Can we have a list of there favourite foods and dislikes before they arrive?

Before the children arrive, you will receive an information sheet detailing the child’s name, birthday, family details, any health problems and also any likes dislikes they may have.

Do I get paid for hosting?

No. The only payment you receive is warmth you’ll feel inside from hosting these children.

Do I need to take a whole month off work?

No, although it is good if you can take some time off to spend with your child, although it is not compulsory.

Are the children orphans?

No, we bring children from various areas of Belarus and Ukraine who deserve a break to improve their immune systems. The children all come from a family background. We often bring children whose fathers are working firemen as we receive so much help from our local fire service in the south west.