What do I need to know as a foreign exchange student next year?

Eating habits as an exchange student

• I'm going to be an exchange student the next year, and I'm really worried about the food part. Living with a new family is going to be challenging in general (although I hope it will sort itself out), and I'm afraid my eating habits are going to make it harder for both myself and the host family. I do not eat meat (except fish and poultry) and not dairy or anything with dairy in it. I refrain from anything resembling fast food and are used to making all my meals myself, from the bottom. The problem is the host family might not like this, me going in their fridge and all that (I probably will feel uncomfortable about it too), and maybe they expect me to eat their food. I wish I could adapt better, because I really don't want to be the ungrateful exchange student who thinks she's too good to eat what they make. But I just can't - if I do that I'm horribly afraid my bulimia is going to come back, and that's the last thing I need in a whole new country (and yes - I know I probably shouldn't be going at all if that is an possibility, but I really want to go and it's going to be OK if I can eat like I want to). What should I do not to offend the family and remain healthy?

• Answer:

  You should be bringing these issues up with your organization. Make sure everyone knows your nutritional issues beforehand; I wouldn't disclose the bulemia part, but there's nothing wrong with being a "no red meat, no dairy" person. In fact, that's pretty easy to achieve in most parts of the planet. Most people who elect to have an exchange student are fairly understanding and want to accommodate that student, not push their culture/beliefs (let alone nutrition) on them. Where are you going that this is such a great concern for you? Have you brought these concerns to your organization? Are you communicating with your host family before you go over? THESE are the questions that need answers.