We are hosting a Muslim student from Indonesia. Who can I go to for help explaining cultural differences?

We are hosting a Muslim teen from Jakarta. So far, I am not getting any responses from the Islamic organizations in the area with regards to helping us adapt to the vast differences in our cultures. For example, we have an overly affectionate golden retriever. All of our friends and family are "dog people". Our student cannot be licked by a dog because his religion considers dogs to be unclean. Also, it seems we are having some difficulties conveying the importance of using soap when cleaning. And speaking of cleaning, he is getting water every where and occupying our only bathroom for long periods of time for his ritualistic cleansing before prayers. We took him with us to visit friends and he washed his feet in their sink, leaving water and debris all over the counters and floor. Also, he often does not consider our schedules when it is time for his prayers and often makes us late for appointments while we wait for him to finish his observances. HELP! How will we make it 10 months?

We are hosting a Muslim student from Indonesia. Who can I go to for help explaining cultural differences?
Re. getting water everywhere in the bathroom, you may want to show him how to use the shower/tub. In Indonesia, most people do not use shower or tub, and the whole the bathroom floor is wet. Basically, in the bathroom, the person stands beside a water tank, and use a plastic ladle (well.. big and super deep ladle or any container) to get water from the tank and pour the water to the body.





Re. the ritualistic cleansing, I believe Muslims have to rinse their faces, hands, and feet before prayer. Maybe you can discuss with him the possibility of doing the cleansing in the backyard (if you have water outlet in your backyard) so he wouldn't occupy your bathroom.





Good luck!
Reply:I think you should have learned these things before agreeing to host him. It sounds as though this is a clash of cultures. What he's doing he considers normal and I doubt you will get him to stop, nor should you. Even their prayer time is a set time. However you should speak with him about cleaning up after himself. Make sure he understands that the restroom should be left in the same condition he finds it. Insist on it. If he leaves a mess, call him back to clean it.


Good luck, it sounds like you have a long 10 months ahead of you.
Reply:Have you tried turning to the foundation that sponsored this exchange for advice? Since these organizations deal with the differences in climate all the time, I would suggest this as an ideal starting point for finding someone to assist you in adapting the student to your culture and learning some ways to accomodate the different culture of the student into your own lifestyle. Additionally, school counselors, I am certain, are often called upon to help exchange students who are having difficulty in adapting to a new culture, perhaps they could offer some advice. If that doesn't help, then I would suggest looking to organizations on the Internet, either exchange organizations or Islamic organizations, and make contact with someone there who can provide help and advice both to your family and possibly to this teen who I am certain is struggling to adapt at least as much as your family is. Best of luck!