What kind of environment do YFU host families live in? (country-side/ apartments etc.)
Most of the host families live in bigger cities in apartment buildings or in private houses, but there also are host families, who live in smaller towns and villages.
What is important to Lithuanian families? Do they have strict rules or are kids free to do what they want?
Communication in the family is very important for many Lithuanians. Although many teenagers usually prefer spending more time with friends than with family, they must always report to their parents on what they do and when they come home. Usually children ? are free to do all the activities they want at free time, although most families decide the curfew. Of course, parents want to know where their children spend their time, what they do, what friends they have, etc. Parents want to be informed. The most important thing - most of families prefer to make "family rules" by discussing them with children.
What are important values to the people?
Family and friends mean a lot for the Lithuanians. It is very important for people to trust each other, they also want to know one another as good as possible, they like to talk, express their opinions and hear others, etc. Honesty, openness and politeness are valued. Lithuanians also like nature very much - it is common to spend free time in the countryside, on the lakeshore or at the beach.
Are people reserved or spontaneous?
Lithuanians aren't very spontaneous, although they aren't reserved too. Usually they need to feel comfortable and to know people around - then Lithuanians become outgoing and more open. Most of young people are more spontaneous than the older generation.
What would be important for a YFU student living in a Lithuanian family? Is there a special time of the day for the family (like at dinner or in the afternoon)? Are there typical activities at a special time in week?
Every family in Lithuania has its own traditions. Usually families get together at the end of the day, they tell each other about their experiences and make plans for the future. At the same time they spend some time together on the weekends. Often they go out of the city camping or have a picnic, visit friends, grandparents, go to the old town of the city, shop, go to the movies and/ or entertain themselves otherwise. It is common to have a "Family dinner" on Saturday or Sunday.