Having spent some time in your surroundings, what have you introduced your hosts to as part of your unique “home” culture (could be national culture or regional culture)? In exchange, what have you learn that is non-touristy, and involves deeper interactions with people who live in the place you are visiting?
Coming to Mexico, I never knew that there would be so many similarities between the life style that the Mexicans live and ours. Therefore, introducing new things to my host family has been something more of informing them more of our lifestyle. For example every Saturday and Sunday there are American football games on the television. My host father understood that this game is like their soccer, but did not understand the rules. I explained the rules to him and now he enjoys watching American football more than he did before. But in general things like television programs are the same ( Law and Order, Friends, and MTV). My host sister speaks very good English so she is very curious about things like the presidential election, our food, and our music.
However, by living in Mexico I have learned so much about the differences between our cultures. One that I quickly found is about eye contact. Many people will not look at you the entire time that they are speaking to you. Eye contact is not made during the entire conversation. However, if you are interested in a person that is when eye contact is kept the entire time. As well, Mexicans are not very punctual people. I have been told to meet at a place to eat at 4 in the afternoon and around 445 they will show up without a sorry nor an excuse. This is known as Mexican Time. One thing that I do enjoy about the Mexican lifestyle is that people trust in you in a very short period of time. If you are meeting a person at a party they immediately are open to talk about anything and invite you to the next place they are going.
Overall, Mexico has given me everything that I could have hoped for. I am learning about the language, food, and lifestyles and enjoying all of it.