08/07/2026
Do you open that present—a delicate box of matcha tea, a good-luck ornament, a tin of pastries—now, or later? With back-to-school season around the corner, I’m reminded that every student, and their gifts, arrive with their own unspoken rulebook.
In some cultures, opening a gift immediately shows gratitude. This is true in my family: I want to see the reaction when the other person opens the gift. Since I put thought and effort into choosing it, I’m excited to be part of their joy (hopefully!).
In other cultures, opening that gift now would be considered rude. In places like China, gifts are not unwrapped in front of the gift giver because it is seen as materialistic to worry about what the gift contains. It’s the thought that counts, not the gift. Likewise, in Russia it’s typical to downplay the gift when presenting it, saying it’s just a small thing for the house or family.
It can even be ambiguous when we’re from the same culture.
So what’s the solution?
First, accept the gift with both hands as a gesture of respect. Next, explain to your student that it’s customary in Canada to open a gift right away, but add that you know this isn’t the case in every culture. Then simply ask, “Is this something I should open now?”
What’s your favourite gift you ever received from a student?
CHN’s Homestay Tips are powered by , our former CEO and proud member of the CHN founding family and author of “The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students."
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