I can't think of anything to say to my exchange student! Major awks! pleez help!!?

Question

So I have a french exchange student staying round and neither of us can think of anything to say to each other. The language barrier isn't really a problem as she speaks so much english but often when we next to eachother, we just kind of stand/sit in deathly silence. I literally can think of NOTHING worthwhile to say once I have finished nattering on about how shitty the weather is etc. She is really nice and I would be so upset if she is unhappy. Right now she is in her room reading as i am busy doing my homework. The problem is, she would probably be there anyway as i can think of nothing to do... We have gone on the wii but I only have a couple of naff games and i'm scared that she only played them as I was playing them etc... we could watch a movie but I don't know what to put on. I put a few out for her to select and she couldn't choose. I managed to loose the one I was going to put on (sad face). she is so nice and polite that I can't tell if she wants to do something or not. The days are fine cuz we pack them full with activities where she could mingle with her friends but the evenings are super awkward and if I hear 'as you like' one more time I will squeal. Grrr they are just so damn polite and nice that I am left feeling like a total awkward *****!
Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease help meee! xxx

Answer 1

Watch the news together and comment on various news item together. To a lesser extent, that may also work with movies. And at least while you're watching neither of you'll get bored.

Answer 2

Sometimes people are just not made for each other.



Many years ago I used to share an apartment with a guy who was somehow from a different planet. He was sweet and nice, we just had nothing in common at all and we felt both quite awkward. Finally we had a beer together and we talked openly about the situation. Turns out he had, very much like myself an interest in building a guitar. We made that our common project and it was actually good fun.



We met again a few years later and again it was a bit awkward. But at least we had our old project to talk about.

Answer 3

Ask her about her home and about life in France. Most people like to talk about themselves. Also understand that if you live in suburbia, she is probably not used to being totally trapped in a place because she doesn't have a car. France is far more walkable and public-transit friendly. Try to get out of the house and show her around.

Answer 4

My friend had a german exchange student and they talked about her family back home or the differences in Germany. Like markets and her friends ask her questions and if she asks you some then give her a long answer.

Answer 5

we had an exchange student once, what we did was go out, play tennis, visit local area, ask them what they know about the area, would they like to visit somewhere near your home, or go for a day out and ask them where they would like to go, Thankfully for us, we live near liverpool, beatle city, so had lots to show them.

Failing that, talk about napoleon and how he lost the war. good luck