A 4th of July backyard bbq. My family had family friends visit here from Germany and one of their favorite things to do was barbequeing in the backyard. Watermellon was a big hit. They also loved Coronas w/ lime squeezed in them and margaritas. When they were back home they sent us a picture of the red Webber they ordered!

Harvard Square has always been a big favorite w/out of town guests. My late father--who you would not have expected to necessarily "get" it--*loved* the place!!

I agree w/those who have said that just living w/your family is the biggest part of it. I don't know if you are up to it, but it is possible to take a day trip to Martha's Vineyard. We have done it when my niece was here--a long day, but not undoable, depending on where you are starting out...Teens often love the Vineyard.

I don't know if their organized activities will take them to the North End, but I think strolling those streets and telling your guest a little about the history of immigrants in this country is culturally significant. Plus, the North End is entertaining in its own right and does not feel like "homework".

I will add more if more occurs to me...

A drive-in theater would be a great new "American culture" experience even for Americans! Great idea!!!

Skateboarding & "hanging" with other kids.

Skateboard parks are a big plus, but what a lot of kids like is just skateboarding around local areas. I'm not condoning some of their (unintentional) destructive behavior - just pointing out a big part of our youth culture.

The Cape, Newport, beach, beach and more beach.

I knew when I returned home from work there would be a lot of good suggestions - thanks. Baseball tickets are actually to Lowell Spinners - Red Sox are virtually sold out. Will definitely go to Christmas Tree shop on Route 1 in Saugus - and just driving on Route 1 in that area will be an experience.

Anon - as far as Spanish-speaking activities, we live close to Lawrence, MA which has several summer Hispanic festivals - although my own daughter who is studying Spanish is quick to tell me there are differences between Spain Spanish and Caribbean Spanish languages.

She will miss July 4th, as they arrive on the 5th - but some of the same ideas will work.

Thanks again.

Definitely have a bbq, even though they won't be here the 4th. If you like "talkie" movies, rent Barcelona, about Americans living there. The observations about hamburgers are interesting and you will want to make sure your student gets to taste a real one.

I alwalys like to take visitors to Castle Island in South Boston. Bring rollor blades, have pinic and get an ice cream cone at the resturant. Another place that is fun to go is Creasent Ridge in Sharon, MA. Great ice cream and they make it right on the property watch the cows roam the feilds as you enjoy. Have you ever been to Seekonk, Ma to watch car races and demolition derby or great people watching. have fun

Hmm. Having spent time in both NE Spain and the States, I would say that the students will have enough of a culture shock when they encounter service staff who enjoy serving, doors being held open for them, restaurants and bars which expect, nay, enjoy, accommodating the customers' needs, "please" and "thankyou" as day to day phrases, etc etc. (suffice to say, I'm holidaying again in the States, but will be giving Spain a wide berth in future)

it will be hard to represent "American Culture" in Boston, but you are in a prime place to represent New England Culture, or at least the Summer time version of it.

I would do the following:

lobster roll/fried clams at a seaside town

outdoor concerts at a local park

backyard BBQ with lots of friends

swim in the ocean

I know my thoughts are in the minority here, but I just keep thinking about the Europe boards and reading that folks want to rent a villa or self-catering apartment so they can experience a life more like the locals. Those that express those sentiments describe slowing down to fall into the rhythms of the local town.

Have you ever visited a friend hoping to spend time with the friend and they are rushing you around trying to "entertain" you?

While I'm all for taking the exchange students to see some sights, my experience with exchange programs led me to believe they want the students to live with an American family so they can experience everyday American life.

Family members who have been exchange students in Ireland and the French countryside enjoyed so many experiences - but the best were with the family as a temporary family member.

I'm not saying "Don't take them to see some sights". But, as libuse mentioned, what is going to make the biggest impression on them are the small differences that WE may not even be aware of as we go through our life on a daily basis.

Having said all that, I love ediegirl's suggestions.

Villas and self-catering apartments certainly do give more of an experience than staying in a hotel would, but for a real cross-cultural experience, try a home exchange. We exchanged 3 weeks in a home in London, listening to other people's CDs and car radio buttons, using exotic appliances, shopping in the local markets and meeting the neighbors. My son slept in a room festooned with shirts from various soccer teams.

And yet somehow in all this cross-cultural immersion we actually went to museums, shopping, etc. The folks on the Europe board who talk about slowing down into the local rhythms are vacationing adults who are taking a break from work, not high-energy teens. A barbecue and a baseball game are wonderful, but if gail's student is here for a month, just hanging out is going to get boring. I don't think anyone is suggesting that every minute should be scheduled; gail was just asking for suggestions, and as she acknowledged kids love to shop.

Yes, there are "differences between Spain Spanish and Caribbean Spanish." There are also differences between the Spanish spoken in various parts of the Caribbean and South America -- they've been speaking it for a very long time and it has evolved many local variations. But the reason that they are speaking it is because they were Spanish colonies, it's not some random coincidence. This is a relevant part of the visitor's own history.

gail, we'll be looking for an update after your guest leaves!

Gail....Jordans has the Imax and probably the new Batman....whale watch and from what I've learned SHOPPING..American brands of dungarees, etc. are very desirable and have snob appeal in Europe..of course they might like the Duck Tour (book ahead, they reallybusy). The Museum of Science if they are interested.A lobster dinner by the ocean..
Whether going to Kittery or Wrentham the exchange rate with the Euro vs. the $$ gives them for now great buying power.

We've only hosted one foreign student and shopping was his #1 desire. Apparently he had a shopping list of things his friends back home wanted. The program provided plenty of excursions. We live in a rural area and he was surprised that our river was clean enough for swimming (he was from a suburb of Paris). We involved him in family projects so he also learned how to hold a hammer properly. He enjoyed playing with puppies (his family didn't allow pets). He also liked hiking. Don't forget, our everyday life may be quite different than what your student is used to at home.