<p>Different regions, different cultures, and (probably) different socio-economic strata have different feelings about this. I think there’s no problem at all with the local family offering to host the dinner. I don’t see it as generating an insurmountable indebtedness. The local family probably represents the practices of the local region. It might be useful for the student coming in from a distance to practice adapting graciously to a local practice (I don’t say “the” local practice).</p>
<p>Quick adaptation to differing customs is one of the skills that I’d like my son/daughter to acquire in college. I have to say that I recently missed an opportunity to adapt quickly when a Japanese scientist who is much my senior by age and accomplishment caught me off guard by bowing to me! If I had my wits about me, I would have bowed more deeply, immediately. Well, next time I will.</p>