Host families in Japan?

Question:

How should you act with them?
Should you make dinner for them?
Do you eat with them?
Do they mind having conversations with you?
Sorry, I don't know anything about them and would like to learn before I meet and stay with mine

Answer:

Act politely and always take off your shoes at the door! There is usually an area you leave all your shoes. Just follow your family. Obviously act as you would if you were visiting someone elses home, so always say please and thankyou, keep the bathroom and kitchen clean if you use it, and make the bed/futon every morning

As for making dinner, your host mum will usually do everything like that for you, considering she has to cook for the rest of the family herself. I am not saying however that you shouldn't try to help her, because I helped my host mum in the kitchen, and she was always very happy. I have stayed with 2 different families before and always got Japanese food, so westernized meals you are most likely to have at home won't be made. however you wil be suprised at some of the things they eat. if you haven't been there before in other words, don't just think it is all sushi, rice and tofu.
As for conversations, of course they want to talk to you. as they have decided to have you its because they usually want to learn about your own country, or have experienced other great students like you beforehand. its a good idea to therefore bring gifts such as a calendarr, pens and pencils, photos and toys of your country for them to see.
Also how good are you at japanese? remember to always speak in the 'plain form' way, as they are family :).
for example: I eat sushi : sushi o taberu
don't say: sushi o tabemasu.
only if you were talking to a teacher/store owner, etc. (people you do not know)