Recommendations for living in a homestay or family home

living in a homestay or family home
living in a homestay or family home

One of the most important thing you have to consider when you decide to study abroad is the accommodation. If you prefer to live with a local family, you can follow the recommendations and make the most of one of the most popular accommodation options.

Homestay or family house: what it is and types

The word “Homestay” refers to the accommodation of an international student in the home of a local family.

Staying with a local family in the country where you are going to study is the most chosen option. The student enjoys a warm, friendly, safe environment, with her own room, and sharing daily life with a local family.

When choosing a home, there are many types of family that you can choose today. It is important that, if you have any preferences regarding religion, customs, etc., inform them in advance, since this way you can stay with a family according to you.

Keep in mind that the composition of a family can vary. There are traditional family houses, made up of a mother, father and children, as well as families with a single father or mother, couples with older children who no longer live at home and for this reason have the possibility of receiving students in their place…

The most important thing is that, whatever the type, all the families are carefully selected and will be an important part of making your stay in the chosen country as pleasant and enriching as possible.

Keys to enjoy your stay in a homestay or family home

You land in the destination country and a new world opens before your eyes. If you decide to stay in a homestay, your host family will welcome you with open arms and it will be practically your first contact with the country.

From that first day and throughout your stay, you share meals, talks, daily activities and free time with them. It is normal that at the beginning you need a period of adaptation to your new temporary home.

Therefore, to be successful and enjoy your stay in a homestay or host family to the fullest, you can follow these very useful tips:

The first impression is what counts

The local host family is also excited about your arrival and looking forward to meeting you. Arriving with your best smile and disposition is the best letter of introduction. If you also bring them a small detail from your country of origin, you will win their sympathy from the beginning!

Communicate with all family members

You have the opportunity to practice the language at home and get to know their tastes and customs. Don’t miss it! Host families or homestays are very open and if you are receptive they will want to include you in many of their plans.

Participate in family meals

These are the moments in which you can share the most things. Be nice and help set the table or wash the dishes. Share with them a recipe from your country of origin and propose to prepare it. Sharing meals together unites a lot and you will also practice the language continuously.

Respect the hours and rules of the homestay

Remember that the local family or homestay is to some extent responsible for your stay abroad and they care about you. If there are established arrival times at home, it is your obligation to comply with them. Also respect rest hours and meal times. If they have rules of coexistence, such as not letting the dog into the house, taking off your shoes when entering, etc., respect them. You are not living in a hotel. It is important that you let them know if you are going to be late, and that you take them into account, just as they take you into account.

Accept the differences

There may be some things that you don’t like or that you would prefer to do differently. For example the meals. Open your mind and take advantage to develop your ability to adapt. Traveling abroad can teach you much more than learning a language!

Express yourself if you have any problem

If there is something you don’t feel comfortable with, talk about it with the family and I’m sure you’ll find a solution. It is not usual for problems to arise that prevent coexistence, but in the event that this is the case and you cannot find a solution, talk to us and we will help you.

In the vast majority of cases, both students and families create bonds that later last over time. Do not miss the opportunity to keep in touch with them and show them your appreciation for how well they have treated you. Send them a card at Christmas, or give them a call once in a while. Now you have a second family in another country and that is a gift!

Find a study agent and start preparing the trip of your life.

Leave a Comment