Most people planning a holiday pick up a guidebook and set out to see the highlights of their chosen destination. Yet those after a more authentic experience on their upcoming exchange holiday are after something a little different. An exchange holiday offers a great, cost effective learning opportunity, and provides the perfect platform to explore the language and culture you’re interested in. By stepping away from the guidebook and living like a local throughout your stay, you can step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in a culture that’s vastly different from your own.
At Lingoo, we connect those who want to learn a new language with those who teach. The language exchanges and homestay holidays we facilitate are enjoyed by adults and family groups from all walks of life. In this blog post, we take a closer look at just six ways you can live like a local and really absorb a positive, authentic experience on your upcoming exchange holiday.
1. Eat and drink like a local
Food and drink play a huge part in the definition of culture from country to country, so it would be rude not to try a few local delicacies during your stay. Language exchange holidays provide a great base for experiencing local cuisine as your host teacher or family are certain to welcome you into family life. This may even include a home cooked meal or two! Ask your host teacher or family for their recommendations. TripAdvisor isn’t the only way to find the best eateries in town!
2. Find the best local way to travel
Public transport provides a whole other experience. Instead of hopping on the tourist trail transit, find the best local way to travel to unlock sights and scenes generally reserved for the local population. From hiring a bike or motorbike and exploring on foot to hailing a maxi-taxi and catching the subway, do as the locals do.
3. Invest in some traditional garb
You don’t need to dress head to toe like a local but heading to the markets to purchase some traditional clothing items is a great experience and the perfect way to blend in. Keep dress code customs in mind too – some countries have very strict dress codes - to ensure personal safety and cultural sensitivity.
4. Make friends and keep in touch
What better way to enjoy a great, local experience than making friends with a few locals? Whether it’s the people hosting your exchange stay or the individuals you meet along the way, starting friendships will provide a great insight into their families, food, faith and interests.
5. Get involved in the community
Whatever the destination of your language exchange holiday, there’s certain to be a number of events in the local calendar, all wonderful - some weird. Asking your host teacher or family about the local events and festivals that are happening during your stay is recommended. You may also want to sign up to Facebook groups within your host town or city for further alerts.
6. Learn the local lingo
There are several advantages to learning another language, particularly for those looking to travel the world, more specifically to countries where said language originates from. Travel vlogger Nadine Sykora experienced the benefits of travelling with a second language first hand, and had this to say:
“I can guarantee that I wouldn’t have had these cultural experiences without speaking Spanish and making friends with the locals. According to Nelson Mandela, ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ I couldn’t agree more! I mean, who can argue with Nelson Mandela?... Not only can speaking a second language make your travel experiences more memorable, but studies suggest that it’s great for your brain, too! It can improve cognitive skills not related to language and even shield against dementia in your old age.”
Ready to search for your perfect homestay host? Start here.
