Becoming a homestay host is a great choice, as teaching your native language unlocks several benefits, that go far beyond financial gains. Here at Lingoo, we help to connect homestay hosts with eager language learners to ensure both parties can learn in the most authentic and successful way possible. Before we explain how to join our network, let’s first explore whether becoming a homestay host is the right next step for you.
You want to broaden your own experiences
Homestays aren’t a one-way exchange. As many of our homestay hosts will tell you, you’ll be surprised by just what you learn from those staying and learning with you. The one-on-one interactions with your students mean you’ll get to know not just the person but their culture.
During the homestay, your student may even teach you a thing or two. Many hosts get the opportunity to perfect a skill of their own, courtesy of the wisdom imparted by those staying with them and even experience another culture, thanks to the cooking of a traditional dinner or giving of a gift.
You want to make friends from all over the world
It’s not all about having friends in high places, having friends in other places is also beneficial. Many homestay hosts keep in touch with their students. Some even become lifelong friends. When hosting a homestay, your kindness and hospitality is certain to be noticed and may even be reciprocated in the not so distant future.
Getting to know so many different people from so many different places will not only broaden your experience but change your attitude for the better. You’ll learn about the language, food, values and traditions of other cultures as a Lingoo host, all of which are sure to impact you positively, as The Intern Group explains:
“It’s easy to care for and consider the people in your daily life – your neighbors, your community members, the people that surround you. Even though we like to think that we care about what’s happening to people outside our borders, these issues can feel so far from our own reality and our circles, we sometimes turn a blind eye to important global events. Making friends from different parts of the world can stretch our sense of empathy beyond our own communities and country.”
You want to earn at a rate and pace that suits you
Thanks to the Lingoo network, you have all you need to establish yourself as a homestay host. In addition to selecting your students, you set your own rates and schedule to ensure the extra money you earn as a host is made at a pace that suits you. The government’s Rent a Room Scheme also makes earning as a homestay host profitable.
You can make your work as varied as you’d like, teaching teens that are preparing for foreign language exams, families who want to learn a new language together, professionals looking to enhance their skills for corporate progression or tourists trying to brush up their speaking abilities.
For more tips on becoming the perfect homestay host, please read this essential guide.
