A homestay unlocks a variety of advantages for people of all ages and abilities. For solo travellers, the homestay provides the ‘off the beaten track’ accommodation option that leads to a more authentic experience. For families on a gap year or a short break, homestay experiences provide a home away from home - meaning each and every member of the family can enjoy travel at its most comfortable.
Families with young children in particular are able to take advantage of so many plus points. Homestays provide a language learning opportunity that takes them beyond the classroom for a more successful immersive experience.
Family homestays offer the crème de la crème of travel, providing a chance to deepen an understanding of a culture, learn the lingo and live like a local.
There are no age restrictions
Homestays can provide a beneficial language learning and travel experience whatever the age of your child. There are no age restrictions for living with a homestay host. In fact, we believe it’s a case of the sooner the better for staying at your first homestay.
But if they’re not quite ready to go it alone yet, don’t worry. Our homestays offer a more economical way to see the world for entire families who’ve been bitten by the travel bug.
And for children and teenagers ready for travelling alone, this unique accommodation provides a family feel even when you’re far from home as Bellerbys College explains:
“When you study abroad, you don’t just move from one place to another, you move from one lifestyle to another. Usually a totally different lifestyle. You no longer live with your parents and siblings who are happy to see you. You can't find the ingredients to cook your comfort food and are exasperated by differences, like the two separate taps in the sink. In times like these, you will crave extra support and your host family will be available for you whenever you need some help.”
Benefits of booking a homestay for your child
Many of our homestay hosts are experienced in catering to guests of all ages, including children as young as 6 years old. Our language stays for younger learners are particularly popular and provide a great way for children and teenagers to learn a foreign language in its country of origin.
With a homestay, your child can reap the rewards of foreign language learning from an early age. According to a study by Harvard University, young children who are learning a language benefit from better critical thinking skills, creativity and intellectual flexibility.
By learning a foreign language, your child will also be able to speak to more people. This is a plus-point that will certainly broaden their horizons with more career opportunities, more exciting travel adventures and a deeper insight into other cultures all coming as standard thanks to their bilingualism.
Choosing a homestay for your child
It may be a little daunting booking a homestay for your child, especially if they are travelling and enjoying the experience alone. Our knowledgeable homestay hosts will put your mind at ease. They have experience hosting guests of all ages, and offer fun, secure and authentic environments to nurture your child and their abilities.
Homestays offer an excellent learning opportunity for all the family. If your child or teenager is experiencing the homestay alone, you can travel with them on the train or plane to ensure they arrive at their destination safely. This also gives you the opportunity to meet your chosen host family in person.
Whether you are staying with your child or not, you can rest assured that the host you choose has been fully vetted by our team.
To make the experience even more enjoyable you can also select a host family with children the same age as your children. Staying with a family with children will also help you forge international friendships that stand the test of time. A homestay is so much more than learning a new language, after all.
Read more tips to help your child prepare for their first homestay here.
