A homestay abroad involves living with a host family. Any adult reading that statement will immediately be aware that this has pros and cons. So here is a quick guide to deciding whether a homestay abroad will offer you the language break you want.
- A homestay abroad is cheaper than staying in a hotel. So you save money but you’re essentially living in someone else’s space, which can feel less private and requires a little adjustment while you’re there.
- You will be living with native speakers in everyday situations offering intensive language immersion. You shouldn’t expect them to revert to your native language. This will also require a period of adjustment.
- Your host family will offer you authentic, home-cooked meals, which might be exactly what you are looking for but there will be no range of choices as in a restaurant.
- Your hosts will provide the support and warmth of a home-from-home but there may also be house rules.
- Your host family can take you to places you might never see as a tourist. Alternatively, you might be the kind of person who prefers to discover things for yourself.
- If you are young and new to living away from home and familiar surroundings, you may feel homesick. Your host family may be able to help with this but it might just be something you have to go through. Just remember that it isn’t the new surroundings that are causing these feelings but the absence of home.
- A homestay abroad will have awkward moments as you’re living with strangers. So developing a relationship with your host family on Lingoo’s secure messaging system and skype before you travel is important. By discussing lifestyles before you book, you can avoid most awkward moments that arise from lifestyle differences. But be prepared for others.
- You may feel isolated from your friends and may not be allowed to invite them back to the homestay. This is part of your immersion experience. The majority of homestay guests choose to spend time with their host family and this can result in one of the closest and most successful friendships you will experience.
This is just a quick guide. It’s a starting point for you to consider your options. You can find more advice on homestays here. To read about the different ways Lingoo can help you put your language project into action, click here.
