Immersion is considered the best way to learn a new language. As a result, our travel habits are beginning to change; more and more of us are choosing to use homestays when we travel overseas. It is a more authentic experience, allowing both natives and guests to learn more about other cultures and languages.
Learning a new language from a native speaker is an excellent advantage of booking a homestay, but it is not the only reason that an increasing number of travellers are choosing homestays over more traditional accommodation like hotels and hostels. The homestay experience is the future of hospitality, and here’s why.
Explore the culture
With a homestay, it’s possible to take an exciting dive into the culture of a country you’ve always wanted to visit. With that cultural appreciation comes a more authentic and enriching learning experience, including local customs and traditions that might otherwise pass you by.
Exploring the culture of the country will also aid language learning. In fact, many state that you can never truly learn a language without understanding its culture, as Brian Oaster from Day Translations details:
‘Understanding culture puts you in touch with the development and etymologies of the language, such that a culture-free language learning process would never enable the user to fully understand the language, no matter how well they might learn to parrot it. To really unlock a language, to understand it at its roots, understanding culture is key.’
Go off the beaten track
Exploring somewhere new is what a homestay is all about. When staying at a hotel it’s so easy to get swept into the usual tourist traps. Thanks to the insight of a homestay host, you can go off the beaten track to find the attractions and experiences that really define the destination.
Your homestay host can point you in the direction of hidden highlights and unusual attractions that make the city or town what it is. The ultimate insider, your host is best placed to give you the scoop on what’s hot and what’s not.
Taste your destination
A homestay isn’t just a roof over your head. Hosts offer their guests a home away from home, and in most homestays you become a part of the family. Homemade meals are just one bonus provided by many hosts looking to give guests a warm welcome. A chance to sample local cuisine that will give any eatery in town a run for its money, you can taste your destination and even return the favour by sharing dishes from your own country.
The start of new friendships
Homestays are a great way to connect with like-minded people. We encourage people using our network to search for a host with similar interests for a truly memorable experience. With a homestay, you’ll return home with more than just a better understanding of another culture and language. Your homestay could be the start of a new friendship, with the chance to keep in touch with the host and all the people you’ve met along the way.
If you love meeting new people, a homestay is definitely the adventure for you, with new friendships formed a great excuse for a return trip! Sign up to Lingoo today and start searching for your homestay experience.
