Language learning is typically delivered in the classroom environment. However, more and more individuals and families are looking at exchange holidays and homestays as a way of immersing themselves in a new language. As a community specialising in connecting learners with homestay and exchange opportunities, we see the benefits of learning another language every single day. But how does the homestay learning experience differ from traditional, classroom-based language courses?
Homestays help you absorb language and culture
There is more to a homestay experience than simply learning a language from the host family. Research gathered by Portland State University found that the primary reasons foreign students found homestays beneficial were varied:
“Students believe that living with a homestay can provide an inside look into the cultural and family life of a country in a way that no other living situation can. Students also believe that a homestay can provide more opportunities for interaction with native speakers, a support network for students living in a new country, and practice especially in conversation, vocabulary, and pronunciation in the target language. They also see homestays as beneficial in providing the opportunity to create lasting friendships and take part in activities they may not have access to living on their own.”
Language courses can be rather expensive
Learning a new language shouldn’t put a burden on your bank balance. Yet enrolling yourself or your entire family on a classroom-based language course may do just that. Private language tuition costs £30 per hour on average, a hefty fee for those looking to learn a new language to a fluent level. Homestays provide an excellent and more affordable option for those looking to benefit from language immersion. Whilst lessons may be required before and after immersion, the costs of a homestay are inexpensive when compared with the costs of private tuition.
Homestays concentrate on immersion, not instruction
There are many advantages to using immersion education to learn another language. Immersion has been found to be more beneficial than classroom-based learning, as the latter relies more on instruction, repetition and memory, three methods that many individuals don’t respond well to. Immersion provides a more authentic and natural way of learning. You will have learnt your first language using immersion techniques, and these tactics will be replicated on a daily basis on your homestay or language exchange holiday.
Enjoy a holiday at the same time!
We recently explored why homestays are better than hotels. With summer just around the corner, that craving for a holiday is likely to be at its peak. With a homestay you can see the world and have an authentic and enriching learning experience. As well as being a home away from home, you can learn a language, explore all the culture your host country has to offer, and go off the beaten track courtesy of your local, unofficial tour guide.
Ready to plan your summer holiday with a difference? Book your own homestay or language exchange holiday by joining our network today.
