Here at Lingoo, we’re passionate about sharing the benefits that language learning unlocks. Whether you’re learning a new language or supporting your child as they add this worthwhile skill to their repertoire, exploring the advantages of a homestay or language exchange is certainly something we’d recommend.
A homestay or language exchange provides the best opportunity to immerse fully in language learning. The passion to learn a new language is only strengthened by a stay in a country where it is spoken.
Staying with a native speaking host and discovering the local community encourages the language exposure and familiarity that are essential to achieving fluency.
But those considering a homestay or language exchange for the first time may be a little tentative about taking this huge step.
As we’ll discover there’s no need to be apprehensive. Embarking on a homestay or language exchange is one thing that won’t be regretted and an experience that can be fondly looked back on for a lifetime.
To set your or your child’s mind at ease, we’re about to bust four common language exchange and homestay myths.
Homesickness will ruin it
Homesickness is a common feeling for language learners of all ages and abilities when embarking on an exchange or homestay. Hosts provide essential sources of support from the minute a stay is booked to the moment guests head back home.
Hosts are well prepared as a result, and understand that being thrust into a new country, culture and home setup isn’t easy. Hosts are there to talk to throughout the duration of the stay. In addition, they also work hard to create a calming and comforting environment that guests are able to thrive in.
Keeping in contact with family and friends back home will also ease homesickness. But with a jam-packed itinerary and lots of language learning to get involved in, most find that feelings of homesickness subside naturally.
Getting sick would be awful
Hosts are equally equipped to deal with homestay guest emergencies. Before a stay commences, a host will collect essential information from their guests. This includes home addresses, contact details and details of next of kin.
Having healthcare provisions in place in case of sickness or another emergency is recommended. Travel insurance will ensure urgent medical treatment can be sought.
The host will be there to help set up appointments, visit the local pharmacy or request further support if required.
The food won’t be enjoyable
Look at food as a way to bond with hosts and enrich the homestay or language exchange experience. They’ll be opportunities to sample local cuisine, and if guests don’t enjoy it, hosts won’t be offended by this feedback.
Homestay and language exchange hosts are used to accommodating guests from all over the globe and provide a fitting international menu. Many even enjoy creating food that originates from their guests’ home countries. It’s a great way for the hosts to learn something new.
The hosts might not be a good fit
It is important to remember that homestays and language exchanges are just as rewarding for hosts as they are for guests. Relationships form a vital part of the entire experience.
While not every guest will come away with a second family, establishing good relationships between hosts and guests starts long before the stay begins.
Our secure messaging service provides the perfect platform to get to know hosts, families and teachers. With regular contact, a guest can discover whether a potential host is the right fit. A good host-guest relationship can be fostered further by simply being a great guest. As Guardian columnist Annalisa Barbieri explains, bringing a gift for the host isn’t such a bad idea:
“Never turn up empty-handed unless you are visiting the house of someone whom you also regularly host. Saying ‘I didn’t know where the local supermarket was’ or ‘we came on the train’ are poor excuses for laziness and lack of organisation. You do not need to spend loads.”
A host’s role is to support and enrich the homestay or language exchange experience. But there will be plenty of opportunities to ‘go it alone’. By setting expectations and boundaries before the stay begins, guests can ensure everyone is on the same page. This paves the way for an experience that’s unforgettable and beneficial for all involved.
Already a member? Search for a language experience or update your profile here. Haven’t signed up already? Start your profile here right away.
