Upping sticks and moving in with a host family, even if it’s just for a week or two, can be understandably daunting. Before you arrive it can be difficult to know what to expect and this can make you feel a little anxious. Asking a few questions before you head off to start your language learning adventure can help to give you a better idea of the family you’ll be staying with and put your mind at ease.
Are there any house rules?
When staying in someone else’s home, it’s important to find out the house rules as soon as possible so you know exactly where you stand. Ask your host family if they have any rules regarding visitors to the house, loud music, eating in your room, using the kitchen or anything else that may have an impact on your stay. The more you can clarify at this point, the more smoothly your homestay should go.
Is your homestay close to public transport?
If you want to explore a new country or city you’re travelling to for your stay, having public transport nearby will be a real bonus. If there aren’t any buses, trams or trains available, find out if there’s a bike you could use during your stay so that you can get out and explore.
Who else lives in your home?
Getting an idea of who you’re going to be living with can also help to put your mind at ease. Ask your host family how many children they have, if there are any other language exchange students staying with them and if anyone else lives in the house. To get a full picture you can even ask if there are any pets in the home you’ll be living in while you’re away.
Can they cater for your dietary requirements?
If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s important to let your host family know as soon as possible. While some families might be vegetarian or vegan themselves, others will need to buy ingredients for you. It’s also a good idea to tell your host family if there are any ingredients you really don’t like. So for example if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, fish, olives or tomatoes, you should tell them before they begin planning the menu.
Do they speak any English?
Although the main purpose of your trip is to learn another language, knowing that someone in the house can speak a little English can help to put your mind at ease. Many our our homestay hosts speak multiple languages which will be indicated in their hosting profile.
To find out more about organising a language exchange or homestay of your own, take a look around our site or get in touch with a member of our team today.
