Reasons to Stay with a Host Family
If you have the chance, try to stay with a local host family. I know, this does not sound very exciting at first. After all, an important reason to go study abroad is to go wild and crazy in a place where nobody knows you and you will never see these people again. But you don’t have to stay with your host family for the complete stay abroad. You can benefit from the advantages in the beginning and then go wild and crazy when you know your way around. Try a homestay from only £20 per night
Living with a host family has many advantages:
You will pick up the language much faster, as you have to communicate with the members of your host family in the local language most of the day.- Your host family can show you around and answer the million questions you will have in the beginning. Where does the bus stop? How do I get a cell phone? What places are worth a visit? and many more…
- Your host family can give you advice on safety and keep an eye on you. They know which areas of town you should avoid and which behavior might get you in serious trouble. This might be a great point to convince your real family to let you go abroad in the first place.
- In many cases, you will become part of your host family, they will introduce you to other locals and you can establish many useful connections.
- You will get to know local people from a completely different perspective and gain a deeper insight when you live with them. You can learn a lot about the people, their culture, beliefs, hobbies, and cuisine, an insight that you will hardly get, when you live with other foreign students in an international dorm.
When you are lucky, you will always have a family away from home and friends for a lifetime.
I know that living with a host family is not for everyone, but it is certainly an option worth to consider and there are many reasons to stay with a host family during your study abroad adventure!
Let me know, if you have any questions about living with a Host Family, I have experienced the positive and negative side of it! 😉
MariaAbroad is a Travel Blog to inspire you and show you cool places around the world. I'll share articles about travel, culture, and craft beer. Follow me along, as I adventure through the world, one beer at a time. Cheers!
Greatings, Where are you from? Is it a secret? 🙂
Jinny
Hey Jinny,
thank you for your comment. Nope, it is not a secret, I am from good ‘ol Germany! Let me know, if you need any advice on studying abroad, ok?
Maria
Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
Hi,
well written article, I think our views on
Reasons to stay with a host family differ a little however you put foward some good points
Thanks
My bestfriend lived with a host family during his stay in Japan as an exchange student. Too bad he didn’t learn the language since the family was very good in English. =/
Hello! I find your homepage very useful. I am currently living in Italy for one year(exchange year), and in the moments when I’m homesick, pages like this one really help me! Thank you
heeyy,
I’m from Holland and I’m 18 years old.
I really want to stay with a host family in Seoul or near Seoul for around 6 months..
do you know anything where i could find something like that.. or websites or something with info..
thank you/danke very much,,=)
bye!!
Lici
thanks a lot for your wonderful explanations
I have experienced it too in London
but do you have any idea about Germany , I am going to study master in Darmstadt(Germany)
please send your answer to my email
arman2064@yahoo.com
best regards
Arman
Hi:)I am looking for host family which will be able to be my guide, talking with me, showing me a city,spend the most time with me for that week I am just 18 y.o and i have been never in Uk before(i am from Poland i want to go to UK)Could you tell me where can i find that family?Who could help me organized everythink??
Absolutely, staying with a host family is great fun. For foreign students and professionals who come to Australia, it is important to fina a calm, comfortable and yet economical stay. Homestay in Melbourne is a good choice.
Hi Maria, You’ve mentioned the right reasons for staying with a host family on a study tour. But there are some issues that I’ve come across in the past which make me feel that it might not be the safest option for girls. It’s always great to do enough inquiries first.