Living with a host family abroad
31st January 2017
Every Homestay experience is different. Like anything else in life, it can have its pros and cons. Our formal Accommodation Officer- Lisa shares her top tips on how to get the most out of your time with a temporary family.
My experience staying in Homestay was an excellent one. I still stay in touch with my Homestay family and really
appreciate the way they welcomed me into their family and made me a part of their life.
I believe that living with a Homestay family can be the best decision you make when studying abroad. It is much more than the chance to improve your English. You can gain a family in a home away from home.
If you get homesick you have someone there to talk to. If you are overwhelmed by the culture shock or your studies, you have a home to go to and people who care.
But it takes some time to adjust to the new environment and there might be some ups and down while living with people whom you have never seen before. To get ready for a new adventure, check out my top tips on how to make the most of your time with a host family.
Bring a keepsake, just something small from your country for them
It’s a small gesture but it shows that you are sharing your experiences with them and where you’re from. I brought my Homestay family a bar of NomNom chocolate that is made in a cow shed in the middle of West Wales, where I’m from. It was a great conversation starter on my first night!
Bring pictures of your family/home
Your Homestay family are welcoming you into their home and making you a part of their family. They will be excited to learn a bit about yours too! When I showed my Homestay family pictures of my home and my family we spent an hour googling where in Wales I was from, the Capital City and much more. It was a great way to bond.
Remember to take the time to get to know your family
Try to enjoy your time with them as you only get to live there for a certain time. Taking the time to sit down for a meal or to have a chat shows you care and your Homestay family will really appreciate it.
Remember to respect your family’s house
It’s important to feel like part of the family but it’s also important to remember you are a guest as well. Please keep your room tidy, maybe offer to help clean the dishes and don’t forget to ask if you don’t know how to use something.
If you’re thinking about studying with us here at Celtic, think about Homestay, as it’s a great way to experience the British culture in an immersive way.
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