You've heard it more than once – travelers desribing their time spent living with a local family as either the best or the worst part of their trip! In spite of everyone's definitions of "best" and "worst", it is agreed that the homestay experience makes a strong impact on the student traveler's view the a new culture. Some people love their host families because of how different the family's culture is from their own. Others love their host families because the host family treats them the same as their own family. Some enjoy the constant interaction. Some enjoy the independence. For as many different travelers as there are in this world, there are probably an equal number of reasons why people fall in love with their homestay experience.
So, who are these familes that choose to accept foreign students into their homes? They are often your typical, middle-class family who has space in their home and an interest in cultural awareness. Often in Spanish-speaking cultures they include more of the extended family than what is typical in North American homes. For example, many households in Latin cultures include members of four generations; it is not uncommon for cousins or aunts and uncles to be part of the household as well. Other host families may consist of a couple who does not have children of their own or whose children are grown and out of the home. Homestay families come in all different shapes and sizes, and each offers a truly unique experience for the traveler.
Now we know who these families are. What motivates them to do such a thing as welcome strangers from another country into their home? The answers to that question are as varied as the reasons a stranger would choose to join a foreign family for weeks at a time. Some families are eager to create an exchange opportunity for their own children. For some families, hosting provides a significant source of income. For many, it comes down to a basic appreciation of different places, peoples and cultures. Maybe your family has hosted international students at one time; maybe friends or neighbors that you know have done the same. Most certainly, they all have their own stories to tell. Who are these families you ask? They are people who want to share what they have to make an intercultural experience possible for someone else. No amount of money can fully reimburse families for accepting strangers into their homes. Hosting is no ordinary job. The families may be ordinary people, but for travelers, they make extraordinary experiences possible!
After all is said and done, how can you ensure that you have the best experience possible while living with your host family? Basically, be flexible, be sensitive, be yourself. If that's not specific enough for you, here are some tips for successful homestay experiences:
- Bring pictures of family, friends, your house, a map of where you live. These can be used to start discussions.
- If interaction with the family is important to you, take the initiative to spend time with them. They will follow your lead.
- It's OK to make mistakes with the language! Your host family does not expect you to speak perfectly, and they can become excellent teachers if you let them.
- Absolute beginners – you'll be amazed how much you can communicate when you're creative. Play charades!
- Ask questions. It shows interest, and the answers may be more interesting than you expect.
- Your host family is just that – a family. They are not a tour company, available at your disposal. However, they are a valuable resource for advice on places to explore.
- Remember what your parents told you: "Try one bite!" It won't kill you to try something new, and if you don't like it you don't have to finish it.
- Treat your family with respect.
- Discuss your concerns regarding issues like telephone use, meal routines and visitors. It's the only way to find out what your family expects.
- When in doubt, take the conservative approach in discussions. Know what topics are inappropriate to discuss with your family. These may include religion and politics.
- Be patient with yourself and the new culture.
- Put aside self-consiousness and have fun! There is much to learn and many friends to be made while abroad.
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