Top 3 Reasons Why the Homestay Experience is the Best Option

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While the anticipation of study abroad may be fearful for some and exhilarating for others, there is no question that everyone is looking forward to one thing: indulging in a new culture. This might come in the form of brushing up your high school language skills, admiring ancient architecture, or diving head first into the infamous European late-night scene. But, one of the most effective ways to truly become immersed in your four-month-stay location is by living with someone who is part of the culture themselves. Here are some reasons why the homestay experience is the best experience.

1. You come to understand the culture at a whole new level.

While studying abroad, we all want to become familiar with the country we’re staying in. By living in a homestay, you are truly able to transform from tourist to resident. The experience allows you to learn about the foods, drinks, slang, and events in which true members of the culture indulge. While living in Spain, my host family helped me understand that the Spanish culture is far more than just paella and Flamenco dancing. In fact, those things are barely part of the true Spanish culture at all. By living with a family, you get to see the people of the country for who they truly are and realize that, globally, we are all much more similar than you may imagine.

2. You transform your language skills.

If you are going to a country where English is not the main language spoken — STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY! It might be intimidating diving head first into a language you are not fluent in, but living with a family will help improve your speaking skills in no time. It is easy to think that your required language classes will be enough, but living with a family helps you learn the slang and lingo that set you apart from tourists.

3. You create a second family.

One of the undeniable perks of living with a host family is the intense bond you foster — whether that be with your host parents, siblings, cousins, etc. Their family truly becomes your family. Despite language barriers, you create relationships that last for a lifetime and give you a window back to the place you grew to love so much. While the relationship may take time to develop, when the end of the semester rolls around, you will dread having to say goodbye.

While taking the leap to live with a host family might be scary, it is one of the most worthwhile experiences you can have in your entire life. If you truly want to understand a culture and become a more globally aware person, I promise — a host family is for you.