Consider a Host Family When Studying Abroad

There are many things to consider before you study abroad, including where to live. Some students stay in hotels, hostels, dormitories, or apartments. However, other students decide to live with a host family.

A host family is one that opens their home to you for the duration of your study abroad program. If you’ve been thinking about studying abroad, here are some reasons to consider a host family.

1.       Access to the Culture, its Customs and Traditions 

Learning about a culture in a classroom is completely different than spending time with members of the culture in their local setting. By living with a host family, you have the opportunity to learn and experience the culture firsthand, including specifics like preparing and eating holiday meals or participating in songs and dances – all things that can help entrench you in the culture at warp speed.

2.       The Absolute Best Way to Learn the Language

If you really want to learn the language of your study abroad destination, then you must practice speaking it with natives. When you live with a host family, there is a necessity and opportunity to speak with natives on a daily basis. Naturally, you spend less time speaking English and more time practicing and learning the new tongue.

3.       To Connect with the Locals en lieu of the Tourists

If you travel with a group of tourists, you may gain access to local hangout spots, but not in the same way that you would if you were living with a host family. Host families have lived in the area for many years, have established relationships with the locals and have friends and family coming in and out of the home. This helps you tune into the area and feel most at home wherever you go.

4.       Gain a New (Second) Family and Local Friends

In addition to feeling more comfortable with the immediate family, you have an opportunity to mesh with the extended family. After spending so much time learning the language, customs and traditions, your host family and everyone in close association will see you as one of them.

Living with a host family is an experience that many study abroad students cherish forever. There are various benefits, the biggest and best of which are the relationships that you can build through family connections. If you ever want to return, after you’ve long finished your study abroad program, it’s great to have family and friends.

There’s no better way to experience a culture than from inside its hearts and homes, so if it’s an option, I highly encourage you to seriously consider a host family for your study abroad experience.

This article was written by Melissa Tamura, who writes on the topic of online education degrees for the Zen College Life Blog. She would love to hear from you at melissatamura@gmail.com