What Is A Homestay?

What Is A Homestay?
A homestay is a exciting way to learn about a country, a culture and a way of life. A homestay means staying with a host family, for a short or extended period, while you're traveling in North America or abroad. You'll live in the host family's home and you'll participate in the family's daily life.

Why Choose a Homestay?
Imagine you're headed for an area where the culture, mores, food and language are completely unfamiliar to you. You could choose a cheap hostel, but you may find yourself completely afield in trying to get to know the place. Staying in a local family's home means you'll adjust to the local lifestyle quickly, you'll be immersed in the culture the moment you step into your hosts' home. You'll be listening to the language around you, you'll be helping to prepare unfamiliar cuisine and you'll quickly get the inside scoop on where to go and what to do (and what not to do). Choosing a homestay means a commitment to immersion in the culture through communication with your hosts.

How Much?
If you're planning to study abroad and choosing a homestay lodging option, start with your college counselor. Your school may very well have reciprocal arrangements with universities.

What's Expected of me?
Your host family has chosen to make homestay offers for a variety of reasons; mainly, they want to know about you and your culture and introduce you to their country. Talk, talk, talk! Be polite, help with household chores, keep your bedroom tidy, don't venture out without telling your hosts where you'll be going and when you can be expected back, in general, be the perfect guest. And expect to enjoy a great adventure!