Many of the study abroad programs include living with a host family. Living with a host family is one of the best ways to experience a new place while studying abroad. A host family is a local household that receives a student who is going through their study abroad program. This has many benefits because it really gives the student a sense of the local environment. These families are usually interested in learning about different cultures and get paid for this. It is a win-win. Both gain from this experience, and both need to adjust to each other.

There are quite a few benefits of living in this setting. First, you will immerse yourself in a new country and, new language, and live with locals. Students really connect very well with these host families and even form meaningful connections. In fact, many study abroad participants stay in contact with their host families years after their program ends.

Culture differences

While you live with a host family, you will also learn a lot about cultural differences. Living with a host family will make you experience their eating habits. You will learn about their food, among other habits. This is a very significant part of any culture. The way they eat. How and when do they have dinner? Every culture has its own food customs. See where and how they sit at the table. The places each one has. Some families have strict rules or schedules about dinners, breakfast, or even bringing people over. It is you who must adjust them. Be prepared for different meals

When you stay with a local host family, you will experience language immersion to a very high level. You will learn slang. Vocabulary you never found in books. Spending your whole day hearing the local language helps you learn it quicker.

Be polite and respectful of your host families’ rules, as there will be challenges. Their rules are not to your liking. Maybe you just don’t agree. You’re surprised by the way they treat each other. You will have to deal with different host family rules and be aware of their privacy. Sometimes you even feel a lack of intimacy and privacy. Ask, communicate your need for personal space for personal time. Remember. Each family has its own dynamic, and this is new for you and for them. This is not your family. You will go through an adjustment period, calm down, and remember this is just part of the exchange program

Communication is key to avoiding any misunderstandings. Language barriers from both sides, you have your difficulties, and the host family will have their own. Communication can be a hurdle; even well-intentioned efforts can lead to misunderstandings. Be careful. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand.

Living with a host family can create stress. Like any shared living situation, this stress arises from expectations or simple daily habits. Be very aware of them and avoid conflict.

The clue …The ball is on your side. Be adaptable, be flexible, and be willing to adjust, viewing them as a part of the learning experience. 

You will feel homesick at the beginning of this adjustment process. That is normal and expected. All is new and all is stressful. Keep in mind, the idea is not to suffer. If you experience any difficulties and feel that they are interrupting your immersion process, please contact your program manager. Seek a solution. Don’t need to go through it alone. Many programs offer counseling services. Just ask your program manager, and they will give you the information.