Living with a host family is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting for studying abroad. However, awareness of cultural differences and etiquette is essential to ensure a harmonious living experience.
This blog will provide twelve pro tips for living with a host family during your study abroad journey.
1. Be open and communicate
Inform your hosts immediately if you have allergies, fears, or dietary restrictions. Although they already know crucial information, some details might have been overlooked. Discuss food preferences beforehand to avoid drawing unwanted attention during meals, but try dishes before dismissing them out of respect.
2. Bring a gift
Presenting a gift is an effective way to establish rapport. A small souvenir from your home country need not be costly but will undoubtedly leave a positive impression. Moreover, it will aid your hosts in recalling the remarkable guest you were during your stay.
3. Attend family meals
Mealtimes offer a chance to bond and share cultural traditions. Join in setting the table or cleaning up. Attending meals is an excellent opportunity to learn about your host’s customs, and cooking a dish from your home country will deepen cultural exchange.
4. Respect schedules
Respect your host family’s schedule and curfews, even if you have paid for your stay. Arrive on time for meals and notify your host family beforehand if you can’t participate. If you’re running late, inform your hosts. Always behave as if your mother were watching you.
5. Accept differences
Living abroad entails adapting to different customs and practices, including cuisine and household chores. Don’t equate “different” with “bad.” Cultural diversity is part of the learning experience, broadening horizons and promoting personal growth. Embrace these differences to mature as an open-minded individual.
6. Watch Your Manners
Living with a host family is not like staying at a hotel. Keep your room tidy, help with household chores, and don’t hog shared spaces. Don’t bring uninvited guests or complain about minor inconveniences. Show good manners and gratitude.
7. Participate in activities
While it’s important to socialize with your classmates, consider spending quality time with your host family. Even simple activities like grocery shopping or watching their child play soccer can be rewarding and immersive. It’s an opportunity to practice your language skills and learn about their culture. Don’t miss out on exploring new hobbies and making new friends during your stay abroad.
8. Leverage everyday conversations
Learning a new language is essential to overcome the fear of making mistakes, and your host family’s home is an ideal place to practice conversational skills. Be bold and ask your host family for help with homework and try to talk as much as possible, but choose the right time to do so.
9. Get to know your host family
Show interest in your hosts’ routines, food, and hobbies by asking and learning from them. Respect their personal space and don’t push to establish a close relationship. Avoid invading their privacy or interrupting their activities, even if you want to practice your language skills.
10. Keep in mind that this is a temporary situation
You might not like everything about your host family’s lifestyle, but avoid complaining. Remember that your stay is temporary; you’ll have many stories and memories to share when you leave.
11. Be loyal and honest when things go wrong
In cohabitation, conflicts can arise, and it’s essential to address them constructively. If you have a problem with your host family, try talking to them first. If that’s not possible, contact the organization that arranged your stay. Avoid complaining about things that may be different but not necessarily alarming, and remember that it takes time for everyone to adjust.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to force a friendship, striving for a good rapport with your host family and maintaining contact beyond your stay is essential and a great way to show appreciation. Also, keep the abovementioned tips in your mind while you live with a host family abroad.