"The Experience"



Study Abroad: Living With a Host Family

Author: petersons, Category: College Search

Living and studying for a semester or two overseas during college is an extraordinary experience that you will always remember. The variety of exceptional international study programs is endless — you can learn a language, see the world, make new friends, and earn college credit at the same time! With thousands of enticing programs, there’s something for every type of college student, but only you can narrow down your wealth of options.

For starters, you have a choice of studying in six of the seven continents (most students don’t opt to study in Antarctica). You can study in an English-based program or a second-language program. You can live in an exciting city, the suburbs, or rural farmland. You can stay for a summer, semester, or year. You can spend less than your current tuition or spring for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live and study in the heart of Vienna or Paris.

Five benefits of living with a host family
The one valuable opportunity that students sometimes overlook is the chance to live with a host family. It’s common for students to flock to live in arrangements that are similar to their current housing: dorms or apartments. Some students contend that living with a host family cramps their style, but this is rarely the case. Most students who live with a family enjoy the freedom to come and go as they please. They also enjoy home-cooked meals and insightful conversations with their hosts. You won’t get that in student housing!

Here are five reasons to consider it:

You learn the language faster
If you’re studying in a country where the native language is not English, then living with a host family is definitely the best way to adjust. The less time you spend with other Americans, the more you are forced to speak the country’s native language. The best way to learn is to use it all the time without a crutch.

You experience the customs and tradition of the country firsthand
Through living with a host family, you are more likely to embrace the culture more quickly than if you were living solo. For example, families often include you in holiday meals or teach you how to prepare indigenous foods.

You discover the best local places
There’s nothing worse than getting to a new country and not knowing where you’re going. Sure, you’ll get hold of a map, but will it tell you which café has the best espresso? Where to find the most popular club? How to bargain with vendors in the outdoor market and get amazing deals? You’ll only get this kind of insider information from the locals.

You feel like part of the family
The first few weeks of your international experience might give you a bad case of homesickness. If you’re living with a host family, then you’ll have a group of people who will probably dote on you and try to cheer you up!

You make international friends more quickly
Studying in a different country is most rewarding when you branch out and meet people who live in your host town. If you simply hang out with your American counterparts, you’ll be missing out. Your host family will introduce you to family, friends, and neighbors.

Keep in mind that not all programs offer the chance to live with a host family — if it’s something you want, you must make it part or your search criteria. Programs that do offer the option usually allow you to specify what type of family would best suit you. Maybe you don’t like small children or you’re allergic to cats. Choose a family style that best suits your needs and you will be on your way to one of the most exciting experiences of your life.

Bon voyage!

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