Homestay Programs
When you travel or study abroad, there are often many accommodation options available. One of the most rewarding experiences can be starting your international student experience in a new country by exploring the options with a high-quality homestay organization.
Start with a Homestay
Starting with a homestay program is a great option for any international student. It offers a "real-life" experience that is second-to-none, and you will find that it could be one of the most rewarding parts of your international experience. Homestay programs allow students to start their studies without worrying about finding housing, furniture, or signing a lease from overseas. If you are over 18 and start your experience in a homestay environment, your host will typically help you with many of your future decisions, including different long-term accommodation options.
What exactly is a Homestay?
Homestay programs arrange for international students to live with local hosts/ families during their studies. Living situations in homestay programs range from basic room-rental arrangements to complete host/family immersion. In a homestay program, you will typically have your own room but join the family for meals and participate in their regular daily routine. Host families can have younger or teenage children themselves, but homestays can be offered by anyone. Host families often offer homestays because it’s an excellent way for them and/or their children to meet with international students and be exposed to different cultures.
How do I find and compare Homestay programs?
It is important that you make the right decision in choosing a qualified homestay company. Sometimes your school will set you up with a homestay program directly. If not, you will need to do your own research to help you find the right homestay program for you.
When applying to a homestay program, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire before connecting with a host family. With these questionnaires, it’s best to be completely honest. If you’re allergic to cats or afraid of dogs, you don’t want to end up in a home with many pets!
Most homestays that you will have to choose from during your search are locally based; however, we have partnered with one national organization, StudentRoomStay (SRS), that offers homestays in many U.S. cities.
Find a safe and welcoming host family for you in the USAStudentRoomStay
InternationalStudent.com has partnered with StudentRoomStay (SRS) to assist with finding the perfect homestay for you. SRS has a unique matching system that will place you with a friendly, welcoming host family for a one-time $300 matching fee.
Get matched with a homestay host/family based on your preferences, school location, and student matching profile, and count on the following:
- Vetted Host Family (SRS Safety Certified)
- Flexible Meal Plans
- Personalized Homestay Matching
- Optional Airport Meet & Greet
Learn more to find the perfect homestay for you.
Why Homestays?
There are many reasons that homestays are a great solution for international students, including:
Orientation
When first arriving in the U.S. things can be confusing and difficult, however, your homestay host can assist with local guidance like transport, shopping, and banking as well as introducing and assisting with networks, mentoring, and local culture.
Price
As you will be staying in someone’s home, homestays tend to be an affordable option. The families offering their homes as a homestay are typically not doing it for financial gain, so they can be excellent economical accommodation options. Homestays are often the most economical accommodation option because room and board costs generally include meals, laundry facilities, and occasionally some light cleaning services. You will also save money because you won’t have to worry about furnishing an apartment.
Culture
Staying with a local family will immerse you into the local culture and life. Homestay programs provide students with a more authentic cultural experience. In most cases, you will spend evenings and free time with your host family, having meals and social time with them and experiencing daily life in your host country. Living with host families will provide you with more opportunities to experience local cuisine, as well as local events and places that most tourists and other visitors to the country will be unaware of.
Language
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to be fully immersed into a culture where the language is spoken, and there is no better way of immersing yourself than with a homestay! If you are living in a dormitory or hostel, you will likely socialize amongst people who speak your native language. In a homestay program, you will be required to converse in the native language of your host country, allowing you to improve your language skills.
Safety
In a homestay program, your host family looks out for you, much like your family at home. They will be there to make sure you get home safely every day, as well as to provide emotional support at home. If you like to have someone to talk about your day with when you get home, a homestay may be the right option for you.
Is a Homestay Right for You?
When it comes time to decide where to live during your studies, if you answer “yes” to any of these questions then a homestay is an option you’ll want to consider.
- Is being fully immersed in the language and customs of my new home important to me?
- Am I comfortable living in someone’s home?
- Would I enjoy having a host to help me around the area?
Everyone has different needs and expectations of their study abroad experience. The decision to stay in a homestay depends on the type of experience you want in the U.S. and can certainly add to your experience and adventures.
Let StudentRoomStay match you to a host family based on your personal preferences, school location, and student profile.
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