What It's Really Like Living with a Host Family

The housing options for our programs differ based on location. For instance, students who are going to Florence only have the option to live in apartments, whereas students going to Barcelona can live in apartments, a residence hall, or a homestay. We suggest speaking with study abroad alumni as well as ASA staff to determine the most fitting accommodation for you. This will help you narrow down which program to select. With that being said, if you are thinking of living with a host family then you have come to the right place! Read on my friend...

Living with a host family has many benefits such as, an up-close cultural experience, foreign language practice, home-cooked meals, and added safety. It also means you’ll have to adapt to living in a new household with supervision. Here’s everything you need to know about living in a homestay!

Here are 20 Tips to better prepare you…

Tip #1: Discovering a new culture first-hand is best done by living with local people. It’s also by far the best way to learn the language!

Tip #2: You’ll need to respect the lifestyle of the family and do your best to blend in with their timetable and habits. Since it’s someone’s home and not a hotel, please keep your room at least relatively tidy. Mealtimes will probably be later, and the food served may be new to you. Having to make adjustments like these could make you more responsible in some areas and less independent in others.

Tip #3: You’ll become more aware of current events in the area because your host family probably watches the news and discusses what’s going on. 

Tip #4: You won’t have a curfew, but you’ll need to be quiet if you’re coming home late. This is just courteous to the other family members who are probably sleeping.

Tip #5: Stay in touch. You’ll need to keep your host family in the loop if you won’t be home for a meal, so they don’t waste food. And, it’s best to let them know if you’ll be coming home later than expected or are going out of town..YES, so they don't worry.

Tip #6: Guest policy. You’ll have to ask before you have guests over, since it’s not your house! And overnight guests are a definite no.

Tip #7: Your host family may clean your space for you. If you don’t like people touching your things, then keep your area clean!

Tip #8: Family composition. There is no standard “kind” of host family. They could be a traditional family (a couple with or without kids) or a non-traditional family (a single person with or without kids). Keep an open mind and you will have a great experience!

Tip #9: Cultural differences. Expect to learn about cultural differences that surprise you! You might want to take your new customs home with you.

Tip #10: Food. You won’t be able to use the kitchen to cook for yourself, but usually it’s okay to store snacks and drinks in the fridge (just ask first). In some cultures, food is love, so if you are constantly being told to eat more or that you’re too skinny, don’t take it personally. Don’t feel pressured to eat more than what feels good to you. If you’re full, say it firmly but kindly. You’ll be expected to enjoy what the family serves you. If you are a picky eater or have special dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible so we can advise you on the best option.

Tip #11: Cultural benefits. Living with a host family gives you a window into the local culture that you would otherwise miss out on! You will integrate into the culture more smoothly, and you may meet more locals through your host family. You get to eat real, local food that the host family cooks and can show you how to make. You will feel included in a country and at home where you entered as a stranger. 

Tip #12: Becoming part of a family can ease homesickness and help you adapt to your host country. Family is the main force in any socialization process, so having a “ready made” family in a place that’s foreign to you can help you figure out what to do/not to do, say, wear, etc.

Tip #13: Language. They know you’re there to learn the language, so don’t be shy about trying to speak. Just do your best - they will want to help you! You’ll get better at communicating with locals in their native language because the family will speak it at home (they probably won’t speak English to each other).

Tip #14: Small gestures of consideration are appreciated, like bringing your dishes into the kitchen after a meal, helping bring the groceries in, and keeping your room tidy.

Tip #15: You should conserve utilities and water usage, as these things are way more expensive in other countries. It’s not a dorm and it’s not your house (where you may be used to taking 30-minutes showers). Keep showers to 10 minutes maximum and turn off lights when you leave a room, otherwise they may turn them off for you. 

Tip #16: If you like something they cook, tell them! Compliments are always welcome. If they think you enjoy a dish, they will keep making it for you, so if you don’t like something, be honest, but kind. Your host family isn’t required to provide snacks, so eat enough at meals or buy your own snacks; if they do say anything is up for grabs, it’s still good to ask before you take something.

Tip #17: Although it might be tempting to be a homebody because you have a real home and a family, don’t stay in bed or on the couch all day watching Netflix. You studied abroad to learn and experience new things! Unless you’re ill, it may actually be considered rude to hang out in your pajamas all day.

Tip #18: Your host family will be looking out for you, your health, and your safety. So you’ll be the first to know about things going on in town to avoid (strikes, public transportation delays, etc.). If you’re sick, you’ll have someone to recommend medicine, keep you fed, and let your program director know if you’re not getting better!

Tip #19: Your host family can give you tips and history about the places you are visiting, which can enrich the experience and sometimes help you discover places you wouldn’t have otherwise!

Tip #20: Consider bringing a “small” gift when you arrive, like a candle, chocolates, or a kitchen towel. Once in a while during your stay it’s also nice to bring home flowers or dessert, to show your appreciation for all they do. 

Remember: it’s not worse or better, just different! And… you’ll have people you can stay in touch with after you get home. If you would like to be put in contact with a former student who has lived in a homestay, let us know and we can arrange something, but remember every experience is subjective, and one person’s experience may be the complete opposite of your future experience.