Pros and cons of staying with a homestay?

[Marine]

We regularly have people walking in school to ask questions about our programs, and most recently parents inquiring about our Summer Camp.

One of the most common question is: What are the pros and cons of staying with a homestay?

I have lived in a homestay in Beijing in 2019 and more recently in Korean in 2024, so let me give you my take on that question!

Pros:

• The immersion is DEEP. Both families didn’t speak English so I was forced to use my knowledge of the language. A bit overwhelming at first but it quickly becomes easier and easier.
• I got to see how locals live their day to day lives, and it comes with its lot of cultural differences!
• I had the chance to eat authentic food, the best is always homemade.
• They helped me with anything I needed! Transportation, sim card, communication etc I got incredible support from them and was always happy to go home at the end of the day.
• I am not in touch with my Chinese homestay family anymore but my friends are with theirs! They got new friends for life

Cons:

• You also have to follow the family schedule, for example going out at night you need to be back by a certain time etc
• House rules in general! Meal times, cleanliness, communication style etc
• Limited independance, you might not be able to cook as you wish or invite friends over.

I looooved staying with homestay as it really felt like having a family across the world, and my language skills improved so fast as well! I would definitely recommend you have a try, even if it is just for one week!

Have you ever stayed with a homestay? Do you agree with my pros and cons? Let me know your pros and cons too !

[Hannah]

Totally agree with your pros and cons list!

When I went to study in LTL Shanghai it was really nice having an experienced homestay that helped me figure out how to register my address in China, get to the school, etc.

Then of course the language immersion was priceless! Listening to and speaking Mandarin around the dinner table each night exposed me to so many new topics. Sometimes I couldn’t follow the conversation and I’d feel a little disheartened, but then the family was so patient with me when I asked them to explain what they were talking about in a more simple way!

Also my family was super sweet, they knew Beijing Duck （北京烤鸭） was my favourite and so for my last night they specially arranged that dinner for me. They also said if I went back to Shanghai they hoped I’d stay with them again

I actually wrote a blog about my time with the family too, if anyone wanted to have a more in-depth read

Living with a Chinese Family || The Highs, Lows (and the Crazy!)

[Max]

I’ve stayed with Korean families in Seoul and Chinese families in Beijing and Chengde.

I must admit, it’s one of my favourite ways to learn the language.

Making friends with the family members, discovering the city through their eyes and trying food that typically tourists don’t come across.

The beauty of the homestay is the cultural lessons you learn and for that reason I really had so much fun at all the aforementioned homestays!

Here are some pics I took from them