What's a Homestay?
A very exciting way to learn about a country, a culture, a way of life. A homestay means staying with a host family, perhaps for an extended period, while you're traveling in North America or abroad. You'll live in the host family's home and you'll participate in the family's daily life.Why Choose a Homestay?
Imagine you're headed for an area where the culture, mores, food and language are completely unfamiliar to you. You could choose a cheap hostel, but you may find yourself completely afield in trying to get to know the place. Staying in a local family's home means you'll adjust to the local lifestyle quickly - you'll be immersed in the culture the moment you step into your hosts' home. You'll be listening to the language swirling around you, you'll be helping to prepare unfamiliar cuisine and you'll quickly get the inside scoop on where to go and what to do (and what not to do.Do not choose a homestay experience because it may mean free digs. Choosing a homestay means a commitment to immersion in the culture through communication with your hosts.
How Much?
If you're planning to study abroad and choosing a homestay lodging option, start with your college counselor. Your school may very well have reciprocal arrangements with universities elsewhere; often, your college will pay the host family's expenses for providing you with room and board.Volunteering abroad? Check out this list of volunteer opportunities where you will often be staying with a host family; a volunteer program sometimes costs you money - read the list carefully to ascertain where you can volunteer in exchange for a low-cost local homestay.
You can also look at homestayweb.com to make your own arrangements worldwide - a random sample turned up $185 per week in Auckland with meals and airport pickup. StudyAbroadLinks.com will also give you a worldwide range of homestay options.
