Switching Homestays
When studying abroad, there are often two options for housing: an apartment/dorm or a homestay. I highly recommend selecting the homestay because you can experience the culture firsthand and at a much deeper level.
Sometimes, a homestay family may not be a good match for a student. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and there are many ways to work through any issues to create a positive experience. Homestay families are accustomed to hosting students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. They are passionate about welcoming and are prepared to help students who speak different languages, have diverse personalities, and follow different dietary preferences.
If there is a concern, you are encouraged to talk with your program provider, and changing homestays may be an option. The key caveat is that you have to advocate for yourself. I spent the first half of my time abroad in my initial homestay before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. When I decided to request a change, I spoke with a kind staff member at IES, and I was placed with a new homestay family. It was the perfect place for me and made my last two months abroad very enjoyable. My host mom would tell tales of her family history and her life under the Chilean dictatorship. Speaking with her in Spanish provided an informal way to practice my Spanish speaking/listening, and helped us to grow a great friendship.
In the end, a homestay experience is what you make of it. You can decide to eat a three-hour Sunday lunch with your host family, listening as they share stories from the week. Or you can choose to go out with friends and spend your time exploring the city. The beauty is that there is no wrong choice as long as you’re present and open to living in a new place.
Studying abroad is such an amazing and unique experience. If you get an opportunity to have a homestay, it is such a blessing. Most of us only get one study abroad experience, and my homestay was a positive chapter in the story I experienced while I was in Chile.
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