Erica De Silva
January 22, 2024
The modern travel sector has made it easier than ever for students worldwide to have more options in other countries. Studying abroad can be an incredible way for students to further their education, expand their cultural awareness, and see new things. Of course, deciding where to study and finding somewhere to stay are some of the most essential factors in studying abroad.
Fortunately, there are many great options for abroad students to choose from. The commonly known options are to stay at the dorms of the educational institution they attend or find off-campus housing.
However, homestay has become an increasingly popular option because of its affordability and cultural experience. We have compiled some homestay tips below to help you find the perfect location. Here’s what you need to know!
The Benefits of Homestays
Before discussing locations, let’s take a look at the benefits of homestays. One of the most significant benefits is the cultural experience that it provides. This is because you can experience a whole new culture through your host family. They can teach you about their culture, show you around the area, and recommend the best spots. Plus, they’ll often be eager to learn all about your culture back home as well.
Homestay options also tend to be more affordable than other options. You’ll pay for room and board within a home rather than an entire apartment alone or with a roommate. This allows you to better focus on your studies without possibly having to pick up a part-time job while in school.
Of course, there are undoubtedly several more benefits to homestay – but these two are the largest.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Homestay Location
Choosing the right homestay location is really a personal decision, but there are several factors to consider when deciding. Let’s take a closer look.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Before looking into homestay locations, it's crucial to determine your goals and expectations. Consider what you want from your travel, whether it be a cultural experience, a certain level of education, or otherwise.
You also need to determine a realistic budget and constraints. Sitting down and reviewing these initial factors will help you create a set of guidelines for your homestay location.
Environment
One of the first things to consider is the type of environment that you desire. Would you rather stay in a city, a more rural location, or something in between? Deciding this will immediately help to narrow down your locations. If you want a city, look into some of the more metropolitan-based universities. For a rural location, check out some local or smaller schools.
Of course, this also includes the natural environment of the area. Are you looking to do a homestay somewhere warmer or perhaps a location where you can experience all four seasons? This can help to narrow down areas to look at quickly.
Education Options
Of course, when looking to study abroad, educational opportunities are a major factor. Look into locations with schools that match your study path or are generally rated favorably.
Determining the type of institution you’re searching for or even a specific school can help you decide on a location quickly.
Research Destinations
If there are specific locations that interest you, do some research on them. Find out what educational institutions are available, what history and cultural attractions are available, and more. Essentially, find out if the location has everything you want to get out of your homestay experience.
If you don’t have any specific locations in mind, do an online search for locations that fit that kind of criteria, such as “most historical cities in the United States.” This can help you begin building a list of places that interest you.
Extracurricular Activities
Another point to consider is what you can do for fun in the area. If you want to be able to swim year-round, it may be better to look somewhere warmer or located on the water. Or, if you want to engage in winter sports, make sure to find somewhere that can accommodate these activities.
Your study abroad may be primarily for educational purposes, but you want to make sure you can enjoy your off time as well.
Look Into Hosting Opportunities
If you have found a few locations that interest you, you can then look into hosting options in those areas. You can check out hosting platforms like StudentRoomStay to find hosts for the location.
Ready to Begin Your Homestay Journey with StudentRoomStay?
If you have a location in mind or would like to explore some options, be sure to check out StudentRoomStay. Our website has info on many popular homestay locations for you to check out. When you’re ready to begin your homestay adventure, we can help. There are many homestay agencies, but our track record has made us the most recognized service provider for abroad students.
Moreover, we work closely with students and hosts to find a good match on both sides. We communicate regularly with both parties throughout the stay to ensure everyone is happy for the duration.
If you would like further information on our homestay packages, contact us today. You can click here to start your journey.
