As international students plan their journeys abroad, one of the most important choices they’ll face is where to live. While dormitories and shared apartments can be popular options, many students are choosing the enriching experience of living with a host family.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying with one of our unique host families and why it might be the best fit for your study-abroad experience.
Why do the students choose living with a host family?
Living with a host family can be a transformative experience. Especially for students new to the country, their culture, language and customs. Host family arrangements provide students with many benefits that go beyond a roof over your head.
Cultural Immersion: Becoming a part of the local household helps you experience their traditions, celebrations and everyday routines firsthand. You’ll gain insights into the local culture in ways you wouldn’t by living with other international students.
Practicing Language: For students wanting to improve their language skills. A host family provides daily language exposure in a natural setting. From dinner conversations to casual chats with the host about your day, you’ll enhance your language ability and confidence.
Personal Support: A host family acts as your support system, offering advice on navigating London and the local boroughs and helping you adjust to the city. They will be one of the first friendly faces you encounter and a valuable source of guidance during your stay.
What to expect from living with a host family?
To make the most of your experience, it’s essential to understand what a typical day with a host family might look like.
Daily Routines and Meals: Most host families have established daily routines including mealtimes, household chores and work schedules. While some families can provide meals, others may expect students to prepare their own. So, when making your own food, meal prepping is a great way to have food in advance and not cook every day. To avoid any misunderstandings, feel free to ask about the family’s schedule and meal arrangements before you arrive.
House Rules and Privacy: Different households have different expectations. Common rules will include guidelines about curfews, quiet hours and guest policies. You are part of the family, so remember that privacy goes both ways. Make sure that you respect their space as you would your own.
Open Communication: Clear communication helps bridge cultural differences and avoids misinterpretations. If you see something that looks confusing or makes you uncomfortable, discuss it openly and politely with the host. Our Host families are eager to help, and honesty goes a long way in creating a mutual understanding.
How to build a good relationship with your host family
Making the most out of your host family experience means being a respectful and considerate guest. Here are some tips.
Show Interest in their culture and local way of doing things: Ask lots of questions about their traditions, local cuisine and hobbies. Look for ways that you can participate in their activities. Ask about the best local cuisine to eat in your area or learn to cook on your own. Host families will appreciate students who want to engage with them and learn about their way of life.
Helping with daily chores: Offering to help with the dishes after meals and keeping your personal space tidy shows that you respect their home. Small gestures like these create a warm, friendly and cooperative living environment for you and your Host family.
Share your culture too: Host families often enjoy learning about your country, culture and background as much as you do theirs. So, cooking a traditional dish, sharing stories or teaching them a few phrases from your native language can be fun and a great bonding experience.
Addressing common concerns and misunderstandings
For many international students, the idea of living with a family might bring concerns about your independence, privacy and differing lifestyles. Here’s some tips on how to handle common concerns.
Privacy and Independence: While host families will typically respect your need for personal space, it’s important to understand that you’re also part of their household. If privacy is especially important to you when resting or studying, talk to your host family about establishing boundaries that will make you both comfortable.
Cultural Differences: Cultural misunderstandings can happen, but they are often minor and easily resolved with communication. Whether it's about food preferences, their daily schedules or social customs. You should approach these differences with curiosity and respect.
Managing Expectations: Each host family has its own dynamic, so understanding their expectations will help you adapt smoothly. If a particular rule or custom feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
Conclusion: a host family stay is an opportunity for growth
Living with a host family as an international student offers the chance to build many meaningful relationships. Our host family experience can help shape each student’s perspectives even after they return home. From learning a new culture and enhancing their language skills. Students will build intercultural communication skills, emotional resilience and lifelong friendships. While it may take some adjustment, a positive attitude and open communication can help create an unforgettable experience for both you and your host family.
If you’re open to learning, are flexible and respectful of the household. You will find that a host family stay can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your time studying abroad. It’s more than just a place to stay it’s a chance to truly live in a new country.