Student Tips: Living with a Host Family

Your host family is one of the most important parts of your exchange year. Hear from former students on what it's like to settle into a new home and make the most of your time with your host family. /www.exchangestories.com

[@coldsrirachanoodles8065]

I've been living for almost a month now in my host family, yet we still barely talk to each other. There are several factors to this: -Huge language and culture gap (europe and Japan) -Family comes home very late -Kids have loads of homework, lock thereselves in their room immediately -TV is always on and nobody really talks while the TV is on (respect) -No good topics to start a conversation -And I'm shy as hell. I thought that the language barrier will disappear by week 2 or three, but still, there's no chance to understand what they say. Luckily, my host mother understands english, but it's still disappointing and I don't want to waste the opportunity to talk to them...

[@shye4700]

Florian Büchel Welp it looks like we are in the same boat Im currently in france (originally i come from Denmark) My host familly dosent talk english and i mean no english at all Conversations again are kinda hard since w dont understand eachother But my advise is to try simply just try I Think thats the Best people in oursituation can do

[@coldsrirachanoodles8065]

Brinjal Ninja Meanwhile I have overcome the fear of speaking to them when I want to know where e.g. the mother went when she's not home in the evening. I guess it's a normal thing. Sometimes the connection isn't there from the beginning, so don't give up.

[@claraniemiec5620]

I think maybe start out with really really small things like "could you tell me where the nearest kiosk is" or "whats the best resturant near here" just to not create a complete wall between you but MMM I HAVE NO IDEA hope it goes better :((

[@user-wb1vm9ex4k]

That is what I’m worried about. I’m extremely shy so not sure I will enjoy it

[@Mia-sb1bb]

I’m going to study in Germany for a year and I’m hoping to have a great Host Family!

[@buffayhelp]

hi, how was ur experience?

[@Mia-sb1bb]

@@buffayhelp hey! it was amazing, 100% recommend

[@buffayhelp]

@@Mia-sb1bb that’s so good to hear! i’ll probably be going to italy or france in like 4/5 months :D

[@Mia-sb1bb]

@@buffayhelp have fun!

[@user-cx6wn5ft8x]

@@buffayhelp how would you feel , it is great? 😊

[@ayaanwarsan]

I'm currently in this situation . I live with an Iraqi - Uzbekistan family in Istanbul . It's my third day and I pray I be a good person to them. . Wish me the best guys . Cheers

[@paulinahartlieb8596]

Is it better now? How do you live with them ??

[@ayaanwarsan]

@@paulinahartlieb8596 it's been good and bad . Lesson I've learnt is being patient with each other is what has kept us together. I'm leaving soon but I had a nice safe time . I thank God.

[@traveller2810]

As Uzbek person, I am curious how it was to live with an Uzbek, lol

[@ayaanwarsan]

@@traveller2810 This is my second year with them . They treat me as their daughter. May God bless them.

[@brennathecatlover4360]

I might be studying abroad in Korea for 6 weeks this summer

[@turtleberrykill1344]

Did you end up going haha?

[@krm78v]

did you go? lol

[@sebaplays8416]

Did you go?

[@brennathecatlover4360]

@@sebaplays8416 no lol I didn’t make it and I graduated late age wise so I couldn’t apply again

[@thesquid6149]

Its nice to hear that its a good experience ❤

[@zeenotzed2829]

The video seemed legit and funny to have host family until I looked up the comment section

[@annekamanda6290]

I know I also feel the same way

[@terrancechilds3049]

Welcome to America and have a good time

[@frustotamer6231]

I had the worst experience with my host family, literally i dont know why they even register themselves as one, they didnt speak english or my native language, they lie about the amount of people in the house, they bother all the time for shit that didnt make any sense and honeslty i say to everyone to got a place just for you or with students

[@rivierjojo]

Frust OTAMER in which city did you stay in a hostfamily?

[@narutohinata3311]

Can someone here tell me how should the message that we send to the families we choose so that we do not receive a refusal reply because all the families tell me I don't interested i don't understand why guys.

[@sajadahmad9055]

How can I find a host family in Kingston London, please suggest. Thank you.

[@lucindapinnellova190]

It will most likely come with the program you sign up with, however you probably won't be able to choose where you go in England

[@sajadahmad9055]

@@lucindapinnellova190 Many thanks for your reply, I would be studying MSc Management with Human Resources at Bournemouth University which is in Bournemouth itself from this year's September intake. Thank you once again.

[@jamesbond-us9vb]

if I lived in America I would have achieved great success pictures guitar sport in Russia there is no motivation

[@Joel._.Le0n]

Matilda

[@katie9733]

I’m going to a host family in Japan! Really scared

[@kentheengineer592]

Scared or nervous

[@theartempress6100]

How's it going

[@narutohinata3311]

Tell as How did you found it

[@liza-lz5tu]

How can i join host family?

[@sajadahmad9055]

Are you looking for UK...?

[@ryancrew5825]

Hallooooooo an meine Klasse