Homestays Explained

For many international students, the first weeks in a new country are the hardest. Everything is unfamiliar: the language, the food, the transport, the customs. A homestay offers a way to ease that transition by living with a local family who can help you settle in. It is not for everyone, but for the right student it can be one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad.

Homestay systems differ by country and program. This guide gives a general picture, and it is not legal or immigration advice. Check the details with your school or program.

What a homestay is

In a homestay, you live in a host's home, usually with your own room, and share the household's spaces. Hosts may be families, couples, single people or older adults. In many programs, hosts provide meals and a supportive environment, and they are paid a fee.

Homestays are common for:

• Language students and exchange students.
• Secondary school students abroad.
• University students in their first term or year.
• Short courses and summer programs.
• Students who prefer a family setting.

They differ from renting a room in a shared house, where you may have little interaction with the owner.

Who it suits

A homestay may suit you if:

• You want to practice a language in daily life.
• You are new to the country and would like a gentle start.
• You value support and structure.
• You prefer home-cooked meals and a family atmosphere.
• You are younger, and would like supervision.
• You are staying for a shorter period, and do not want to set up a household.
• You are interested in learning the culture from the inside.

It may be less suitable if you want complete independence, a lively social life with few restrictions or specific dietary or lifestyle needs that a host cannot meet.

What is usually included

Programs vary, but a homestay often includes:

• A private furnished bedroom.
• Some or all meals, such as breakfast and dinner.
• Utilities and internet.
• Use of shared spaces, such as the kitchen and living room.
• Laundry, sometimes with limits.
• Support and local advice from the host.

Check what is included, such as weekend meals, packed lunches and transport. Extras may cost more.

Costs

Costs vary by country, city and what is included.

• A weekly or monthly fee, usually covering room and meals.
• A placement fee from the program.
• A deposit, in some cases.
• Transport costs, which can be higher if the home is far from campus.
• Other costs, such as laundry or extra meals.

Compare with other options. Our guide to university halls vs private accommodation compares alternatives. A homestay may cost more than a shared house, but includes meals and bills.

How to find a reputable homestay

Safety and quality matter.

1. Start with your school or university. Many have approved homestay programs, and an international office that can help.
2. Use established programs that screen hosts, check homes and offer support.
3. Ask about the screening process, including background checks, home visits and references.
4. Ask how matching works. Good programs ask about your preferences, diet and interests.
5. Read reviews from previous students.
6. Check what support is available, such as a coordinator or emergency contact.
7. Be cautious of private ads and unverified offers, especially those requiring payment before you have details.

Our guide to avoiding rental scams describes warning signs that apply here too.

Questions to ask the program

1. How are hosts screened and trained?
2. What is included in the fee?
3. Can you accommodate my dietary or religious needs?
4. How far is the home from campus, and how do students travel?
5. What are the house rules and expectations?
6. Who can I contact if there is a problem?
7. Can I change hosts if it does not work out?
8. What are the terms for ending the stay, and any refunds?
9. Will I have a private room, or share with another student?

Write down the answers, and keep them with your agreement.

Typical house rules

Each household has its own rules, but common ones include:

• Curfews or notice for late arrivals, especially for younger students.
• Guest policies, often limiting visitors.
• Mealtimes, and notifying the host if you will miss a meal.
• Quiet hours.
• Use of the kitchen, laundry and bathroom.
• Smoking, alcohol and substances.
• Use of electronics and internet.
• Chores, such as keeping your room tidy.
• Respect for the home and the family.

Ask for the rules in advance, and make sure that you can live with them.

Getting along with your host family

A good relationship takes effort on both sides.

• Be friendly and open, and share about your own culture.
• Learn names and routines.
• Communicate. Tell them your schedule, needs and preferences.
• Be respectful of the home and its customs.
• Ask questions, about the neighborhood, food and traditions.
• Spend time together, such as sharing a meal.
• Be patient with language differences.
• Say thank you.
• Raise concerns early, and politely.

Cultural differences can cause misunderstandings. If something confuses or bothers you, ask kindly. Hosts usually enjoy helping.

Food and diet

Meals are a big part of the experience.

• Tell the program and the host about allergies, dietary restrictions and religious needs before arrival.
• Be open to trying new foods, while saying clearly what you cannot eat.
• Offer to cook a dish from your country, if the host is happy.
• Let the host know when you will miss meals.
• Ask about snacks and extra food.

If the food is not suitable, speak to the program, not just the host.

Safety and your rights

• Know the contact details of the program, your school and emergency services.
• Share your address and plans with someone you trust.
• Keep your documents and valuables secure.
• Know that you can raise concerns. You are entitled to be treated with respect and to feel safe.
• Report any behavior that makes you uncomfortable to the program coordinator or your school.
• If you feel unsafe, leave and contact the program or emergency services.

Reputable programs take safety seriously and will help you change hosts if needed.

Study and privacy

• Ask about study space, quiet times and internet access.
• Agree on privacy, such as knocking before entering your room.
• Check rules about guests and calls.
• Make sure you have a place to study.

If you need quiet for work, say so early.

Practical matters

• Transport: check how you will get to campus, how long it takes and what it costs.
• Keys and access: ask about arrival times and spare keys.
• Laundry: understand when and how to use machines.
• Bills: clarify what is included, such as electricity and internet.
• Mail: find out where to receive deliveries.
• Health: tell your host about medical conditions, if you are comfortable.

If it is not working

Problems happen.

1. Talk to your host, calmly and kindly, and try to resolve it.
2. Contact the program coordinator, who may mediate.
3. Tell your international office if the program does not help.
4. Ask about changing hosts, and how it works.
5. Keep records of concerns and communications.
6. Know your refund rights and notice period.
7. Plan alternatives, such as halls or a shared house.

Do not stay in a situation that makes you unhappy or unsafe.

Moving on

Many students stay with a host for a few weeks or a term, then move into other housing once they know people and the area. If you plan to do this, check the notice requirements, and give notice in writing. Leave the room clean, thank your hosts and ask about keeping in touch. Many students keep friendships with hosts for years.

A worked example

Imagine a student arriving in a new country with limited local language. She books a homestay through her university's program, which screens hosts and provides a coordinator. She tells them about her diet, and is matched with a family who has older children. In the first weeks, her host shows her the bus route, helps her buy a phone plan and eats dinner with her each evening. She practices the language daily. After a term, she feels confident and moves into a shared flat with friends, staying in touch with her host.

The homestay gave her a soft landing.

Common mistakes

• Using unverified hosts.
• Not asking about rules and costs.
• Not stating dietary needs.
• Not communicating problems.
• Expecting a hotel.
• Isolating yourself in your room.
• Not checking transport to campus.

A quick checklist

• Have I used a reputable program or my school's recommendation?
• Do I understand what is included, the cost and the rules?
• Have I told the program about my needs?
• Do I know who to contact if there is a problem?
• Do I have a plan for transport and study?

Final thoughts

A homestay can offer support, language practice and a window into local life. Choose a reputable program, ask questions and communicate openly. If it is not working, ask for help and make a change.