10 tips for a successful British homestay experience
You’re about to live the homestay experience in London? You would like to best prepare for this new experience in a British host family? What is it like to live in an English homestay living in London? You are at the right place! We have prepared a list of 10 tips for you to live a successful British homestay experience in the UK and make the most out of it!
British homestay experience: 10 tips
Bring a little gift to your host family when you arrive
Even if host families are paid to welcome you, it is still something special for them to welcome someone they don’t know in their house! You are their guest and it will always be appreciated if you can bring a little something for them in your suitcase. It doesn’t have to be something big or expensive! It can be something typical of the place you are from for instance!
Get to know each other
Your British host family and you are going to spend several days or weeks together so make the most out of the time you will spend with each other! Get to know each other by asking them questions and being interested in what they are telling you! Of course, don’t be too curious and respect their privacy! Prepare some questions to ask to your host family.
Let your host family know who you are, what your hobbies are and how you live back in your home country for example. See your stay in a host family in London as a cultural and human experience. You’re both here to learn from each other!
In London, do as the Londoners do
During your first days in a British host family of London, observe what they do and follow the move. If you see that everyone removes their shoes before going inside of the house, do so. Notice how the household work, it will help you understand how you need to behave to respect their way of living. Do not hesitate to ask them explicitly what the house rules are!
Open-mindedness is the key
You’re about to live in a different country than yours and with a new family! Of course, there are behaviours, traditions and rules that you will not be familiar with. It’s totally normal! Keep in mind that you’re here to learn and discover new things! Your stay in your British homestay is a temporary experience so remain open to all the things your host family can bring you before you leave!
Mind your manners in a British homestay
Remember to be polite with your host family. Don’t forget to say “please” and “thank you”, to wish them good day or good night! Greetings are very important in the UK! Be also careful not to offend them if you don’t like the food you’ve been served. Try a little bit of everything!
Try to be clean and respect the place they live in. You can also help them do the dishes for instance or give them a hand to carry the groceries back in the house.
Basic common sense is important when you live with other people!
Spend time with your British host family
Don’t stay in bedroom as soon as you get home! Of course, you have the right to rest and spend some time alone or with your friends. But it’s important that you spend some quality time with the people who welcome you in their house. You didn’t come to London to stay in your room, did you?
Living in a host family in London is a rewarding cultural and human experience! And it’s an opportunity for you to learn English and develop your vocabulary!
Get off your phone
It is considered bad manners to be constantly on your phone while you’re spending time with your host family. Put it away when you’re with them and live the homestay experience to the fullest! Interact with your hosts, watch local TV with them, live the British life!
Keep them informed
When you go out, tell your host family where you’re going and what time you will be back. Exchange your phone numbers and keep them informed if something goes wrong while you’re out or if your plans change. Let them know if you won’t be home for dinner and respect the curfew (if there is one).
Communicate
Communication is the key to a successful experience in a British host family! Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Let them know what your needs are when you arrive and if you’re unhappy or embarrassed about something, tell them! British host families are here to help you live the best experience possible so you can be sure they will always be happy to help you out and will do their best to make you feel comfortable.
Thank them
Of course, thank them on the day you leave, but you can also write your host family a thank you letter or email when you’re back home!
You are ready! Enjoy this cultural homestay experience in England! Book your London homestay.
