Living With a Host Family Abroad

Host Family Living Abroad Living With A Image

When it is good, living abroad with a host family can be very, very good. You can make new friends, see new places and immerse yourself thoroughly in a new culture complete with local languages and slang, foods, customs, music, books and even television programmes! But when it all goes wrong, living abroad with a family can be horrid. To make sure that you're host family experience falls into the former, follow the three C's of living abroad with a host family: Communication, Cleanliness and Caring.

Communication

Clear communication is perhaps the most important ingredient to successfully living abroad with a host family. Only when everyone involved knows what is expected of them - and what to expect in return - can honest relationships develop. To avoid cross-cultural confusion after you move in, make sure to iron out certain details before you descend upon your host family, including:

Cleanliness

While you are meant to feel like a part of your host family while you are living abroad, leaving your dirty laundry all over the floor will not endear you to anyone. Your mother won't be around to remind you, so be sure to up your cleanliness quotient while you are living abroad and show respect for your host family by:

Caring

Even if you have spelled out all of your rights and responsibilities, and keep your quarters as neat as a pin, living abroad with a host family will only be truly successful if you put your heart into the endeavour. Anyone can pay rent and become a tenant, but becoming a part of the family and making lasting relationships requires caring. Show that you care in small ways, such as: Living abroad with a host family should be a time for you to truly experience a new culture. With a little bit of communication, cleanliness and caring, living abroad with a host family will be an exceptional experience that you will never forget!

You should seek independent professional advice before acting upon any information on the GreatGapYears website. Please read our Disclaimer.

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