Language Study Abroad Accommodation Type B | Homestay

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

When planning a long-term language study abroad, choosing which type of accommodation to stay in is an important point to carefully consider before departure.

Last time we introduced "share houses," so this time we'll explain another popular accommodation option: homestay.

>>> Click! See the features of share houses here <<<

< What Is a Homestay? >

Homestay is,
when staying abroad for a certain period, a way of living by renting a room in a local ordinary household.

Since you join the household of a local family as a guest, it's easy to understand if you think of it as similar to what is called "lodging" (geshuku) in Japan.

However, unlike Japan's dedicated lodging houses, homestay is characterized by truly living with an ordinary local family.

For this reason, it is popular among language study abroad students as a way to experience local life and culture more authentically.

< Advantages of Homestay >

1. A private room is more likely to be secured

Unlike share houses or student dormitories, homestay usually provides a private room.

Also,

• The host family you live with is clearly defined

• In many cases there are no other international students

which means troubles with other guests are less likely to occur, giving you peace of mind.

2. You can deeply experience the local culture

The biggest appeal of homestay is being able to experience local family life firsthand.

• Food culture

• Daily life rhythm

• Communication within the family

• Values and ways of thinking

You can naturally learn these things through daily life.

3. Easier to improve language skills and make local friends

Conversations with your host family will basically be in the local language (English, if it's an English-speaking country).

Because of this,

• You get more chances to use English

• You can learn expressions closer to real life

are some of the benefits.

Since home is where you spend the most time outside of school, it's an environment where you can naturally become close with local people.

4. Peace of mind in terms of safety

Starting to live alone overseas comes with many concerns, such as safety and contracts.

With homestay, because you live together with a local family, there's a strong sense of safety, which is a major advantage.

< Disadvantages of Homestay >

Of course, there are also points to be aware of with homestay.

1. Higher cost

• A private room is secured

• Relatively high safety

• Meals are often included

Because of these benefits,
the cost tends to be higher compared to other accommodation options.

For this reason, those who prioritize cost often choose share houses or student dormitories instead.

2. Transportation can sometimes be inconvenient

For example, in Australia,
homestays are often concentrated in residential areas,
and there can be some distance to schools or downtown areas.

• Shopping

• Eating out

• Entertainment facilities

To go to these places, you often need to use public transportation, so
it can sometimes be difficult to get around on foot — this is something worth knowing in advance.

3. Cultural differences can be easily felt

Since you were raised in a different culture,
differences in lifestyle habits and values are unavoidable.

For example,
"I imagined warm home-cooked meals,
but breakfast was mainly cereal or bread"
is a case that actually happens often.

You'll need to be prepared to
accept these cultural differences as part of the homestay experience.

Summary | Choose the Accommodation Style That Suits You

This time, we introduced homestay, one of the accommodation options for language study abroad.

Since each accommodation method has its own characteristics,

• Budget

• Lifestyle

• Priority on improving language skills

Taking these into account,
deciding on the accommodation that suits you in advance will lead to a fulfilling language study abroad experience.

At Awork Academy, we organize useful information for language study abroad by country and topic in an easy-to-understand way.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.