Immerse in the Experience of
Homestay with a Local Family

In many cases, when traveling abroad there are plenty of stay options to choose from, including homestay. There are many benefits that come with a homestay program such as getting the true local experience, observing different cultural practices within the home, a chance to improve your language skills and so much more. When choosing the homestay option, travelers can ensure to indulge in a unique experience. Best of all, travelers receive the pleasure of engaging with their homestay family to learn more about the location they are currently residing. 

What is a Homestay?

A homestay program typically arranges for travelers to live with local hosts or families during their time abroad. Ordinary travelers can also participate in a homestay program along with international students. During this program, the traveler will have their own room and participate in family meals as well as the family’s normal, everyday routines. The host families often choose to offer homestays because it’s a great way for them and/or their own children to meet with others and be exposed to different cultures.

Benefits of a Homestay Experience

As mentioned above, there are plenty of benefits that come with a homestay experience. These benefits include but are not limited to:

• partaking in  host-family traditions

• the ability to ask a variety of different cultural questions

• gaining variety of chances to improve your language skills

• gaining a new family

• making new friends – with locals!

• truly understanding what it is like to live as a local in this general area

• enjoying locally made, traditional foods

Aside from these benefits, you will further be able to experience a truly unique vacation. 

How to Find Homestay Programs Around the World

When applying to a homestay program you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before you are connected with a host family. With these questionnaires, it’s best to be completely honest. If you’re allergic to cats or afraid of dogs, you don’t want to end up in a home with a lot of pets! Most homestays that you will have to choose from during your search are locally based. When in search of a homestay program, here are a few platforms where you can search for a homestay experience: 

1. Homestay

At Homestay, prospective travelers can search for stay options all over the world. Homestay.com offers affordable options for both short and long term stays. Travelers can simply enter in information regarding their desired location and travel dates. Homestay.com offers real homes and exceptional host families. Within a click of a button, travelers can choose what it is they are searching for, receive access to different room options, and be matched with the perfect host for them. 

2. Chi Phat 

Dive into a unique vacation in Cambodia with the homestay program Chi Phat. The program allows for travelers to experience the culture of Chi Phat right on the skirts of the Cardamom Mountains. With kayaking, cycling, and more, travels can make for the best adventure. Not to mention, Chi Phat offers a relaxing and peaceful setting for a getaway. Additionally, the homestay experience offered by Chi Pat is a part of an initiative community based ecotourism project in the area

3. American Homestay Network

For international students, studying in the United States is a great experience. American Homestay Network is committed to helping students feel comfortable where they are in the perfect home.

4. Community Homestay Network 

Looking to feel at home and cultivate a unique experience within Nepal? Through Community Homestay Network (CNH), visitors can experience great hospitality while learning about living in Nepal. CNH helps connect travelers to stay with Nepali families. Travelers can learn the culture and landscape of the country. Once a homestay experience is booked, CNH assists with arranging the logistics. All travelers have to do is sit back and foresee a fun adventure ahead.

Homestays are a great way to enjoy a well-rounded trip full of education from the locals. In addition to learning new practices and traditions, you will have also gained a new family in the practice and gained some new friends along the way as well. Therefore, you will be able to carry a lifetime worth of memories as well as gain a new group of people who will remain close to heart. While homestay programs may not always be easy at first, in fact, they can even be uncomfortable for some people, but that is the true beauty of it as this is how we learn to grow.


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