When I booked my stay at EC Boston, I decided that I want to stay in a homestay. If you stay with a host family, you will have to be more opening minded, compared to staying in the student apartments. Because one has to get to know the family’s habits and rules. But for me, the advantages of staying in a host family definitely outweigh that many times!!
Especially in the very beginning it’s hard to find one’s way in a new country. But if you stay at a host family, they will take you by the hand and help you to get along. They can explain you the city and the best places to go to or to visit. When I’m looking for a good restaurant, for instance, I often ask my host mother what she recommends. Always, her suggestions turn out to be fantastic!
Another important advantage of staying with a host family is the language learning process. You can always talk with your host family, and as they’re native speakers, they will hear your mistakes and correct them, if you want them to. When I don’t know a word I ask my host mother and she explains me the word I’m looking for. Or I just listen and collect new words and expressions. Like this, my English vocabulary increased drastically. Furthermore, I really enjoy the conversations at my new home; we talk and laugh so much together.
Besides improving my English in those conversations, I learn as well a lot about the American culture, what I wouldn’t if I stayed in an apartment. This proved to be very helpful in many situations; I’m now able to understand the way Americans think and feel way better than before.
I never want to miss this wonderful time with my host family, and I’m sure we’ll stay in contact for many years more after my return back to Switzerland.
Cynthia Birgit Seiler
Switzerland