“But what’s it really like?” It’s a question that naturally curious international students will just come out with when getting in touch over hosted homestay accommodation. Obviously, you will want to know what your hosts will be cool with, such as staying up really late playing online video games! Apart from your bedroom light being on half the night and perhaps feeling a bit bleary eyed for most of the next morning, when will you find time to do your studies?
Understanding exactly what to expect and asking all the right questions is all part of finding out what you need to know before making an application. Of course, some overseas students simply get the idea completely wrong! Leaving your laundry outside your room to be cleaned is not the done thing at all. A hosted homestay is definitely not a hotel – you might have heard something similar from your parents when living at home! When you arrive, your host will advise you of the arrangements for your laundry. (You will be expected to do your own ironing so you will need to ask where the iron is kept and how to use it properly!)
As you can see, many an awkward moment could be prevented by asking a question rather than assuming something “would be OK”, such as not mentioning you will back home late from college or asking first if you can have a friend from college over to visit! As in any home environment, you do need to know about the rules, manners and courtesies to be followed, if you want to avoid potential upsets or embarrassments. The good news is that your host is as keen as you are to make your stay with them as pleasant and enriching experience as possible. They understand that you may be shy and nervous at first, while getting to grips with being independent for the first time away from home in a different country and culture. So it really does pay to always ask first if you are not sure of anything!
There are questions that can be quickly and easily answered at the application stage and there are questions, which will occur to you when you host first shows you your room, the bathroom and other areas of the house. But questions can also arise in the early days of your stay.
Over the first few weeks both parties would normally get to know each other’s routines
At the outset you should know that your host will be selected to closely match the preferred choice of both student and host, such as preparation of vegetarian meals. Every effort is made to place you with a compatible host family where you will be comfortable. Over the first few weeks, there is a period in which both parties should get to know each other and the daily home routines.
Your room will be properly furnished and equipped with sufficient wardrobe space for clothes, including bedsheets, pillow cases or towels, which will all be regularly cleaned and replaced. You will have a desk by which to study, ample natural and electric light, and heating. It’s important to remember to always switch the lights off when you leave your room – or any other room in the house ( You may have also heard this back at your own family home!) This will include other electric items when not in use. Rather than leave a TV or computer on standby, power down and turn off! And when they are in use, be aware of the volume level – the sound might carry right round the house.
The bathroom is the next big potential minefield! You will be sharing the bathroom with other members of the family so you need to get your timings right! Once again, you host will advise on the daily routines, availability of hot water, and when would be the best time for you to bath or shower. You will need to use your own soap, shampoo and toothpaste!
Same as getting on with most people you share a space with everyday
One of the great things about a hosted homestay are the meal-plans. That usually means Bed and Breakfast (B&B) or Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal (Half Board). The evening meal is usually eaten with the host and their family, so if you are going to be eating out one night, it’s really important to inform your host as early as possible and give them plenty of notice! A further option is Self-Catering where you can prepare your own evening meal. If you choose the last option, once again, it’s always best to double check when you can have access and any rules about using the cooking equipment and utensils, to avoid any mistakes or accidents. Your host will show you where to store food and drink in the fridge and a space in the kitchen cupboard.
One likely sensitive area could be when you go out in the evening. If you are under 18, there is sure to be a limit imposed on the time you will be expected back. Otherwise, when coming in late at night you should be considerate of other people in the house and try to avoid waking members of the family by playing music or even cooking up a late night feast!
So as you can see, “what’s it really like” in a hosted accommodation can be the same as getting on with most people you share a space with everyday. An awareness, consideration and understanding of others by all concerned all helps to make a valuable learning experience. Always ask first! Especially on how to use the iron!