Why Homestays are Better Than Private Accommodation: Studying abroad is an exciting and enriching experience. It offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, broaden their horizons, and gain a world-class education. Alongside the academic journey, finding the right accommodation is a critical aspect of the overseas study experience.
While private accommodation may seem like a convenient option, homestays often offer a more attractive and well-rounded experience for international students. Here are the top 10 compelling reasons why homestays are better than private accommodation for students studying abroad.
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Language Practice
Unlike private accommodations where students might interact primarily with fellow international students or English speakers, homestays encourage consistent and meaningful communication in the host language. This immersive language experience can significantly accelerate language learning and enhance overall communication skills.
Support System
Host families often provide a built-in support system for students, offering guidance and assistance with navigating the local environment, such as transportation, grocery shopping, and other day-to-day tasks.
Also Read: Types of International Student Accommodation
Home-Cooked Meals
Homestays typically include meals prepared by the host family. This not only saves students time but also allows them to enjoy authentic home-cooked meals, which can be comforting when adjusting to a new place.
Cultural Immersion
Homestays provide a unique opportunity for cultural immersion by allowing students to live with a local family. This offers a chance to learn about local customs, traditions, and daily life firsthand.
Also Read: Find Affordable Student Accommodations with Leverage Edu
Safety and Cost Savings
Host families can offer a sense of security, especially for students who are new to the area. Families often provide a safe and supervised environment. Moreover, in some cases, homestays can be more cost-effective than renting private accommodations, as they often include utilities and meals in the overall cost.
Living with a host family can combat feelings of loneliness that can sometimes arise when studying abroad. Interaction with the family can provide a sense of companionship and reduce homesickness.
Also Read: Student Accommodation in London
Cultural Exchange
Students can share their own culture with their host family, fostering cross-cultural understanding and potentially forming lasting connections. Additionally, living with a local family exposes students to daily life, customs, traditions, and the language of the host country.
Less Isolation
Private accommodations might sometimes feel isolating, especially if a student is unfamiliar with the area. Homestays offer regular interaction with others in the household. The homestay connections can prove advantageous both academically and professionally, opening doors to internships, projects, and future career opportunities.
However, it’s important to note that everyone’s preferences and needs are different. While these points highlight the benefits of homestays, some students might prioritize greater independence, privacy, or specific amenities that private accommodations can offer. It’s recommended that students thoroughly research and consider their options before making a decision that aligns with their individual goals and comfort levels.
FAQs
On-campus and off-campus accommodation are the two main categories. On-campus housing options offered by the institution include resident halls and dormitories. Off-campus housing options include local homestays in addition to flat or room rentals.
When looking for student housing, some of the most crucial factors to take into account are the location, room availability, cost, rating, reviews, pet policies, safety, and other amenities provided.
Many institutions offer assistance to assist overseas students in locating suitable lodging. It is advisable to do some research before you start your study abroad programme.
Choosing a homestay goes beyond just finding a place to live; it’s about embracing a new way of life and fully embracing the opportunities that studying abroad presents. So, before making a housing decision, consider the advantages of a homestay and the rich experiences it can add to your educational journey abroad.
To find student accommodation that matches your budget and needs, get help from Leverage Edu’s Accommodation experts to book the best homes for your journey abroad. Reach out to us at [email protected] to start looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation.
