Deciding to do a homestay program while studying abroad can feel a little scary when you think about living in someone else's home, but it's actually one of the most rewarding ways to truly experience a new place.

Instead of just passing through as a tourist, you get to see life from the inside, sharing meals and daily moments with people who call this place home.

Because you are living in someone else's house, in a different country, chances are things will be done differently than in your house, but if you are able to cooperate, respect, and compromise with your host family during your stay, all should go smoothly. Think of it as learning a new rhythm. Every household has its own tempo, from when they eat breakfast to how they organize their kitchen.

When living with a host family, be mindful of their lifestyle, as something as simple as leaving your shoes on or taking them off while inside can be seen as disrespectful. These small gestures carry big meaning. Pay attention during your first days, watch how family members move through the space, and you'll quickly pick up on what feels right.

You should always be cognizant of local traditions and cultural norms, as some countries may not allow women to bear their midriff or shoulders, others may not allow hand-holding or other displays of affection in public. What feels casual back home might read differently in your host country. Taking a moment to observe what people around you wear, especially folks your age, gives you a good baseline.

Before you arrive, it helps to have a conversation about general expectations. Have a conversation about general house rules to be sure you know what your homestay family expects of you and what you should expect from them during your homestay program. This kind of openness builds trust right from the start.

Participating in Daily Life

Resist the urge to hide in your room for the entire semester and join your host family for at least one meal each day, as you'll learn more about their culture and respect familial customs. Meals are where stories get shared, laughter happens, and connections deepen. Even if you're tired or shy, pulling up a chair makes all the difference.

Even if your family offers to do your laundry and clean up after you, make an effort to keep your room as tidy as possible, as common courtesy tells us that when we are staying as a guest, we ought to respect the host's home even more than we would our own. Offering to help with dishes or tidying up shows you see yourself as part of the household, not just someone passing through.

Embracing New Experiences

One of the best ways you can show respect to your homestay family is by immersing yourself in their way of life, even if that means trying things that may seem odd to you, and trying every meal that is offered to you at least once. That unfamiliar dish on your plate might become your new favorite, or at least a great story to tell later.

Your family are welcoming you into their home and their culture, so it's nice to share a little of yours, whether it could be a box of Scottish shortbread, some salt-water taffy, a postcard or pictures from where you live. These small tokens create bridges between worlds and give everyone something to talk about.

Living with a host family isn't always smooth sailing. While living with locals is a great opportunity to pick up on the local lifestyle, it can also be a little intimidating, and like in any relationship, some days go better than others, with cultural differences, conflicting perspectives, and language barriers all part of the homestay experience.

But those awkward moments? They're where real growth happens. Keep your heart open, ask questions when you're unsure, and remember that your host family chose to welcome you in because they genuinely want to share their world with you. That shared curiosity and kindness is what turns a stay into a true home.