The idea of being with a host family through a homestay might be new to you, but it has been around for a long time. If you don’t have enough to spend on accommodation on your long-term stay in London, you might want to consider homestay. You will spend far less than what you will pay for hotels or apartments. You will also be with a host family who will take care of you and look after you during your stay.
There is a screening process
Before host families become a part of the scheme, they undergo a thorough screening and vetting process. Families that are safe and can accommodate international students like you are the only ones who can host. The ones who are in the pool of host families also have experience hosting foreign people in the past. Therefore, you can count on them to accommodate you well.
You get matched with the right family
You need to answer a questionnaire to match you with a host family. They will also do the same thing. Before you arrive, you will have the chance to speak with your potential host family. Therefore, you will only be with people who are perfect for you. They might also have kids whom you can socialise with during your stay.
You can count on homestay specialists
There are London homestay specialists who will help you get through the entire process. They will ensure that you get the perfect family during your stay. If you have some issues with the family, you can call the specialists for help. You can also talk to them if you have problems with your travel documents before leaving. They will solve these problems before things get bad.
You won’t be homesick anymore
At first, you might keep complaining about how much you miss home. If it is your first time being away from them for a long time, it won’t be easy for you. The good thing is when you are with an accommodating and loving host family, it will feel like you already have a new family with you. Before you know it, you will not be longing to go home anymore. You can focus on your goal of being in London as an exchange student.
Make the most of this experience
Not everyone has the same opportunity as you. Some students want to leave their country, but they might have some financial restraints preventing them from travelling. Their parents might also not allow them to be independent until they reach a particular age. Since you have the opportunity to be in a different country, you need to immerse yourself in it. Learn the language, travel to various destinations, and meet exciting people. When you get back home, you will have a lot of things to tell your friends regarding your experience.
You can also learn lifelong lessons you will never learn elsewhere. If you are still unsure if this type of trip is right for you, you can ask other students who have done exchanges in the past.