Homestay

Homestay is a form of tourism and/or study abroad program that allows the visitor to rent a room from a local family to better learn the local lifestyle as well as improve their language ability. [cite journal|last=Rivers|first=William P.|date=1998|title=Is Being There Enough? The Effects of Homestay Placements on Language Gain During Study Abroad|journal=Foreign Language Annals|volume=31|issue=4|pages=492-500|url=http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ581914&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ581914] While homestays can occur in any destination worldwide, some countries do more to encourage homestay than others as a means of developing their tourism industry. [cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_features.php?id=333445|title=Three Interesting Events On Selangor Tourism 2008 Itinerary|date=2008-05-16|publisher=Malaysian National News Agency|accessdate=2008-05-26] Hosting a homestay participant also allows the local family to earn some additional, needed income. Having low profitability, as it is, homestay can not be regarded as strictly commercial activity, but more of cross cultural exchange.Verify source|date=June 2008 Students generally arrange a homestay with their school or educational institution, but can also informally arrange to stay with a family through social connections, and through a variety of private agencies. There are a number of online homestay agencies that connect students with hosts all over the world (usually for a nominal fee).

Types of Homestays

Homestay scenarios can range from a completely immersive family experience, to a very basic room rental.

In the immersive family experience a homestay student lives, eats, and shares the majoritiy of their time in the host country with the hosts and their family. Family events such as dining out, amusement parks, camping, travel, etc. usually involve the host student who may or may not be expected to pay a portion for the participation (tickets, parking, gas, travel expenses, et al.) The student is invited to participate in Holiday festivities (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) and family events (weddings, birthdays, etc.)

At the other end of the spectrum, students may simply be renting a room within a private home with minimal supervision from a host or family.

Additionally, there are a working homestay agreements where a student is expected to perform duties such as yard work, farm work, babysitting, maid services - usually in exchange for accomodation fees or as part of.

Typical Contracts & Agreements

A clash of cultures can sometimes result between a homestay student and the host family. To migitage major issues, most homestay arrangements involve a contract or written agreement between the host and student. A contract will outline what is expected of the homestay student and may include items such as;

-Chores to perform (cleaning, laundering)
-Curfews
-Use of the internet, television
-Use of the telephone
-Guest visits
-Smoking/drinking rules

as well as the details of what is being provided by the host in terms of;

-Accomodations
-Furniture / facilities
-Meal provisions
-Transportation
-Communications (internet, telephone)
-Entertainment (tv, radio)

Generally, a host must provide a private room for sleep & study that has a lock and a washroom must be available that is convenient for the student to use. Most other items are negotiable in terms of availability and price.

Risks for the Host

Typically, hosting a homestay student is a rich and rewarding experience that allows the sharing of cultures, information and experience. However, studying abroad is often the first time the homestay student is away from the parents and home country. This can result in a number of adjustment issues including behavioural problems, depression, and generally bad

Risks for the Student

References