What Makes A Great Peace Corps Host Family

This post originally appeared on our personal blog while we were still in Peace Corps. It has been revived here as part of our Jamaican culture series.

Home stays are not unique to Peace Corps. They are an integral part of many transformative, cross-cultural programs around the world.

Sharing life with another family, being welcomed into their home and introduced to the inner workings of their community, is an experience that can change your life.

Home stays are inevitably risky for both parties, though. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone. You never know what it will be like, if you will get along with each other.

In our Peace Corps training, we collectively stayed with three different Jamaican host families over the course of 2 months.

Then we lived on the property of another set of host parents for two whole years. We were fortunate enough to have truly wonderful experiences in each situation.

Why we loved our host family experience

They become family, including you in family gatherings and outings, like Christmas parties, weddings, father’s day dinner…

 

They give you enough space and privacy while always being available when you need them.

When they notice that the rain is starting to fall and your laundry is hanging out on the line, they tell you before it’s too late– or, if you’re not home, they save your clothes from the downpour for you.

They sit with you when the power goes out during tropical storms, sharing stories of storms gone by as you watch gusts torment the trees in the yard.

They fix up the TV antenna just in time to watch their team dominate the Olympics with you.

They stay up until 11pm with you watching a fellow Jamaican win a popular U.S. singing show.

When you cook a favorite meal from home, they politely oblige you in tasting your strange dishes. (And in the case of brownies, they surprise themselves asking for more.)

 

 

 

Occasionally they even carry home goodies to share- like fresh crab or lobster!

They let you enjoy the bounty of their yard: mangoes, avocados, limes, guavas, breadfruit, and more…

 

 

 

They volunteer alongside you at community events.

Impossible to forget, a great home stay host family will be in your heart and memories and stories for the rest of your life. We treasured our time with our Jamaican family, and we hope many more travelers will have the chance at an equally rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about living with a host family

What is a host family?

A host family offers a temporary living arrangement for travelers, giving them the opportunity to experience the local culture, customs, and way of life in a more personal and immersive way.

Host families often provide a room or shared space for the guest, meals, and a supportive environment during their stay.

A host family may be a more conventional family structure, with parents, children, and even grandparents residing together. Or it could be a single individual.

Are host families safe?

The safety of living with a host family can vary depending on various factors, but in general, host family arrangements are considered safe. 

Are there any disadvantages of living with a host family? 

Living with a host family can have its pros and cons. It is important to have a realistic idea of what you’re getting into.

Here are some disadvantages of living with a host family:

 Awkward and uncomfortable moments. Sometimes, you might feel uncomfortable socially because of cultural differences. It’s a new environment and it may take time to adjust and find your place within the dynamics of the family.

Lack of privacy. Living with a host family means you might have limited personal space and privacy. It’s important to be prepared to share living spaces with others.

Personality conflicts. As with any group of people, there can be clashes or differences in personalities and communication styles between you and your host family members. It’s normal, but it might require some patience and understanding to navigate.

Living by their rules. When you stay with a host family, you’ll need to follow their house rules and expectations, which might be different from what you’re used to. Respecting their way of doing things is important as a guest.

What are the benefits of living with a host family?

Although home stays may come with some challenges, the reality is that they offer one of the most enriching and significant experiences you can have while traveling.

Here are some of the benefits of living with a host family:

Stepping outside of our comfort zone. Living with a host family pushes us to step out of our cozy bubble and embrace new experiences. This is a great way to challenge ourselves to grow.

Invaluable glimpse into culture. Staying with a host family gives us a front-row seat to the local culture. You’ll witness firsthand the traditions, customs, and way of life, which you can’t find in any guidebook.

A personal tour guide and cultural advisor. Your host family can share their insider knowledge and help you navigate the city, introduce you to new cuisine, and point you to local gems. 

Saves money. You’ll typically have accommodations and some meals included, which can significantly cut down on expenses. 

Home away from home. Your host family can become a second family for you. You’ll create lasting bonds and gain a sense of belonging in a previously unfamiliar place.

Easier adjustment to the environment. Living with a host family helps you adjust more smoothly to a new place. They offer guidance, support, and a familiar face in a foreign place.

Life-long memories. Staying with a host family guarantees unforgettable memories. From shared meals and conversations to cultural celebrations and unique family experiences, the memories you create together will stay with you for a lifetime.

Do I need to speak the local language to communicate with my host family?

In some cases, the host family may be fluent in your native language or a common language that you both can use to communicate effectively.

However, if your host family primarily speaks the local language and you do not share a common language, it can be helpful to have some understanding of the local language. In fact, this is one of the best ways to learn a foreign language!

Basic language skills can facilitate day-to-day communication, help you express your needs, and foster a closer connection with your host family. Non-verbal communication, gestures, and even language learning apps or translation tools can be used to bridge the language gap.

Do I need to bring a gift to my host family?

It’s common practice for visitors to bring a token of appreciation for their hosts. While not expected, a small gift for a host family is always welcomed and valued.

How to find a host family or homestay?

One easy way to stay with locals is through AirBnB. Search for a “Private Room” in someone’s home (rather than “Entire Place”) to find listings where your hosts will help get you oriented and point you to their favorite local spots.

Usually the host’s description or the guest reviews will tip you off to how the host will interact with you- some are more hands-off while others will go so far as to personally guide you around town.

Here are a few online resources and networks you can use to find a homestay:

• Homestay.com
• Homestay International
• Servas cultural exchange network
• There are also many regional home stay networks that are best found through a Google search. For examples of 10 home stay experiences around the world, see this Budget Travel article.

Tips on how to live with a host family

Here are some tips on how to live harmoniously with a host family:

Respect their customs and house rules 

Remember, you are the guest! Take the time to understand and follow any household rules or cultural customs set by your host family. This includes being mindful of their routines, meal times, and personal space. 

Communicate openly

Share your preferences, concerns, or any issues that may arise, and be receptive to their feedback as well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to learn what’s expected in new situations.

In case of any conflicts or misunderstandings, address them calmly and respectfully. Seek a constructive resolution by discussing the issue with your host family or involving your homestay program coordinators if necessary.

Participate in family activities

Engage in shared activities or meals with your host family whenever possible. It’s a great way to bond, learn about their culture, and build a stronger connection.

Offer to help

Show your appreciation by offering to assist with household chores or tasks. It can be as simple as washing dishes, tidying up communal areas, or running errands. Some cultures may be uncomfortable with their guest doing chores, but you can remind them that you’d like to feel like part of the family. 

Be considerate and adaptable

Living with a host family may require some adjustments. Be flexible. Do you best to try and understand their lifestyle, norms, and any cultural differences that may exist.

Learn the local language

If the host family speaks a different language, make an effort to learn basic phrases or expressions. It shows respect and helps to foster better communication and understanding.

Express gratitude

Verbalize your appreciation regularly. Saying “thank you” or expressing gratitude for their hospitality and kindness reinforces the positive connection between you and your host family.

Maintain personal boundaries

While it’s important to build a relationship with your host family, also ensure you have personal boundaries and privacy. Respect their space and privacy as well.

By following these tips, you can foster a positive and rewarding experience while living with a host family.

Have you stayed with a host family during your travels? How was your host family experience?

If you’re interested in more great tips about homestays and living like a local, as well as other resources for intentional travel, make sure to subscribe to our e-newsletter. 

You might also like these posts
– What Sucks About Home-stays and Why You Should Do Them Anyway
– What to Bring Your Host Family: 15+ Gift Ideas
– Care Package Ideas for Friends or Family Abroad
– Jamaican Culture Series: Jamaica 101 Video

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