Homestays are a good way for you to learn a certain culture and be closer to the people in the place that you are visiting. If you are planning to go to London, there are a lot of homestay programmes available. Families register to become hosts. If you decide to take this option, your profile will be matched with a potential host family.
The process takes some time as it involves matching, processing of documents, orientation and many other things. Once you have gone through the steps, you will be fully prepared for the homestay. Here are some important reminders before you start the trip.
Provide clear information regarding your arrival
You will be picked up by your host family as soon as you have arrived in London. You must tell them when exactly you are arriving. Otherwise, you have to find a way to locate the place and this is not ideal especially if it is your first time in London.
Leave all your negative values behind
We live in a world where there are different cultures and traditions. There are certain practices that we deem fine but are bizarre for other people. For sure, your culture has a lot of differences from English culture. Since you are going for this homestay option, you have to learn their ways. You don’t have to fully embrace a culture that you think is not right but try to at least be respectful. They are gracious enough to host you. The least you can do is to be open to learning.
Don’t go to places on your own
The host family might have prepared some activities for you. The good thing is that they can even bring you to places that foreigners usually don’t visit as they are not that popular. They are also excited to host you, so they will make sure you make the most of your stay. Therefore, instead of making plans on your own, try your best to also go with what they have planned. There might be some days when they will allow you to discover London on your own. Use this time for exploration, but you might have to wait for a few days. This is not a punishment. Instead, look at it as a benefit that not all visitors in the city have.
Be friendly
If you have decided to stay with a host family, try your best to get to know them. Speak with them. Play with the children. Go with them to different places. Of course, you can be honest if you are tired or if you want to rest. Just make sure you don’t spend the majority of your time alone in the bedroom. Not only are you wasting your time in London, you are also being rude to them.
The guest and the host family are from different worlds and this type of programme helps bring you together. You should check out HFS London – homestays if you want a quality programme where everything is arranged for you.
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