As a French minor, I had always leaned towards staying with a host family abroad, however, the decision was still very difficult for me. There were so many pros and cons to living with a family and in my own apartment. In my own apartment, I would have that independence I’ve grown accustomed to since moving to college. I could cook my own meals (and I love to cook), come and go without having to update my host family when I would be traveling on the weekends, hang out with friends, etc. However, in a homestay, I would have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself in French culture. I could learn cultural norms I wouldn’t otherwise know, improve my French, and above all develop lasting relationships.
However, despite all the positive aspects a homestay offers there were still many things I was worried about. What if I didn’t get along with my family? What if the differences between our two cultures are too much for me to handle? What if the language barrier was too difficult? If I was planning to travel every weekend, would it even be worth it? In the weeks before I had to decide on my housing, these thoughts and questions kept running through my head. I was scared I was going to make the wrong decision.
I talked to so many people who had done both a homestay and an apartment and they all loved their choices, but for different reasons. Right before the housing deadline, I attended a French study-abroad seminar at Hope. There I was able to hear about previous students’ experiences abroad. After hearing about some of their homestay experiences where they went on vacations with their families, attended their host siblings’ sporting events, and so many more I finally knew my decision. I was going to stay with a host family.
I told myself, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Ten years down the line would you regret not taking advantage of this?” My life motto is that I want to live life with no regrets (at least to the best of my ability). Knowing myself, I knew I would regret not living with a host family. No matter how scared or nervous I was about it I was going to embrace everything that came along, good and bad.
Needless to say, it was the best decision. I was very lucky to be placed with such an amazing host family. I have a host mom and a host brother and they are such incredible people. My host mom is the sweetest, funniest, and most free-spirited person I’ve ever met. My host brother, who is 17 years old, is hilarious and I’ve been able to learn so many things from him about French slang, high school in France, and even fencing! (He’s a really good fencer). I’ve learned so many things these past few months that wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Did you know that every single pet turtle is named Caroline? It’s from a popular French cartoon Boule et Bill. Such a weird fact.
My host family speaks a little bit of English, but for the most part, we speak French at dinner and in passing. The language was probably the thing I was the most nervous about but also the most excited about. I’ve only taken French for three semesters, compared to others in my program who have been taking it for over eight years. I was nervous I wasn’t going to be at the level I needed to be to live with a family. However, living in a homestay has made me realize that I know more French than I thought I did. While my speaking skills aren’t where I want them to be, I can listen and comprehend the majority of what they’re saying. Some days are better than others. One day I’ll feel on top of the world because I can understand and respond to everything and then another my mind goes completely blank and everything sounds like gibberish. But that’s just what learning a new language is all about. Making errors with good days and bad days.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad and are wondering if you should live in a homestay or an apartment I would without a doubt say homestay. I may be biased, but it has been one of the best parts of my study abroad experience. I always tell myself that the things that scare you the most are usually the most rewarding and that’s what I’ve realized with this experience. Embrace the unknown and uncertainty that come with living in a homestay and before you know it you’ll feel at home in your new city.
À bientôt!
Kadence Grimm
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