I once stayed with a host family in France. They were so warm - hearted. The family lived in a small but cozy house near a vineyard. Every morning, the host mother would make delicious croissants. They also took me to local festivals where I experienced the unique French culture, like folk dancing and wine tasting. It was an unforgettable experience that made me fall in love with France even more.
In my host family in Spain, the most interesting part was the flamenco dance. My host family was really into it. They took me to a local flamenco show. The passionate dancing and the rhythmic music were so captivating. And then, they taught me some basic flamenco steps at home. It was a lot of fun trying to move my body in that energetic way.
I heard of a situation where the host family promised a clean and comfortable living environment but it was the opposite. The room given to the student was dirty and full of bugs. The heating didn't work during the cold winter months either. And on top of that, the family members were always arguing loudly, creating a very tense and unpleasant atmosphere for the student who was trying to study and adapt to a new country.
My host family abroad was really nice, but there was this one time that was super awkward. They were having a family gathering and they asked me to sing a song from my country. I'm not a good singer at all. I tried to decline politely, but they were so insistent. So, I sang, and it was really off - key. Everyone was trying to be polite and clap, but I could tell they were a bit disappointed. It made me feel really self - conscious for the rest of the evening.
There was a student who had a host family that was constantly arguing. Screaming matches were a daily occurrence. It made the student feel very uncomfortable and unsafe. There was also a lack of proper food as the family was too preoccupied with their own problems to cook proper meals for the student.
Students should do thorough research before choosing a host family. They can look for reviews from previous students who stayed with the family. Also, they can communicate a lot with the host family in advance. For example, ask about their daily routines, rules, and living conditions. If something seems off during these communications, it's a red flag.
One common awkwardness is differences in meal times and eating habits. For example, if you're used to having dinner early and your host family eats very late. Also, when it comes to food preferences. You might not like something they serve but don't want to be rude. I remember I didn't like a certain type of cheese my host family loved, and it was hard to decline it without seeming ungrateful.
There was a host family in France that hosted a Spanish student. The family had a vineyard, and they took the student to help with the grape harvest. The student learned a lot about winemaking and French rural life. It was an amazing experience for both the student and the host family as they shared their languages and cultures during that time.