Are you about to leave for a language study stay with accommodation in a host family? Are you excited about the idea of living an experience abroad, but you don't know what awaits you?
Living in a new home and sharing spaces with people you don't know can be scary, but we are sure that at the end of your stay it will be difficult for you to say goodbye to your host parents.
Follow these 5 tips: they will help you before you leave, and you will be able to make the most of your time with your family exchange in Ireland !
1. Every Family is unique
Every host family in Ireland is different! Some are staffed solely by the Host Mom or Host Dad; other families may be large and also have children or pets. In addition, some live in the center, others more on the outskirts. Prepare to spend the next few weeks in their company, but don't be surprised if you see them relatively little: between your lessons and activities at school and your work, you probably see very little of each other during the week. However, you will have the whole weekend to fully experience their culture and appreciate all that the experience with them has to offer!
2. Don't compare
Do not compare your friend's host family with your own. Every family has strengths and weaknesses; nobody is perfect! Respect them as they respect you. The important thing is not to forget that those host families in Ireland are hosting a stranger in their home and are just as curious as you are to learn and appreciate a new language and culture!
3. Talk!
If you have special requests (like a diet) or just want to get to know your host family better, don't hesitate to get in touch. Talk to them whenever you have questions or curiosities, and they will be happy to answer all your questions. Plus, it's a great way to test your language skills!
4. Take matters into your own hands
If some aspect of your family does not satisfy you, do not panic! Usually the thing that scares you the most when you leave our beautiful country is the food. Even in foreign families, there is often no material time to spend cooking once you get home from work. If you don't like what they present on the table, suggest that you cook a nice pasta dish with sauce!
5. Be yourself
Don't be afraid to show yourself as you are! Host families want to know you for who you are: don't force yourself to create a "fake" personality; it could ruin the relationship with your family, who choose you based on your personality and affinities. While staying true to yourself, be sure to take advice from experts, as well as input from your closest friends and family. Share your impressions about exchange families in Ireland ; you are in contact with them; After all, they only want the best for you and to allow you to make the right decision.
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