What to expect when you stay with a host family…

Choosing to live with a host family is one of the most effective ways to immerse yourself in the language and culture of your chosen destination. It can be an exciting and rewarding experience but as with anything new, it may take some adjustment.

This guide is designed to help you and your parents know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your homestay experience.

Who are our Host Families?

A “host family” might not always be a family in the traditional sense. You could stay with:

• A single person living alone
• A couple with or without children
• Retired people
• Parents whose children have moved out

What all hosts share is a commitment to providing a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. Each host is carefully selected and inspected by the school’s accommodation officer, so you can expect a supportive and friendly household where you’ll be encouraged to practise your target language.

Communication and daily life

Living in someone else’s home means adapting to their way of life, but it also means being part of their culture. Here are some tips:

• Introduce yourself and interact daily. A simple “hello” or “goodbye” goes a long way, and dinner is a great opportunity for longer conversations.
• Don’t hide away in your room. Your hosts won’t want to intrude if you seem withdrawn, so make an effort to join in.
• Remember: you’re not in a hotel. Be polite, respectful, and keep your space tidy. Saying “please” and “thank you” often is always appreciated.
• Respect routines. Every family has its own way of doing things. If you’re unsure about something, just ask.

Meals

Your package may include half-board (breakfast + dinner) or full-board (three meals a day).

• Breakfast: Usually light; cereal, bread, toast, jam, butter, Nutella, tea or coffee. Cooked breakfasts with daily meat and eggs is rare. Hosts may not sit with you at breakfast but will make sure you know where everything is.
• Dinner: Normally shared with the host family and more social. Meals may include local dishes or international food. If your hosts cannot join you on a particular evening, they’ll let you know in advance.
• Lunch: If included, this might be a packed lunch, a school meal, or returning home (depending on location).

Tips for meals:

• Inform us of allergies or dietary needs before arrival so suitable arrangements can be made.
• Be open to trying new foods, even if they’re different from what you’re used to.
• Portion sizes may vary. If you’re still hungry, politely let your host know or contact us or the school directly if you need assistance.
• Don’t store food in your bedroom unless agreed. Most families prefer snacks to be kept in the kitchen.

Accommodation and house rules

Your room

• Usually includes a bed, wardrobe or drawers, and a desk if possible.
• Shared rooms may be arranged for two or three students, though space will be limited.
• Your bedroom is private, but families may enter occasionally (for cleaning, for example). Keep it tidy and make your bed each day.
• Air conditioning is not common, even in Southern Europe. You should not expect it to be provided. In hotter countries, fans and shutters are more typical ways to keep cool, so pack light, breathable clothing for warmer months.

Bathroom

• Most bathrooms are shared with the family and possibly other students.
• Try to keep showers short (about 10–15 minutes) and leave the bathroom clean.
• Bring your own toiletries as hosts don’t provide these.

Laundry

• Ask your host about laundry arrangements. Some families let you use their machine, while others will do it for you or direct you to a launderette.

Keys and security

• Many students receive their own house key. Keep it safe! If lost, you may be asked to cover the cost of replacing locks.
• Always lock the door when leaving the house.

Visitors

• Ask permission before bringing friends home. Overnight guests are not allowed.

Household manners

• Keep noise down at night and early in the morning.
• Respect agreed shower times.
• Offer to help clear the table after meals. It’s the polite thing to do, even if not required.
• Don’t expect your host to act as a personal maid.

House rules and behaviour

Your host family understands this might be your first trip abroad without parents. They’ll be supportive, but remember:

• Be respectful, polite, and considerate.
• Follow curfews agreed with your parents/guardians.
• Drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden.
• If you go out, let your host know roughly when you’ll return, and reply promptly if they contact you.

Travelling to your language school

Not all host families live within walking distance of the school. You may need to use buses, trams, or trains. This is part of the cultural experience!

• Your school and host will explain the best way to travel.
• Pay attention to public transport schedules, especially in the evenings.
• If travelling late, use taxis, Ubers, or public transport rather than walking.

Pets and special requests

Some families have pets. If you have allergies or concerns, let us know before booking so we can arrange a suitable household. The same goes for dietary needs or medical conditions.

Settling in and getting help

It’s normal to feel homesick or nervous at first. Remember:

• Communicate with your host. Small worries can often be solved quickly.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions about routines, transport, or facilities.
• If you experience any issues, please contact the school or Apple Language Courses immediately.

We are unable to help improve your experience once your programme has finished!

Making the most of the experience

• Join in family life. Some hosts may invite you to outings or activities. These are optional but a great way to practise the language. Always check about costs in advance.
• Be curious. Ask questions about the culture, customs, and food. Hosts enjoy sharing their lives with students.
• Speak the language. If you’re travelling with friends, resist the temptation to speak only in your native tongue. The more you practise, the faster your progress.
• Stay positive. Every challenge, from navigating transport to trying new foods, is part of learning and growing.

Before you travel

• About 10–14 days before your course begins, you’ll receive your host family’s details in your travel pack. This will include their contact information and directions.
• We recommend emailing or messaging your host before arrival to introduce yourself and share your approximate arrival time. This helps “break the ice.”
• Your travel pack may also include details of transfers, school rules, and permission forms. Read these carefully and discuss them with your parents/guardians.

Final thoughts

We have been arranging host family stays for over 30 years, and they are almost always a success. Problems that arise are usually due to simple misunderstandings, which can be quickly resolved with good communication.

A homestay isn’t just about accommodation, it’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons, make new connections, and improve your language skills every single day. Approach it with curiosity, respect, and an open mind, and it’s likely to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

We look forward to welcoming you on your language journey and wish you a fantastic stay with your host family!

Kindest regards,

The Apple Language Courses Team