It helps to have clear expectations before leaving and to evaluate whether they are realistic. You may even want to write them down to be open with yourself and to have a record for later.

What does homestay mean for you? What do you expect and want from the experience – and from the people who will play a large role in it? How much nurturing do you need?

It’s essential to consider what you can do for your host and not simply remain preoccupied with what the host can do for you.

When you are in North America, as you encounter problems you can return to your expectations and consider their part in any disappointments. Maybe your expectations were unreasonable. Maybe you have not tried hard enough to achieve your goals.

Some misconceptions that are common:

• North America is glamorous and everyone is rich – just like in Hollywood movies. In fact, you will probably be living an ordinary life with a family that is neither rich nor poor. It probably, for example, won’t have a maid to look after your needs.
• North America families are all white and headed by a mother and father. In fact, North America is quite multicultural and as we’ve said the nature of families is quite varied.
• The family will dote on you, with the mother devoting much of her day to making your life easier. In fact, family members will cherish their time with you but they have their own lives to lead.
• The homestay will be like a hotel. In fact, you will have your own room but likely be sharing all the other facilities.
• Meals will be like a restaurant. You will have a large breakfast with a convenient choice; several options for lunch; and a full-course dinner, with soup and dessert. In fact, meals tend to be hurried and often quite casual.
• You will be the only homestay student in the household. In fact, often more than one student will be living with the family. That may be an advantage, as it gives you somebody with whom to share your experience.
• The homestay is a convenient spot to wait while you search for another place to stay. In fact, that is highly unfair to the homestay family who could have taken another student for the full term. It also cheats yourself, because homestay is an important part of the experience of learning a new language and culture.

Some students think that after homestay they will be able to speak English like a native. English is a very complex language and speaking it well takes considerable time. But rest assured, you will improve your English dramatically.

By keeping your expectations reasonable – and clear – you will better enjoy the homestay experience.