Should I opt for independent accommodation or a homestay? What are the pros and cons of these options? What fits best for me? Which one is cheaper? What type of skills can I develop in each one? That ́s a reflection many students go through when deciding to live abroad.

The first thing you need to consider is that the term homestay can embrace much more than what you imagine. It could be a traditional family, single adults, recently married couples with no children, friends that live together, elderly people…

Here are 11 reasons to choose a homestay:

1. Deeper cultural immersion

   At BE we select hosts who really want to interact with another culture. This will allow you to experience how the daily life of Brazilians. 

2. Learning Portuguese

   This is one of the biggest outcomes for students, not only the grammatical aspects of the language but also the practical ones. During this post, we are going to “translate” and use typical Brazilian slangs and expressions to exemplify how it can make a difference in your cultural immersion. Before you return home, we hope you might be speaking Portuguese more than the snake man (meaning: to talk a lot and all the time). 

3. Having support from your hosts

   Our hosts are instructed to welcome you as a family member, not a guest. This way, we provide a Home Away From Home environment, building friendships between the parties. So, on that day when you get home just the orange bagasse (meaning: to be very tired), they will understand your needs and be there for you. Also, they can give advice in your adaptation in the new country or in difficult situations you might face.

    

    

4.  
   

   Cultural activities

   Living in a homestay you can potentially be involved in diverse activities, such as the preparation of brigadeiro, pastel and churrasco (which are typical dishes), as well as get involved on organizing typical festivities, such as Festa Juninas and Carnival, going to soccer matches together, sightseeing or travelling. This is perfect for those who want life to take them during the program (meaning: to enjoy the present moment as it is and not making many plans for the future).  

5. Convenience 

   The homestay can help you explore the city and neighbourhood and provide you with information on where to shop, about local entertainment, explain local habits and customs…

6. Cultural exchange

   If you think you are curious about Brazil, imagine how much you can experience our culture with in a homestay. Practising a different language, trying typical foods from your country and learning about the habits and customs are one of the main motivations for the hosts to participate in the cultural exchange program.  

7. Developing skills 

   This experience can allow you to develop different skills from those developed in your placement, such as open-mindedness in cultural aspects, recognizing and understanding what people value most and comparing it to your home country and personal values. This can provide you with various views regarding your self-development and life goals.

    

    

8. Double Support

   In addition to our team, you will be able to count with your hosts to get additional tips on how to navigate in our culture. 

8. Meals included and privacy 

   The homestays provide breakfast and dinner every day. It doesn´t mean they will cook for you, but you will have food available to prepare your meals. You will have a private room or share it with other exchange students of the same gender. 

10. Safety 

    The selection of the hosts follows criteria of location, safety, comfort, proximity to amenities and welcoming ability of the hosts. We constantly evaluate homestays taking into account the students experience. The result of this is that only the top-rated families are part of the team for a long-term. And do you want to know what is best? As many of them have hosted before, they know exactly how to welcome an exchange student as part of the family. 

11. You pay it only once 

    The payment is done only with your program balance to Brazilian Experience. We are responsible for the hosts’ payment during your program, so you don’t need to worry about managing properly your money for rent, water and electricity bills, grocery shopping for breakfast and dinner… 

If you have more doubts about the homestay program (or need more reasons to apply), we are happy to help you! Contact us through info@brazilianexperience.com.br