Staying with a local host family is one of the most affordable types of accommodations available to independent travellers going abroad. Student studying in foreign countries often find this option extremely appealing as do solo adventurers that have committed to staying in one centralized location for at least a few weeks if not longer. It is far more budget-friendly than staying in hotels or renting a place for the duration of your stay.
Besides being easy on the wallet though, staying with a host family has a number of additional benefits. Other than having a comfortable and safe place to stay, you can also have included in your fee most if not all utilities, meals, daily interactions with the locals a.k.a. the family, a local guide if necessary and in most cases, an immediate adopted family that will look out for your well being for the duration of your stay and prove to be life-long friends. It also offers a safe place to get over your culture shock, joyous family type relationships, laughter filled bouts of miscommunication and intercultural learning.
Here are some tips and feedback from other people who have lived with a host family.
Have you ever participated in a home-stay? What was the best part? Do you have any advice for others considering the same option for their trip abroad?