4+1 Myths about a Yearlong Homestay
These are more like common misunderstandings and misconceptions from well-meaning friends and family, but here goes:
1. Classes abroad will be taught in English. In some (rarer) programs, yes, but more often (and in my program), classes are conducted in the host country’s language. It’s not an international school or anything, it’s the exact same school normal kids your age would be attending in that country, like how ESL/ELD students attend school in America. They might not speak English well, but they still attend school with us.
2. Students live in dorms. No, that’s college (or boarding school). A homestay exchange means just that: you stay in someone else’s home for the year. It’s especially hard for some immigrants in America to learn English because it isn’t used at home; a homestay program prevents this by forcing you to speak the language at school and at home. You also get an automatic friend if you have a host brother and/or sister. Fun!
3. You have to be fluent in the language before you go. Obviously not, because I sure don’t speak any German (to my embarrassment when anyone asks). Each program has different requirements, ranging from zero to three years of study in a particular language.
4. Studying abroad is expensive. Not as expensive as you’d think. If you look at the American Field Service (AFS) website, one of the more expensive programs out there, a stay in Japan, one of the more expensive countries to travel to, puts you back:
- Year: $10,100
- Semester: $8,750
- Summer Homestay Language Study: $6,100
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is by far the most affordable program out there (entirely volunteer-based) at the $2,000-$4,000 mark, for a year. Our band department had a week long trip to New York City for almost $2,000. Considering that your host family will be paying for food (at home), a roof over your head, and more, that price tag doesn’t look so bad anymore. There are also lots of scholarships out there for those interested.
+1. It’s a waste of time. This is one I get from my parents when they’re steamed at me (my sister also alluded to this a while ago), and it’s very debatable. I, of course, am on the “It’s a once in a lifetime experience” side: you learn a language, grow a bit, and hopefully make some good friends and memories. On the other side is my parents’ occasional argument that staying home would be a better use of time: more AP and college classes, and more predictability/certainty when it comes to college apps. What do you think?
Tomorrow: 4+1 Fun Facts About Germany
