Job Discussion Forums

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I would never do a homestay, anywhere.

My first and only homestay was during my CELTA. I requested a non-smoker with no dogs (allergies). I got a woman who filled out the form saying she was a non-smoker with no dogs, but who was actually a smoking dog-sitter!

Then, I came back to Canada. My neighbour had a homestay student from France. This woman got mad at her homestay student (who was years past the legal drinking age) for drinking NON-ALCOHOLIC cider in the house!

When I was teaching ESL last summer two of my nine students had homestay problems. On the night of his arrival in Canada, one student was asked by his hosts to help them download pornography. Another Korean girl was placed with a woman who requested that she not prepare any Korean food in the house because she didn't like the smell. This woman locked the student out of the bathroom if the student did anything against her wishes.

It just seems way too hit-and-miss when you know you won't have to deal with any of that in your own place.

Aabra · Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 64

lisa1968 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

From reading everyone�s replies, it makes me feel lucky about my homestay. The one and only time I did a homestay was in Chiapa de Corzo, for my TEFL course. The house was really nice, right on the river, modern, clean and the family really friendly. I think my only complaint would be that I didn't get to see the family all that much. Our schedules didn't coincide, so not much Spanish practice. One main difference in the homestays in Chiapa (at least with Dunham Institute), is that the families don't reallly need the money. They are upper middle class families, that do it for the experience, mainly. They do get paid, but they definitely do not rely on that income. Didn't meet anyone who had any problems with stealing, or getting charged for anything. All the dealings were done through the Institute, so that may be another difference.

I'm glad I had a good experience, I will definitely do it again.

srtab · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 24 Location: Arizona

Although I'm not in Mexico right now, I have done 2 different homestays as a college student. I did a semester in Spain, living with an old woman who housed students to support herself. Then again, for a 5 week summer course in GDL, Mexico. I again lived with a (different) elderly woman who housed students to support herself.

While both experiences were OK (i.e. nothing stolen, or horrible) it was difficult living with grandmas. It's their houses, so I felt like I had to tip-toe around not to disturb them. Neither showed me how to do things like turn on the hot water, SO it was at times frustrating. In GDL, I was staying out late and my host grandma did not like that. She was very religious and I think my going-out late offended her.

I had friends who lived with younger familys who were more accepting, however there were always the same number or stories of people not getting along with their host family.

When I go this summer to do the ITTO course in GDL, I think I'm going to stay in a posada instead. I want my own space this time, I'm too used to living as I please.