Finding home away from home through Workaway: 5 tips for a memorable homestay experience
Traveling to new countries, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people… all of these things can be exhilarating, but when you choose to volunteer with a family through Workaway, you’re signing up for something even more profound. You’re choosing to immerse yourself fully into your destination, with the guidance of a local family who’s here to share their home, routines and knowledge with you to help you ease into your adventure.
While this type of cultural exchange is deeply rewarding, it can also be intimidating at first. You’re a guest in your host family’s space, and they may be just as unsure about hosting you as you are about finding your place within their home. Here are five practical tips to guide you through how to not just adapt, but thrive when staying with a host family, which will make your experience all the more meaningful.
1. Always Offer a Helping Hand
One of the simplest ways to settle into a family’s home is by showing that you’re eager to contribute. Being in a homestay means you’re not just a guest, but part of the family and their daily routine. Don’t wait for someone to ask you for help; actively offer it. Whether it’s washing the dishes after a meal, helping out in the garden, or lending a hand with household chores, these small gestures go a long way.
If the family has children, offering to babysit when appropriate can also enhance the exchange greatly for both yourself and your “little sibling”. Whether it’s reading a story, watching them while the parents cook, or organizing a game, this can not only lighten their load but also foster a deeper connection with the family as a whole (but as with all things, be mindful of their comfort levels and boundaries, as well as yours!).
Tip: Don’t just ask “How can I help?” Be specific: “Would you like me to tidy up the kitchen?” or “I can keep an eye on the kids while you finish dinner if that helps!”
2. Adapt to Their Routine, but Stay Attuned to Social Cues
Every family has their own way of doing things. Some families may enjoy a clearer, more structured daily routine, while others are more relaxed. Either way, take the time to observe how they operate and fit yourself into their rhythm. If the family wakes up early, consider adjusting your schedule to match theirs. If they have specific ways they organize their home or do certain tasks, be sure to follow their lead.
At the same time, being in someone else’s home means being aware of social cues. Pay attention to when the family seeks quiet time, or when they might need privacy. These unspoken rules are crucial to maintaining a harmonious and respectful living environment.
Tip: Take mental notes about how the family communicates. Are they direct or indirect when asking for things? This will help you understand how to contribute without overstepping boundaries. Don’t forget to regularly check in with yourself too, and let your hosts know if you’d like to adjust your schedule or have some time to yourself – respecting boundaries goes both ways!
3. Share Meals and Culture: A Culinary Exchange
One of the most enjoyable aspects of living with a family is the opportunity to share meals. The dinner table is where some of the best moments of family life happen, as it’s a time for everybody to relax, share stories, and connect. Offer to cook for your host family at least once during your stay. It’s not just a way to show gratitude but a perfect moment to share a piece of your culture. Whether it’s a dish from your home country or a favorite family recipe, you’ll find that food opens doors to deeper conversations, understanding, and appreciation.
Remember, you’re using their kitchen and ingredients, so make sure to be respectful in how you use them. At the same time, don’t be shy about joining in when your host is cooking too. Ask if you can help with food preparation, and make use of the opportunity to learn about your host’s favorite local dishes. These culinary exchanges are the easiest way to bond with the family and create lasting memories during your stay.
Tip: If possible, bring a few non-perishable ingredients from home that are unique to your culture, such as spices or snacks, to share with the family.
4. Bring a Meaningful Gift from Home
A small, thoughtful gift can go a long way in breaking the ice and showing your appreciation for your host family. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, just something personal that reflects where you’re from. A handmade card, a local craft, or even a small souvenir from your hometown are great ideas. This gesture acknowledges the family’s effort in welcoming you into their home and adds a personal touch to your exchange.
The key here is thoughtfulness! Something small that can fit in your backpack or suitcase but carries meaning. A handwritten note with your gift adds warmth and sentimentality, especially as it shows that you’ve taken time to bring them something from home and say thank you personally.
Tip: Make the gift relevant to where you’re from, ideally something that’s only available in your home country. For example, if your town is known for its coffee, bring a small bag of beans. If your region is famous for artwork, consider a postcard or print from a local artist.
5. Embrace the Awkwardness and Be Patient
Adjusting to a new family dynamic can be awkward at first, especially when volunteering in a country with different customs or languages. You’re not just learning about their way of life, they’re also adjusting to having you in their space. There might be moments of dead air, miscommunication, or just general unease as you both figure out how to coexist.
The key is to embrace the awkwardness with patience and a sense of humor. Understand that it’s normal for there to be a bit of discomfort initially, you’re all just trying to get used to each other. Don’t rush the process. With time, both you and your host family will settle into a rhythm, and those early awkward moments will become part of a funny story in your adventure.
Tip: If you’re feeling out of place, remember that your host family probably feels the same way. Open, kind communication goes a long way in easing the transition for everyone.
Living with a family through Workaway offers an intimate and rewarding cultural exchange, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. By actively contributing, being mindful of social cues, embracing daily cultural exchanges like cooking, and offering thoughtful gestures of gratitude, you can make the most of this enriching experience. Above all, give yourself and your hosts the time and space to adjust! You’ll soon find that home is not just a place but rather, it’s the people you share it with, no matter where in the world you are.
About Lavinia
Lavinia is from Florida, USA, and grew up in a German-American household, deepening her connection to her roots through visits to family in Germany. Her exposure to different languages and cultures ig
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