Homestay Etiquette - Tips for Guests
homestay family and guests
Your first experience of a homestay can often be a little intimidating; not knowing what to expect, living with strangers and not speaking the language. But it can also be a hugely rewarding part of your trip.Our homestay program coupled with Spanish or Maya classes at Na’atik Language Institute, Quintana Roo, allows you to truly immerse yourself into local life. Enjoy homemade Mexican food, practice your Spanish, become part of the family and create long lasting memories.99% of our students choose the homestay option and it really levels-up your cultural immersion experience. Whether you’re a beginner or have been learning for a while our homestay families have seen it all and are friendly, welcoming and encouraging whatever your level.Here are here are our top tips on homestay etiquette and dos and don’ts of living with a homestay family…
homestay day of the dead
Join your homestay family for meals:
Food is culture and particularly here in Mexico sitting down to eat together is a huge part of family life. You get to experience fresh, local cuisine often accompanied by a fresh jug of agua fresca made with a different fruit each day.Families chat about their day, what the children have learnt at school and this is a great time to practice both your listening and speaking skills. A bonus tip;let your family know in advance if you won't be eating with them for a certain meal, it’s fine if you have something planned but they will have a copy of your weekly schedule so will often worry if you don’t turn up for lunch.Which leads us to our next point…
homestay family
Be mindful of the schedule: Although there is such a thing as Mexican time it’s still better to be early (on time) than late. Each week both you and your homestay family will receive your timetable. On a typical day breakfast will be at 7.30am. Classes at 9am - 1pm (or evening classes are 4pm - 8pm). Lunch at 2pm. Then spending the afternoon at the homestay with the family, exploring Felipe Carrillo Puerto, or we offer afternoon excursions if students want to do something active such as bike tours, a visit to a Maya cultural center, massages. And then dinner back with your homestay family at 8pm.
Make yourself at home:
Here at Na’atik all of our homestay families have an agreement to spend time with their guests. Make yourself at home, don't stick to your room. Even if everyone at home seems busy take a book or something to read and sit down in a hammock, on the couch or at the table, so that your interaction with your family will be consistent and natural.
Be respectful:
It goes without saying, but you’re not in a hotel. Make sure you’re respectful of cultural differences as well as the family and their home. Tidy up after yourself, offer to help with the cooking or washing up, help the kids with their homework – it might not seem like much, but all these interactions help you on your language learning journey.
Communicate in their language:
Most of our homestay families don’t speak much English – might sound intimidating but the best way to learn a language is to really immerse yourself in it and practice, practice, practice! It’s too easy to fall back on our first language and take the easy way out. Take what you learn in class and use it when you go back to the homestay. And don't be afraid to make mistakes when speaking with your homestay family. They are extremely patient, kind and are very used to receiving students from beginners (where you might be relying slightly more on charades and hand gestures) right up to advanced.
Bring a small but thoughtful gift:
Your family are welcoming you into their home and their culture, it’s nice to share a little of yours. It could be a box of Scottish shortbread, some salt-water taffy, a postcard or pictures from where you live. You’ll receive some info on your homestay family before you arrive, so you’ll know if they have children or if they run their own restaurant etc.
If you need something, ask:
Whether you’re feeling unwell, have specific dietary requirements, something is broken in your room or have just misplaced the wifi password it’s important to ensure that if you need something to ask. Obviously, things are a little different here to at home, but our families are more than accommodating. If you’re not sure how to ask your homestay family our Study Abroad Yucatan (SAY) Coordinator is always on hand to translate, or sort things out for you too.And most importantly;
Be open minded:
Expect things to be different. Be patient with yourselves, this environment is new for you and give yourself some time to adapt. Keep in mind that the families live humble lives and the food, accommodation, sleeping arrangements (trust us, you’ll never want to be without a hammock again) and heat may be very different to what you’re used to. See it as an opportunity to embrace a culture different to your own, see it from the inside out as part of a family unit, and really fall in love with a language and the culture surrounding it.
Still undecided as to whether a homestay is for you or looking for some more tips? Check out what some of our previous study abroad students said about making the most out of their homestay experience.
If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.