INTRODUCTION
What is Homestay Program
Homestay:
A living arrangement that involves staying with host family.
People
who travel to other countries may not want to spend their time
with a tour guide provided by the tourist authority, and they
may not want to stay in a chain hotel. In some countries, this
desire to experience the "real" culture can be accomplished
through a homestay. A homestay means that the traveler lives
with a family for at least part of his or her trip. This enables
a traveler to experience life as it is lived day to day in the
host country. A homestay can often be arranged through a homestay
organization, universities, club, association, travel agent
or through Web sites that specialize in matching families and
travelers.
A traveler looking for a homestay should first apprise the homestay
organisation or travel agent of his or her personal preferences.
Is he a smoker, for instance? Is he vegetarian? An observant
Jew? Allergic to animals or certain foods? Traits such as these
should be taken into consideration when matching a host family
and a guest. The traveler should also remember that he is visiting
the country to absorb some of its culture, and so should expect
to try new things in his hosts' home.
A homestay can be a great experience if the traveler follows
a few simple guidelines. First, he needs to acquaint himself
with the customs of the country he is visiting. Most host families
will be tolerant of some faux pas, but the traveler should make
sure he is aware of basic courtesy, such as removing one's shoes
before entering a home in Japan. Politeness in every country
is a key to making the stay a happy one.
Second, a traveler should never arrive at a homestay without
some gift for the hosts. A bottle of wine or a gift of chocolates
is welcome, as are mementos from the visitor's country, such
as postcards, or pens and mugs with his state's or company's
name on them, for instance.
Third, a traveler should remember that this is a home, not a
hotel. Room service is not provided. He should make his own
bed each morning, offer to help with the dishes or the laundry,
and so on. Depending on the country, the hosts may refuse to
allow him to help, but they will appreciate the offer. A traveler
should also participate in the family activities. You should
never be a hindrance to the hosts' usual routine.
Students often have the opportunity to participate in a homestay
as part of an academic program, and these are usually memorable.
A homestay opens a window into another culture as few other
experiences can. It is a win-win situation in which everyone
learns something new.
Homestay Program provides a fun, relaxed environment where adults
and children are surrounded by the sounds of new languages.
It is like playing in a "multilingual park", where
families and friends can share the joys of discovering languages
together.
Participating in the homestay programs, you are welcomed as
one of the family member and take part in everyday life. Through
such a program, you gain true inside perspective on foreign
cultures in a family environment. The most exciting aspect of
homestay activities is making friends and forming relationship
with other human beings. Through relationship that language
is nourished and developed most easily and most enjoyable."
The key to maximizing this experience though is to use and improve
your foreign language skills and to be open to their cultural
traditions. This could be a once in a lifetime experience and
you should try to make the most of it.
NOTICE!
This program is mainly for those who are keen in learning &
explore new culture, language and meeting people.
You are travel and represent Malaysia as Ambassador to learn their
culture and adapt to their country daily lifestyle. And we hope,
after you joined this program. You will learned some valuable
ideas, disciplinary, thought and it will be
benefited to yourself and the country.
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