Q&A: Hear from a Homestay Student and His Host Mother!

At Amerigo, our Homestay students form close bonds with their host families, with many forming lasting, family-like connections, giving them a true “home away from home” experience.

Host families provide students with safe, comfortable homes near the school, sharing meals, providing academic and emotional support and becoming a second family.

Daniel, a Brazilian Grade 11 student at St. Anthony’s in New York, and his host mother Deanna have a very strong relationship and have learned so much from each other. Read on to hear from Daniel and Deanna.

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What’s the best part about Homestay?

Deanna (Host Mother): When we decided to move forward with becoming a host family, we didn’t really know what to expect. I have to say that it was not only a great decision, but we have gained a new family member for life. Learning his culture, his language and his way of life back home is very interesting and eye opening. We have learned how different we are, but also how similar we are. We have learned so much from Daniel, and we hope that he has learned just as much from us. Not only has he gained a new family – we, too, have gained a new family.

Daniel (Amerigo Homestay Student): What I like most about living with a host family is that it helps you to feel like home. Also, my host family always helps me in any situation and they are always there for whatever I need.

How does living together in a Homestay feel like a second family?  

Deanna (Host Mother): Daniel is very much a part of our family. All of our neighbors and family members know him and find him to be a pleasure. Just like my children, he has house responsibilities, chores, and is expected to follow the same rules as our children. We believe that showing love, support and respect is key to any family dynamic

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How do you work together as the student adjusts to studying in a new country and school?

Deanna (Host Mother): Our Daniel has easily adjusted to his studies, I think we assist him more with getting accustomed to expectations and routine more than anything else. He has joined clubs in school and takes the initiative to meet and learn new things. 

Daniel (Homestay Student): My host family always gives me the best advices about academics and school in general. This really helped me in the process of adaptation to a new school environment and to a new country.

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What would you say to a student who is considering living with a host family?

Deanna (Host Mother): Moving to a new country, attending a new school, meeting new friends and moving in with a new family takes guts and a lot of bravery. Follow your dreams, work hard, take chances and ALWAYS be you!

Daniel (Homestay Student): I would totally recommend living in a host family to any student who is thinking about it because I believe that in this way, you get to live the real American life experience and that is a really important part of coming to study in the U.S. 

Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

Deanna (Host Mother): Daniel joined our family during a very difficult time in his life. We often speak about how meeting was fate, becoming a friend was a choice, but becoming a true family was out of our control. We have grown to love Daniel as if he were our own. We joke with each other about how we are stuck together for life!

Daniel (Homestay Student): I just wanted to add that if I had to give a piece of advice to any student who wants to come to the U.S. as an exchange student is to come with an open mind and to be ready to live the best experience of your life!

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Interested in beginning your own Amerigo journey? Click here for more information!