Saturday 25 September 2010

Accommodation

Home stay, a good solution to practise your English

For students coming to Leeds, there are various accommodation possibilities. Students often choose to share a flat and don't think about home stay accommodation, which offers many advantages.

We interviewed Borja, a 23-years-old Spanish student who has chosen this option. Let's see what he thinks about the experience.

Why did you decide to stay with a host family?

I think it is the best way to learn English, as I can speak with my family every day and put into practice what I have learnt during my classes. Moreover, I wanted to spend time with English people and see the way they live. I meet many foreign people at College and it is really interesting but I wanted to broaden my horizons and experience something else when I get home.

Can you tell us more about your family?

I live with a 38-years-old woman who is a University Counsellor. I also live with her niece who is also a student. The first day, I was really warmly-welcomed; she was waiting for me outside and was really nice. She introduced me to her niece, her parents and her two cats.

What do you most enjoy about your home stay?

She speaks to me a lot and I have the opportunity to practise my English. She also gives me information on bus timetables, the places where to go out and eat in Leeds. She even gave me the telephone number of a cheap taxi company.

What do you least enjoy about your experience?

Commuting to the College. I have to take a bus every day to go to College, since I do not live in the City Centre.

Do you think you will keep in touch with her when you go back to Spain?

Absolutely! I plan to send her a Christmas card and if I come back to Leeds I will visit her!


Leeds Language College can help you find a suitable host family with various possible options: self catering, bed and breakfast or half board. It is important to keep in mind that a host family doesn't always consist of the father, mother and children, as in Borja's case. He lives with a woman and her niece. Nevertheless, his experience has been rewarding. You also have to be prepared to follow certain rules set by the family. Some families will let you have more freedom than others. In spite of this, you will practise your English and maybe build a long-term friendship with a native English speaker!

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