Lesson 3: Meeting your homestay family

ESL Course: English for Studying Abroad

An ESL guide to prepare you for your homestay. This is lesson 3 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: Meeting your homestay family

Introduction

  1. What do you imagine when you hear the word, 'homestay'?
  2. Will you take a gift for your homestay family? If so, what?
  3. What kind of things will you talk about with your homestay family?

Vocabulary

souvenirdo my laundryjet lag
take a naptake a showerallergic to
wash uphouseworkNo, thanks. I'm full.
That's enough, thanks.A little more, please.I'm sorry, I didn't know.
Sorry, could you say that again?Can I help you? 

Conversation

Helen: Welcome Maki, you made it! How was your flight?
Maki: Hello. Nice to meet you! It was fine, thank you.
Helen: You must be tired, please come in.
Maki: Thanks. Oh, I have these souvenirs for you.
Helen: Why thank you! They look wonderful!
Maki: It's my pleasure.
...
Helen: Let me show you around the house. This is the kitchen.
Maki: Oh, it's so big!
Helen: Feel free to help yourself to the fridge. And here's the washing machine.
Maki: Okay, when should I do my laundry?
Helen: Oh, just put your things in the basket there and I'll do it.
Maki: Really? Are you sure?
Helen: Yes, it's no problem.
...
Maki: Where can I put my suitcase?
Helen: Bring it to your room. Follow me upstairs... Here, this is your room.
Maki: Wow, it's really nice! Are there any rules I should know about?
Helen: Well, we tend to go to bed before 11, so keep the music down if you stay up later. And the bathroom is yours between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning.
Maki: Okay, got it. This is really nice. Thank you so much.
Helen: Oh, you're very welcome. We hope you enjoy your stay. Dinner will be ready at 7, so why don't you get unpacked and join us later?
Maki: Thanks, I'll do that.

What to Expect

It's important to make a good first impression, so be sure to smile and speak up. Be polite, so use 'please' and 'thank you' often. Phrases such as 'Where should I...?', 'What should I...?' and 'Do you mind if I..?' will be useful. Also, 'Could you tell me how to...?' is another good one.

Try role-playing dinner conversations, talking about your own family, town, etc. And also, asking your homestay family about how to do things, e.g. use the microwave, get to your school, etc.

Next Lesson

English for Studying Abroad - Lesson 4

Lesson List

  1. Arriving at the airport
  2. Getting to the city
  3. Meeting your homestay family
  4. First day
  5. At school
  6. Hanging out with friends
  7. Getting around town
  8. Shopping
  9. Sightseeing
  10. Saying goodbye

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