Erasmus allows you to experience first hand other European cultures, to live with fellow Europeans and of course improve your language skills. It may well be one of the most enjoyable experiences from your time in University, with memories lasting long beyond graduation. If you’re looking for a reason to choose homestay to further enrich this amazing experience, keep reading......
Samuel, 21 from France wanted to live with a host family to improve his English. He decided to stay with Kait and her family in Belvedere a 35 minute train journey to Central London. Kait, her husband Joe and their daughters provided him with lots of opportunities to practice his English conversational skills. He stayed with them for 3 weeks and didn't want to leave...
Andrey from Russia stayed 4 nights with Serge and Katie in their loft room in Biarritz, France. He really enjoyed his time in their beautiful home especially their delicious breakfasts.
Mary and her son from the United States spent some time this Summer travelling around Europe. She stayed in with Homestay host Gautier in his apartment in Central Prague. It was her first time booking on Homestay.com and it suited her wish to be as thrifty as possible with a Double Room only €48 per night.
Jana, and her Czech family: husband, mother, aunt and her granddaughter came to Ireland to visit an Irish friend. Jana spent one year in Tullamore in 2000 for work experience. This time they came to stay a few nights in Dublin to catch up with some old friends. She tells us why she decided to book a homestay with Pauline in Walkinstown.
"We had a lovely holiday in Bracciano. Fulvia and her husband were the perfect hosts. We were a little nervous about how little Italian we could speak but Fulvia made every effort to communicate with us. Fulvia was always very helpful and even organised train tickets for a day trip to Rome. We were made very welcome but felt we could also get on with our own plans. Fulvia included some nice touches in our holiday including home made wine, berries to taste and an invitation to eat pizza with her family on the final evening. We would love to return sometime."
Thang from Vietnam was just chosen as our "Win back your trip" winner. He visited Cuba with his parents and won back the cost of his trip for posting some photos and video on instagram. Being a filmmaker, he took some great video footage of this colourful country. Read his account of the trip below with some stunning photography
Miranda and her partner Ivan from the United States, travelled to Nepal for a few weeks and stayed with Kathmandu Homestay host Puran for 7 nights. They felt truly part of his family. Puran is a tour guide and he gave them lots of recommendations about what to do and which sites to see. They were invited to participate in a Hindu cleansing ceremony, walked with the family to get dinner with their in-laws, and enjoyed heaping portions of Bina's excellent cooking.
"I am currently engaged in some project work in Dublin and had been using local hotels. The project was near to the airport and hotel availability was limited and prices were premium. I was researching other options and was recommended the homestay website. So far, its proved to be excellent, I have been staying with a welcoming family in Dublin, I have flexibility for bookings and the prices are much more reasonable than those of nearby hotels. I have already recommended Homestay.com to others."
Claudiane from Brazil spent her holidays with our new Vancouver host Jacqueline. She lives in a 100 year old Heritage Home in a very safe, quiet neighborhood only 10 minutes by bus to downtown Vancouver. It's also easily accessible to the ski resorts in North Vancouver. The house was purchased by her husband's grandfather in the 1920's and they are the third generation to live there. Her homestay made her vacation even more amazing.
Anna from Poland travelled to Lisbon for a music conference. She is a specialist in Chinese music and plays the lute. Visiting Lisbon for 1 week she was looking for good value accommodation and an authentic local experience. She chose to stay with hosts Ramesh and Brinda originally from Nepal in their central Lisbon apartment.