There are many ways to live in a foreign country, especially for international students. Today, I would like to compare life with a host family to life by oneself.

Since I came to Canada, I have lived with a host family. Before I lived with them I didn't have any idea what a homestay was. I was very afraid, nervous and unhappy. However, the price was very expensive and I didn't have my own freedom. I feared they would ask me not to do this or that. However, not all is bad. There are many good things. For example, they prepare lunch, dinner and breakfast for me, so I don't have to think what I am going to cook. In addition, I have to speak English and practice my conversation. It was very useful to improve my language skills.

After two years, I moved out and lived by myself. Now I live by myself near BCIT. Because, I live by myself, I pay less than when I lived at my homestay. Moreover, I have my own place and I can do whatever I want to do. I have become more busy that when I lived at my homestay because I have to cook by myself. Also I speak my own language after school. My English skills will not improve very much.

There are some differences between these two ways of living. The price I paid for living in a homestay was more expensive than renting an apartment. Freedom at the homestay is unlike where I live now, in that at the homestay there are prohibitions but on my own I can live as I like. Eating at the homestay was more comfortable than cooking. Also, learning English with a host family is easier than learning by myself.

I have compared some advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, I would like to live with a host family even though it is expensive and prohibitive. I can be very helpful and useful for foreign students.

July 1998