Homestay Language in Action (20hrs activities)

I recently had the privilege of participating in a 2-week lifestyle homestay program in New York City, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience. As a non-native English speaker who had visited NYC several times before, I had certain expectations going into the program. While it provided valuable cultural immersion and language improvement, it fell short of meeting some of my expectations related to exploring unique, non-touristy aspects of the city. To elaborate,

1. Cultural Immersion: One of the highlights of this program was the immersion into the local culture. Living with a host family allowed me to experience the daily life of New Yorkers firsthand. From sharing meals to engaging in everyday conversations, I felt like a part of the community.

2. Language Improvement: For non-native English speakers, this program is a fantastic way to enhance your English conversation skills. Daily interactions with my host challenged me to communicate effectively in English. I noticed significant improvement in my speaking and listening abilities over the course of just two weeks.

3. Culinary Exploration: I was particularly satisfied with the culinary aspect of the program. Having lived in Asia, where authentic Asian cuisine is readily available, I expressed my desire to try non-Asian cuisine to my host. She went above and beyond by preparing Jamaican oxtail, introducing me to Jamaican patties, and even encouraging me to try empanadas. It was a delightful culinary journey that added a unique dimension to my stay.

4. Unmet Expectations: However, I must acknowledge that my expectations going into the program were not fully met. Having visited NYC several times before, I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the city beyond the typical tourist attractions. I expected my host to introduce me to some unique, hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Unfortunately, the program did not provide the level of local insight and exploration I had hoped for.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this program to non-native English speakers who have never visited NYC. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, enhance your language skills, and create lasting memories. However, if you are a repeat visitor to NYC looking for a deeper exploration of the city's hidden treasures, you may need to supplement the program with your own research and excursions.

I had a positive experience with the teacher and I feel that my English skills improved greatly. Thanks to my training with her, I was able to prepare for IELTS test, especially in writing and speaking sections. I took the test last Saturday, and I feel that I did very well. I don't know my results yet but if it weren't for my studying in America before the exam, I would totally have failed it. So, I would recommend these classes to anyone who wants to improve their English. But one week is really not enough. My recommendation is to stay there for at least 2-3 weeks. If I had stayed there for not just one week but longer, I would probably start to speak like a native speaker.

The teacher was an old American lady, very friendly and talkative. I could easily establish contact with her. For the first couple of days she helped me find out my weaknesses in the English grammar, and for the rest of my time there we practiced my speaking and writing for the test. I lived in her house. There weren't any problems with the accommodation and the facilities, and the location was good as well. Although the location was not in the New York City proper but in the suburbs, it was only 50 minutes by train to Manhattan. For activities, I could go to the beach near home or take the train to New York and explore the big city.