When you and your host do not get along: 6 tips to Improve your Homestay Experience
Homestay is a unique way to experience the Dutch culture. However, what if things don’t work out well? Here’s 6 tips to improve your Homestay experience.
So, you successfully secured your accommodation in the Netherlands. You had a pleasant video call with your host family, the room looked good and you were eagerly anticipating the adventure ahead. But now, a couple of months into your stay, things have taken a turn for the worse. It seems that the connection between you and the host is lacking, and you feel less comfortable as the days pass. At this point, panic might have settled in and you don’t know what to do to improve the situation. You plan to stay with the host for at least a few more months, so you are breaking your head: 'what should I do?!'
Stop worrying, these things can happen. It’s shit, but there’s plenty of solutions forehand. In this blog we’ll present you with 6 tips & tricks to improve your homestay experience.
Tip 1: Be proactive
We understand it can be exciting and even a bit scary to start living with someone you don’t yet know. Just for this reason it’s important to be proactive and be open about what your expectations are. Tell the host about your daily schedule and preferences and listen to theirs. Most importantly, make sure that you understand each other’s boundaries clearly. The more open you are, the easier it will be for the host to take your wishes into account and for small irritations to be resolved.
Tip 2: Communication is key!
If things aren't going smoothly with your host or you're feeling a bit off about living together, the key is to talk about it. But how you do it really matters. Approach it with patience and a willingness to find common ground. Take a moment to think about what's causing tension—whether it's miscommunication, cultural differences, or something else. Understanding the root of the issue is crucial for finding a solution. Furthermore, also communicate when things are going well. Or even:
Tip 3: Listen actively
Even if you feel like you are totally in the right, it is still essential to give your host the chance to express their own feelings and thoughts. Understanding their point of view is crucial for finding common ground. Moreover, listening to someone without interrupting them and with the purpose of understanding them creates a more compassionate and cooperative atmosphere. Remember that the point is not to throw accusations at each other as this will only complicate the situation more.
Tip 4: Talk to someone you trust
Sharing this problem with someone you trust can alleviate emotional tension and help you gain a new perspective. It might also be quite beneficial to talk to someone you trust to share your viewpoints before you start a conversation with your host. This can help you to articulate your thoughts better (because you are discussing them with someone, so they do not just stay locked inside your head), and it allows the other person to point out potential blind spots. Engaging in a difficult conversation with your host after you have already received advice on the situation and with a better judgment will enhance the possibility of a positive outcome.
Tip 5: End the rental period
If you've exhausted all your efforts and the situation doesn't improve, remember that as a tenant in the Netherlands, you always have the right to terminate the rental agreement with just one month's notice. There are times when you and your host simply aren't compatible, and moving out becomes the most viable solution. To end your rental agreement, inform your host at least one month in advance through text, email, or a letter. Ensure you receive a confirmation from the host acknowledging that they've received your message.
Tip 6: Get help from Hospi Housing
Yes, we are also there for you during your stay. This is part of the safety & service guarantees from Hospi Housing. If things are not going well or you have questions or difficulties, know that you can always reach out to us. We will try to help you as best as possible, find solutions and advice you about what steps to take next. We can be the mediator between you and the host, we will listen to both sides with the aim of understanding what exactly the problems are and how they can be solved. In cases that the situation requires a more drastic solution, we can recommend other housings options so you can move out and have a fresh new start.
To conclude
Homestay is a beautiful social solution to the housing shortage. Many hosts, host families and their tenants stay in touch after the homestay period. However, sometimes a match just isn’t as good as it seemed and irritations or conflict arise. In this blog we provided you with tips on how to navigate through these situations and find solutions. And remember: if you and your host cannot solve the problems yourselves, Hospi Housing is always there to help you out and find a solution.
Found this article helpful and looking for more information? Check out our other blog posts! For instance, if you've recently moved and have questions about municipality registration, explore: How To Register as an International Student in the Netherlands or if you're curious to read about experiences from other students, read about the experience of student Zoë who lives with her hosts in a beautiful home in Utrecht.
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