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Ever wondered what it’s really like to live with a host family? Karen, a long-term student at EC Malta sat down with us to share some insight into her homestay experience.
At 17 years old, Karen flew from Colombia to study English in Malta. Since she’s under 18, living with a host family was the most practical accommodation option, but she quickly learned it was the best possible one she could have chosen!
“It’s good,” she says with a smile. “I love it, not just for under-18s—for everyone!”
Karen’s been in Malta for about seven months now, studying General English at EC Malta. She’s at pre-intermediate level and really committed to improving, “It’s a long time,” she admits, “but I needed my English perfect.”
Karen currently lives in San Gwann with her host parents, Mary and Alex. She also lives with their son, two dogs, and a cat; a perfect match if you ask her, “It’s great. I love animals!” School is just a quick bus ride or walk away, allowing her to take her time in the morning. Her days usually kick off with a homemade breakfast and a little company.
“Mary eats with me every day, it’s very sweet.”
Karen eats most meals with her host family, and she’s happy with the home-cooked meals, which are usually pasta and meat dishes. “For me (food) is not a problem because I love Italian food and Malta has a lot of Italian food.”
Dinner is flexible; sometimes, she eats with her host family, and sometimes, she lets them know she’ll eat out. “I send a message to Mary saying, ‘Today I prefer to take my dinner outside.'” Her host parents aren’t too strict about house rules, but Karen has a curfew (which she has her own opinions about!)
When she’s not in class, Karen spends her free time at the beach, the cinema, or simply hanging out with friends. Lucky for her, there’s plenty to do in the area, “there’s a place for bowling and video games near the school.”
Karen also joins in on school activities, exploring Malta’s sister islands, wandering through historic cities, and even checking out the zoo; “I saw little tigers, lions, and bears!” If she feels like having a more relaxed evening, she might hang out with her homestay family or just chill in her room.
Living with a host family has also helped Karen improve her English, especially, conversational English. “Mary and Alex tell me every day, ‘Don’t say this, say that.’” Back when she first arrived, or “before, before, before” in her words, the language barrier was a bit challenging. “But now, no,” she says.
“Malta is a good place and Mary helps me, so I learned.”
Other than language tips, Mary’s also her go-to for local tips. “Normally, for the tourist, it’s Golden Bay, St George’s Bay, but Mary tells me, ‘Oh Karen, maybe you will like this other place.’ She also recommends places to eat.”
Looking ahead, Karen hopes to stay in touch with her host family, even after she leaves. “Maybe in another moment, I can come to Malta again and meet with Mary and her family,” she says. Karen’s actual parents appreciate the homestay, too, even though they don’t speak English; “My parents love this family.”
So, would she recommend homestay accommodation to others? Absolutely, especially for younger students who could use the convenience and support, “If you don’t like cooking, it’s better to stay with a host family. It’s the same as living in an apartment, but easier.”
Karen’s story is one of many, and we thank her for sharing hers!
A homestay accommodation is always an opportunity to practise speaking English with native speakers, enhance the cultural immersion aspect of your exchange, and form a genuine connection that could survive over the phone.
Whether you’re under 18 or just looking for a supportive environment to improve your English in, living with a local can make a new city feel like home.
Find out more about learning English abroad with EC English!
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