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Advantages of Living with a Homestay Family

Anony Mous

English for Academic Studies, Conestoga College

Written Communication Skills IV, Section #: Effect Essay Draft #1

Professor John Doe

January 1st, 2021

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Advantages of Living with a Homestay Family

Does a student’s home life affect other areas? Do international students

encounter specific difficulties in finding appropriate housing? Many international

students want to experience the support of a new family as they begin their studies at

the College. This opportunity is provided by the International Education office, which

arranges homestays for those who want to participate. While there are individual

challenges, generally the students find it is a positive situation. When a student lives in

a homestay, there are several positive effects: the family will offer appropriate nutrition,

opportunities to practise English and a safe environment.

The first effect of living in a homestay is that students do not need to worry about

proper nutrition. They do not need to spend time preparing meals because the meals

are usually made by the homestay family. Specifically, they will receive hot dinners, and

they can take a packed lunch for school. Also, usually nutritious breakfast foods are

available for them. In addition, proper snacks are provided. Instead of eating only candy

and fast food, the homestay family will usually have a choice of fruit, yogurt, popcorn or

other healthy snacks. Thus, they can remain healthy.

In addition to receiving excellent nutrition, another result is the benefit of having

opportunities to practise English. At mealtimes, the family may eat together with the

student; therefore, a student will be able to hear and practice conversational phrases

about food and the daily activities of the family. For example, if the family serves Italian

food, the student will learn vocabulary associated with that. As the children discuss their

school and sports activities, their listening skills will develop. In addition, as the family

relaxes together, the student may be able to participate in the recreational activities of

the household. For instance, attending baseball games, shopping at a local mall or
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visiting a local tourist attraction all provide experiences to discuss together. The student

will experience a variety of times to improve their English.

Besides good nutrition and regular conversation, another consequence of living

in a homestay is a safe living environment. First, the family will make sure the

environment is clean. The room will be cleaned weekly, and laundry machines are

usually available for the student’s use. In addition, because a student is treated as part

of the family, someone in the family will monitor the student’s activities; therefore, if the

student is late or sick, the parents will take action to solve the problem. All these

benefits lead to a sense of security for the student.

In conclusion, receiving proper nutrition, getting conversation practice, and

feeling safe are some of the advantages of living in a homestay. Students' lives in

Canada require many adjustments, but living in a homestay offers them a place where

this adjustment becomes just a little easier. Any difficult experience in a new culture can

be softened by a welcoming home. Staying in a homestay may help students adjust to

Canada and even perform better in their future studies.

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Appendix

This is a chart showing how I organized my ideas about main ideas and supporting

details for this essay.

Topic:

Advantages of Living with a Homestay Family

Main Idea (1: Main Idea 2: Main Idea 3:

appropriate nutrition opportunities to practise a safe environment.

English

Supporting Supporting Supporting Supporting Supporting Supporting

detail A: detail B: detail A: detail B: detail A: detail B:

Family Family makes Chat during Chat during Clean living Guidance
makes healthy snacks mealtimes recreational space
healthy activities
meals

OR

This is an image showing how I organized my ideas about main ideas and supporting

details for this essay.

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