By: Ali Syarief
In an increasingly interconnected world, cross-cultural homestay programs have emerged as powerful bridges between nations and peoples. These programs offer more than just opportunities to learn a new language or observe foreign customs—they provide immersive, human experiences that textbooks can never replicate. However, the success of such programs rests not only on logistics or academic planning, but on a far more intimate and often overlooked element: a happy host family.
A homestay is not merely about offering shelter and meals. It is about sharing lives. It is in the everyday routines, in dinner table conversations, in quiet support during homesick moments, and in spontaneous laughter that true learning takes place. A participant learns not only about the host country, but also about universal values such as empathy, patience, and love. And all of this is made possible when the host family is emotionally healthy and happy.
A happy family forms the foundation of meaningful interaction. In such an environment, the guest is not treated as an outsider, but welcomed as a temporary member of the family. This warmth and inclusion foster a sense of safety and belonging, allowing the guest to engage more openly, ask questions, share experiences, and ultimately grow through the exchange. Children raised in a happy family tend to be more open, more curious, and more willing to form friendships that transcend cultural boundaries. Learning, in this context, becomes a natural, joyful process.
On the other hand, when a homestay occurs within a household marked by tension, emotional distance, or poor communication, the guest may feel more like a burden than a visitor. Instead of engaging with the local culture, the guest might become preoccupied with the emotional discomfort of the environment, wondering, “Am I welcome here?” or “Why does this family seem so unhappy?”
This is why the selection of host families in homestay programs is of paramount importance. It is not enough to assess financial capability or space availability. What matters more is the emotional atmosphere of the household. Do family members treat each other with kindness? Are they open to cultural differences? Do they enjoy spending time together?
A happy family does not mean a perfect family. It means a family that knows how to face challenges together—with compassion, honesty, and mutual respect. This kind of emotional maturity provides fertile ground for rich cross-cultural learning and the development of global empathy.
In the end, while cross-cultural homestays promise a wealth of benefits, these will only be fully realized when the experience is shared with a happy, nurturing host family. It is within such homes that cultural exchange transcends information-sharing and becomes a heartfelt journey—where differences are not feared, but embraced; not barriers, but bridges.
As a Japanese saying reminds us:
「家は心のふるさと。」
“Home is the hometown of the heart.”
In the context of a cross-cultural homestay, this could not be more true. A happy family doesn’t just open their doors—they open their hearts, and in doing so, create a home not only for themselves, but for the world.
