The place you live during your study abroad is more than just a house—it’s an important space for getting to know Japanese culture deeply. The two main accommodation styles are the “homestay,” where you live with a local family, and the “dormitory,” where you live with peers of your own generation.
Let’s learn the pros and cons of each to find the style that’s right for you.
Homestay
This style involves living as a member of a typical Japanese family. Your host family will become your “Japanese mom and dad.”
- Pros:
- Practice living Japanese every day: You’ll have far more opportunities to speak Japanese outside of school, leading to a dramatic improvement in your conversation skills.
- Experience authentic local culture: Eating home-cooked meals, watching TV together, going out on weekends—you can experience real Japanese daily life.
- Support when you need it: They are the closest people to support you when you’re sick or have any trouble.
- Tips for Success:
- Communicate proactively!: Be the one to share about your day at school or offer to help around the house.
- Don’t forget to say “Arigato”: Expressing your gratitude in words is the first step to building a great relationship.
- Respect the house rules: Respect each family’s rules, such as bath time or curfews.
Dormitory
This style involves living with other exchange students or local Japanese students.
- Pros:
- Make friends quickly: Since you’re surrounded by peers in the same situation, it’s easy to become friends and exchange information.
- Privacy and freedom: You often get your own room and tend to have more free time compared to a homestay.
- Often close to school: Your commute might be shorter, meaning you can sleep in a little later.
- Tips for Success:
- Keep shared spaces clean: It’s good manners to keep common areas like the kitchen and showers clean for everyone.
- Join in on events: Be sure to participate in welcome parties hosted by the dorm to expand your circle of friends.
- Be mindful of noise: Refrain from talking loudly or playing music late at night.
Both styles offer wonderful encounters and learning experiences. Next, let’s look at how to manage your money, an essential part of life in Japan.
[→ Go to the next page: “Money Management“]