My host mom lives by herself but she always does many different things during the week whether it is hiking, going to music events or doing traditional dance, always inviting us to join if we feel up to it.  One thing I am really grateful for is that she has been taking my housemate and me to see all of the hills that surround Besancon.  The first week we arrived, she told us that Besancon is like Rome – both have seven hills. 

It started with a drive to the top of Chaudanne, a tall hill overlooking the CLA and the Citadel.  Then came the Citadel one weekend, seeing its zoo and many museums.  Next were: Bregille; Chapelle des Buis, a church with a large statue of Mary; Montfacon, the tallest; Planoise, the closest to my house with a unique view of the west city; and finally Rosemont, the only hill that has to be hiked to reach the top.  It seemed like each week we toured a different hill, each one with a beautiful view and a new perspective of Besancon.  I valued each trip we took very much and I feel like my view of Besancon has expanded and the sites gave me a new appreciation of the city.

This led me to think about why I felt like my host mom was doing such a great job in welcoming my fellow Penn Stater Fiona and me to her home.  I think the key was that she did so many different activities of her own accord and although we were never forced or pressured to join her, we were always welcome to.  Not everyone has had the perfect homestay experience so I have learned what are some important things to think about when filling out the homestay form.

If there is a type of activity you like to do, or would be interested in learning about, definitely put it on the form under interests.  I was never a huge hiker but it was something I enjoyed doing occasionally in the summer, so I wrote it down on the form.  This was the best decision I could have made because my host mom loved to hike and she took me hiking twice.  I got to experience the natural beauty of France and go to places that just are not accessible when you do not have your own car.  Getting a host family that has interests that appeal to you could benefit you in unexpected ways.

Another thing to consider is whether you want kids or not.  Kids can be a lot of fun and are great people to practice your French with.  In a family with kids there is a great insight into how a real French family works.  However, they can be noisy or sometimes difficult to deal with and I know some people with host families with kids sometimes feel like they have to babysit the children.  There are definitely pros and cons to both, so it is something worth thinking about!

Think about whether you want to be with another student from Penn State or not.  It would be nice to always have someone to talk to and to help with any issues or confusion, but your French skills might get better when you are all alone.  (Personally I loved being with another student).

Two final thoughts: some people considered writing on their forms that they would like to be close to the town center.  Personally, I think that not much is gained in a family with a good location if you do not mesh well with them, and since everyone is in the same boat (most students will be at least a bus ride from town) it is better to get a family you know you will get along with.  Also, make sure you put whether you are smoking or non-smoking!  Getting put with a family different from you in that regard could cause issues.

No matter what, if an issue arises there are so many resources to help you whether it is a Penn State faculty advisor or the CLA – but chances are your homestay experience will be great (like mine)!

Location: Besancon, France