Ok, so this grand old debate, which I thought I'd settled, has somehow cropped back up again to make my life more difficult. I've been asked to choose between doing a homestay or staying in an independent apartment while I'm over studying in Japan. The school said that a homestay will cost, total about $1,000 a month, but that they'll pay $400 of it, and it will include food, so I'd be paying about $600, whereas an apartment is somewhere between $300-400 a month, but obviously without food. And, though I thought I'd decided on homestay before, now I'm having to rethink it, and I can't decide. You see, the pros for a homestay: social atmosphere, constant practice in Japanese, able to observe typical Japanese customs, have someone's aid if I need it, will get to eat real Japanese cooking, etc. Cons: not independent, will have to follow pre-designated rules even though I'm in my early 20s and no longer a child, may not get along with them, etc. Apartment Pros: all by myself, can come and go and do as I please, will be able to choose my own meals, will get to enjoy life on my own. Apartment cons: much more responsibility, will be alone if I need help, will bear the brunt of shopping and cooking, may end up staying in by myself, instead of going out, minimal social interaction. So you see, they're neck and neck. And I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this again.
Well anyways, I'm just going to think and pray about it some and I'll tell you about which decision I've made later. Feel free to weigh in on the issue and add your opinion and comment, if you like. I'll catch you cats later!
My friend Steven had a homestay during his Spanish study abroad and loved it. He said sitting around the kitchen table and talking about religion, dreams, politics, and culture was far more of an education than classes. Personally, I would be worried that I would do something offensive and not be able to claim the gaijin discount and they would be too polite to tell me I'd done something rude. Also, I've been on my own far too long to live in someone else's house for that amount of time. However, you are not me and I think your original choice for homestay is probably the best one. It shouldn't be about money since this is an important part of the experience.
ReplyDeleteWill you be able to find out anything about the family before you go? Such as, have they hosted before? Do they have older children? Can you move to an apartment if the family atomosphere is not working out? Can your sister stay with you for a visit? =)
You'll make the correct choice for you!
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