[2025-05] Hannah P. (19)

I went to homestay at the age of 20, which was a bit later than most other students. Most of the students who joined before were middle school age, so my biggest worry was,

“Can I still improve my English at this age?”

Honestly, I had lost interest in English since elementary school and had stopped studying for a long time. I didn’t know many words and I was weak in grammar, but when I look back on the three months, I can see so much change in myself. I was surprised to realize that more and more often I could actually say what I wanted to say in English.

I still clearly remember meeting my homestay family for the first time at the airport. It felt so real. Strangers were talking to me in English, and I was so nervous that I couldn’t say what I wanted and stumbled with my words. But as time went by, I became closer with my family and made friends, and I found myself communicating naturally using words I didn’t even know before.

Playing board games with Shelly (my host mom), chatting about daily life, and introducing Korean culture gave us many chances to learn about each other’s differences. Shelly especially loved Korean food, so it was fun to share things like Seaweed soup and Rice cake soup, and even cook them together. Sometimes I even had long, deep conversations with Shelly and Dan (my host dad) until late at night without realizing how much time had passed.

To be honest, until my second month, when my father asked, “Has your English improved?” I always answered, “I’m not sure.” But by the third month, I could finally say with confidence, “Yes, it has improved a lot.”

Before I left, I worried about whether it would feel uncomfortable to live with people I had never met for three months. I am usually shy and try not to bother others, so I was more worried. But after I met them, I realized I didn’t need to worry at all. They treated me with warmth and care, and I really felt like I was part of their family.

It was not only about learning English but also about many special experiences. Seeing deer casually walking in front of the house, the wide open sky with no mountains blocking it, the dry air so different from Korea, people smiling and greeting me on the street, the amazing Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, riding a horse at a friend’s house, even trying golf—these were all precious experiences.

If you are thinking about joining a homestay, I want to say this with confidence: It is a decision you will never regret.

2025.08.23

https://cafe.naver.com/chhcalgary/216