Living with a host family might be an interesting idea for some people and it might not be for others. To live for a period of time with a family you do not even know can be a totally different experience, but it is worth it! For those who want to volunteer, intern or study Arabic in Palestine you will get the chance to live with a host family, which will undoubtedly make your trip and the whole experience much more enjoyable and memorable.
What are the advantages of living with a Palestinian host family?
There are number of benefits of being with a host family in a country you visit for the first time. First, you will get much closer to the culture so you can understand the social behavior and daily habits of the local people. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to attend many events, celebrations and weddings that reflect people’s traditions, while sharing their special moments and being part of the routine of their daily life.
Thirdly, you can learn the language much faster than being in a hotel or hostel or any other type of accommodation as you will be able to practice what you learn daily with your host family members. You will be able to listen to new vocabulary and your host family will help you with correcting your mistakes. Fourth and finally, like any family, they will support you during your time there, giving you advice, recommendations and any possible help.
How can living with a family that I do not know be ok?
Living with a host family is valuable part of your trip experience. We understand that for many of you it will be a totally different experience than any other that you have had. You do not have to know every single detail about your future host family, what you need to know is that they are more than eager to host you, than you want to live with them.
In Palestine, many families want to host internationals and treat them as if they are part of the family. Palestinians are well known for their hospitality and your host family will want to make you feel comfortable being with them. They will give you all the possible help that they can.
Being a guest in Palestine means that you will have a special place in the family and the community. For example, in Palestinian culture it brings shame to you if you let your guest wash the dishes or to pay money when you are with a family in a café or restaurant. Even your sleeping arrangements will be the best that the family can offer.
What matters should I know about being with a Palestinian host family?
Well, living with a host family in Palestine means that there are a number of things that should be taken into account, such as the following:
You might be the first one who’s the family hosted
Many families want to host an international who comes to discover the nature of Palestinian life for themselves. While this is a new experience for you at the same time you might be the first person who has been hosted by the family. We are aware that being with an experienced host family is an advantage for you but also being the first one for a family to host is not such a bad idea at all. Instead, this will help both of you to understand each other more and will give the family all the experience that they need to host others after you.
Yes, it might be a bit of challengeable for you and your family but together you will definitely work it all out and you will find that things will go very smoothly. All you need is to be patient and flexible.
Eating the same food that your host family prepares
Being with a host family means eating the food that they offer you. In Palestine, most people eat meat and only a few people are vegetarian, and this might because of doctor’s advice but not of their own choice.
Being a vegetarian is not a problem at all, but you need to inform your host family about this issue at the beginning of your stay to allow them to adapt to it and understand it. Also ff you do not eat any type of food , just politely let them know as soon as you can.
Palestinian generosity
Many of those who have already had the amazing experience of living with a host family in Palestine wonder why the people here are so generous. Many wonder ‘what shall I do to give back to my host family’? This is an issue that is very different and it is one that you need to be sensitive to.
In Palestine people give without asking or expecting anything in return, it is part of the Palestinian culture that encourages people to be as generous as they can with their guests. The more that they are, the more that they are appreciated from the perspective of the community in which they live. It is very important that you acknowledge that this amazing generosity is part of their being and nothing is asked for in your return except your friendship.
Positive Insistence
In Palestine you might face one of the following situations. First, you might be invited many times to eat or to drink tea or coffee. The person who is asking you may do this several times and become insistent. Secondly, you might be asked to eat more than others when you are invited for a lunch or a dinner. This is totally normal, do not be bothered by this behavior and do not think that people here enforce others to do what they want them to do. This is part of their ingrained hospitality and generosity.
This insistence means that they want to make sure that you feel happy about being with them. They insist that you eat or drink because they care that you are feeling as part of them and it has nothing to do with enforcement.
Take care when admiring something
This may sound strange, as it is a common thing to do in most societies. For example, we may meet a friend for coffee and pay a compliment about their bag or their outfit. We may visit a friend’s house and compliment them on the picture on the wall. Be very careful how you do this in Palestine as wherever possible, you will be presented with the item that you have admired and to then refuse it would be hurtful.
This is another unique aspect of Palestinian generosity. Keep your compliments general. Instead of saying that you love that dress that your friend is wearing – just say, ‘you look lovely today’, and in the home, ‘you have a lovely home’ rather than complimenting any item in particular.
Respect the house rules
Being with a Palestinian host family means that you have to adapt to the rules of the house. This does not mean restricting your freedom but rather it means respecting being with a family that host you and who treat you as one of them.
For example, for a girl is not acceptable to come back to the house late when the family have specified a time that they would like you to be back by. Keeping your host family informed is also a very important issue in order that they know where are you going so as to not worry about you, especially if you are returning late. In addition, do not invite any other person to visit you at before telling your host family and seeking their permission.
Prepare for many invitations
Getting invitations to attend weddings, birthday celebrations or other family events such as trips or visiting the family’s relatives are very common events. So get ready to be invited! In summary, living with a Palestinian host family is an amazing experience that you will treasure for life.
How to reach us out?
Please send an email to info@gopalestine.org. In the body of the email tell us of your interest or ask any questions you may have. Very shortly we will reply to you!
