How Host Families Help Build Your Professional Network Abroad

As a student studying abroad, one of the top priorities for you should be to establish a professional network where you are, not just being a student, but a networking student. This is where living with a host family becomes advantageous.

Living with a host family is a unique arrangement that potentially shapes your personal and professional growth. As a student studying abroad, host families provide more than just a place to stay; support, cultural insights and opportunities to build important life skills come with the package, all of which are essential for your career growth in the future. If you are intentional about how you select the host family to live with, you can get the opportunity to be introduced to industry leaders and experts in your field and also gain first-hand experience, all through the relationships of your host family.

At Platuni, we make it our job to ensure you get the best living experience wherever you are, providing you with people who align with your lifestyle and goals. Hence, we have provided this guide to help you understand the benefits of a host family, how to choose the right host family in line with your networking goal and even examples of professional networks.

What is a Host family, and How Do They Work?

A host family is a household (a family, or occasionally a single individual or couple) that invites someone to stay with them for a while. Typically, this person is a student, traveller, or participant in a cultural exchange. They serve as a sort of "temporary family," providing food, assistance, and a feeling of community while the visitor is in a foreign nation or city. It is frequently used in exchange programmes (such as Au Pair or Erasmus), study abroad programmes, and occasionally even for brief visits like internships or language immersion.

How Host Families Work

Students or travellers are typically paired with host families by an organisation, school, or programme according to their preferences (food, hobbies, pets, location, etc.). Typically, the guest has their own bedroom, and meals could be provided (some families allow kitchen access, while others serve breakfast and dinner every day). The guest engages in everyday activities in the home, such as eating meals together, conversing, and occasionally going on family vacations. Like other family members, they are subject to the same house rules, such as quiet hours, housework, and curfews. This host family assists the guest in acclimating to the new surroundings, language, or culture. They can offer emotional support, local tips, and answers to questions.

Benefits of Living with a Host Family as a Networking Student

#1. Local connections through the host family:

Your host family can introduce you to their own friends, relatives or social circles. These can result in professional mentorships, volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs and internships, building your networking abroad.

#2. Professional advantage through cultural fluency:

Living in a family setting helps you absorb social standards, communication techniques, and social norms. This allows you to be better equipped at networking events, job interviews, and workplace interactions.

#3. Language confidence:

If you are unfamiliar with the country’s language, your daily interactions with your host family will help improve your confidence and fluency. This better positions you to establish connections with instructors, fellow students, and possible jobs as someone who possesses strong communication abilities.

#4. Access to community events:

Your host family can be your access to community events, local clubs and professional events. These informal spaces often lead to meeting with people outside of the walls of your school, widening your professional network abroad.

#5. Personal recommendations & references:

A well-connected host family can become your reference when you apply for internships or jobs. Their endorsement carries weight, especially when you don’t yet have a long local track record.

#6. Soft skills development:

From adapting to your new environment, to learning social norms, to having to share space with members of your host family and much more, you will definitely be able to build your soft skills, which are highly valued in the global workspace. For example, from conversations at the dinner table to navigating misunderstandings, you’ll practice effective communication. These communication skills are essential in any career.

In summary, living with a host family would not only be about comfort; you’ll also be able to open doors to local communities and networks that other international students might not access, living alone or only with other students.

Choosing a Host Family With The Aim of Networking Abroad

Choosing the right host family isn’t just about comfort but rather about compatibility, support and safety. The selection of your host family will either make or mar your stay abroad. This is why you must ensure to be thorough in your selection, so you get what you want.

To select the right host family, here are a few tips for you:

#1. Create a list of your “must-haves”

Before you begin your search, you must make sure to know what you want. Curating a list of all you would love the host family to have is essential. For example, the list can contain basic utilities you prefer they provide, values you want to see and some “nice-to-have”. In doing this, you can ensure you don’t forget to check for anything of priority.

#2. Safety & Reliability

You must ensure that you are using a trusted platform for your search. Host families should be vetted by a reputable organisation (background checks, interviews, home visits). Make sure the program offers support in case the match doesn’t work out.

#3. Check the Basics First

While conducting interviews with the host family/families you have selected, it is crucial to note the basics. For example, is the location of the home close to your school, public transport, or the city centre? Do you get a private room, or are you sharing? Are they providing food, or will you cook for yourself? What should you know about curfews, visitors, chores, and quiet hours?

#4. Match Your Lifestyle

When you have understood all of the basics and the lifestyle preferences of the family, you will now be able to verify if they match your goal. For example, do you prefer a lively household with kids/pets, or a quieter space? Do they accommodate allergies, vegetarian/halal/kosher diets, etc? When are the lights out? Answering these questions helps avoid friction in the future.

#5. Ask About Their Experience

This is another crucial piece of information you need. Asking questions like if they have hosted international students before, and how they usually support students (e.g., helping with orientation, language practice)? You could also check to see what past students say about them (check reviews or ask for references if possible). Take note, if they’re unwilling to share this, it is a huge red flag.

#6. Consider Cultural Exchange

You should also consider their culture and religious practices. Try to see if they seem open, curious, and welcoming about your culture. Are you also comfortable with their cultural or religious practices? Will they include you in family meals, outings, and conversations (not just “rent you a room”)?

#7. Communication Style

Understanding if they are good communicators can be easily ignored, but it is very important. You should consider if they are easy to talk to, if they answer questions clearly and warmly, and other effective communication pointers. This is because good communication reduces misunderstandings, which will help you feel at home.

#8. Trust Your Gut

There are times when everything seems perfect, but your gut feeling is saying otherwise; it is best to go with that feeling. Pay attention during introductions (video calls, emails, etc.) and if something feels off, like a lack of warmth, unclear rules, or discomfort, don’t ignore it.

Examples of Professional Networking

Building a professional network can be complicated if you do not know where to begin. But the interesting fact is that you can begin right where you are. Nowadays, you can build a professional network both online and in person. Common places to grow your network include:

#1. Online Platforms

There are online platforms geared towards professionals and networking, with the most common platform being LinkedIn. Others include: Facebook groups, Twitter spaces, Behance, ResearchGate, GitHub, Indeed and so on. Gone are the days when one leaves their home to grow their network; it can all be done from the comfort of your home.

#2. Networking Events

These are specifically organised for networking. This way, you are sure to find professionals at entry level to industry experts.

#3. College Alumni Clubs

College alumni clubs are one of the most effective places to build professional connections. Here, you meet with the alumni who are open to offering guidance, mentorship, and even job referrals. These people understand your educational journey and may be willing to help you grow.

#4. Conferences and Expos

Conferences and expos provide direct access to industry experts, recruiters, and thought leaders. These events are designed for learning and connection, whether through workshops, panel discussions, or networking sessions. Expos also showcase startups and established companies, giving you a chance to meet potential employers, explore innovations in your industry, and introduce yourself to peers who share your career interests.

#5. Your Classroom

Your current classroom can be more than just a space for academic learning; it can also be a powerful networking hub. The students around you are future professionals in diverse fields, and many times, the professors teaching you often have extensive industry connections. When you are willing to actively engage in class discussions, participate in group projects, and collaborate on assignments, you can build relationships that last beyond the semester and into the real world.

#6. Social Events

As a networking student, social events should not be overlooked. Professional mixers, cultural festivals, and even casual gatherings often provide unexpected chances to form meaningful connections. These settings are less intimidating than formal networking events, which allows you to engage in genuine conversations. Just ensure to always have a card in hand in case an opportunity arises.

Conclusion

Living with a host family goes beyond cultural immersion and daily support; it can also open doors to meaningful professional opportunities. By understanding what host families are and how they work, international students can see their home environment as a first step toward building a broader network abroad. Choosing the right host family with networking in mind ensures that you are surrounded by people who can introduce you to local communities, events, and professional circles. When combined with other opportunities such as alumni clubs, conferences, social events, and even the classroom, a host family becomes the foundation of a strong international network. Ultimately, your time abroad will not just be about academic growth but also about forming the professional relationships that can shape your future career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Your Professional Network While Studying Abroad

How does living with a host family help a networking student?

Living with a host family exposes you to local professionals, cultural events, and social circles, helping you build meaningful connections as a networking student.

What professional network examples can arise from host family connections?

Host families can introduce you to mentors, local professionals, internship opportunities, and community organizations, each a practical professional network example to grow your career abroad.

Can living with a host family improve communication skills?

Yes. Daily conversations, navigating misunderstandings, and learning a new language enhance effective communication, an essential skill for professional success.

How does staying with a host family build adaptability and resilience?

Adapting to new routines, solving unexpected problems, and adjusting to cultural differences builds resilience and flexibility, preparing students for dynamic work environments.

How can Platuni help students maximize host family experiences?

Platuni connects students with verified host families, cultural activities, and local networking opportunities, ensuring a balanced mix of personal growth and professional development abroad.