Q: Why do DIS hosts choose to have DIS students live with them?

A: There are many different reasons, but most likely because they

• Value the intercultural exchange
• Are interested in your culture and traditions
• Want to improve their and/or their children’s English
• Want to add something new to their everyday life

Q: How can DIS match me with a compatible host?

A: The DIS Host Team will match you based on your housing application, so please be as honest and clear in your descriptions and requests as possible. Include any personal details about yourself that you feel we should know. Everything from lifestyle choices to if you are an early bird, or if you like to play loud music in your room can be good for us to know to better match you. We receive the same kind of information and wishes from our hosts and match you accordingly. 

Also, if you have preferences of what kind of household you would like to live with, you will have the opportunity to include wishes during registration. However, making placements is a complex puzzle, and our hosts are as different as the students who join them in terms of lifestyle, interests, routines, age, and composition. Therefore, please understand that we are not able to accommodate all requests. 

Q: Will living in a Homestay limit my freedom?

A: Your local hosts will be down to earth and will treat you as an adult in their home. You are free to go out with your friends and travel. However, ‘it takes two to tango!’ If you plan to travel many weekends or go out a lot, living in a Homestay may not be the right choice for you. You should be excited to spend some evenings and weekends with your hosts as they are genuinely interested in devoting time to you and introducing you to their lives.

Q: How are hosts approved by DIS?

A: DIS vets all Homestay hosts by having DIS staff visit all interested hosts in their home. We see the apartment/house, the physical surroundings, and especially the room the student will be living in to make sure it contains everything DIS requires. We also have a conversation with the host to ensure the host’s expectations align with DIS’ standards and to discuss the host’s interests, hobbies, and wishes for the semester. Then, we use this profile (together with each student’s housing application) to match you.

Q: How do finances work when living in a Homestay?

A: All hosts receive a basic subsidy from DIS to cover your living expenses such as groceries for three meals a day, utilities, and laundry expenses. If you prefer to snack between meals, you will most likely buy your own snacks, and if you join your hosts for an excursion with an entrance fee or are out for a meal together, you should offer to pay your share of the bill. If your hosts insist on paying, accept with gratitude as this is a gift from them to you.

Q: How does the food situation work?

A: Three meals a day are provided in a Homestay. However, you are expected to make your own lunch and to prepare your own breakfast. Most households eat dinner together and consider this a prime time for discussions, laughs, and bonding. Dinnertime is a great time for you to spend with your hosts.

Q: I have dietary restrictions. Can I still sign up for a Homestay?

A: Dietary limitations may limit the number of hosts you are compatible with, so be flexible in your diet during your time abroad if possible. 

If you have dietary limitations that are not flexible (e.g. religious, health needs, and/or allergies), just let us know in your housing application. You can always reach out to us with questions. 

Q: Do Danes and Swedes speak English well?

A: Danes and Swedes generally speak English very well, though fluency varies. At least one person in your Homestay will speak English, and others will most likely be able to understand English, other than small children. Games and miming are helpful! Remember to treat language misunderstandings with a sense of humor and take the time to talk through them with your hosts. 

Q: I have read that students in some of the other housing options automatically get to know each other because they live side by side. If I choose a Homestay, won’t I risk feeling isolated from other DIS students?

When ranking Homestay as one of your preferences, you make the decision to prioritize building meaningful relationships with your hosts. This takes time, so you might hang out less with other DIS students. However, you will get something else out of your housing that your peers will not have the chance to experience: 

• In-depth conversations about culture, identity, traditions, work life and more 
• Long-lasting relationships. Many alumni and hosts visit each other in Denmark/Sweden and your home country after the semester 
• The chance to bond with other Homestay students in your area through the DIS Homestay Network 

Q: How do the Homestay Networks work?

Even before Arrival, you’ll connect with other DIS Homestay students placed close to your own Homestay, through the DIS Navigate app so you can explore the neighborhood, build friendships, and even commute together. 

• During the first weekend, DIS holds a Jump Start Event for you to meet other students and hosts in your network 
• Later on, you can either host or join a dinner with other DIS students in your network 
• Throughout the semester, students and hosts in your Homestay network can initiate other events with a social budget that DIS provides 

Q: Can I live with another DIS student in a Homestay?

A: If you are interested in sharing a Homestay with another DIS student, be sure to include this in your housing application and we will try to accommodate you. 

If you are signing up for a Homestay together with a friend, please consider whether both of you can commit to 1) Maintaining a relationship with each other and 2) Putting time and effort into getting to know your new family. With such a mindset, you have all the best conditions to create a great, shared Homestay. 

Q: What if we don’t hit it off?

A: Living with strangers can be hard at times, especially with a language barrier. If you feel a conflict with your host that you are unable to solve yourself, contact the Housing Team who are here to assist you.