One of the best things about being a volunteer abroad is that you can immerse yourself in overseas communities and work alongside local people.

In many cases the experience is made even more unique by volunteers living with a host family, giving them a real opportunity to learn the lifestyle, customs and culture of local people.

Writing on Examiner.com, Courtney Lohmann says “living with a host family can be an amazing experience…What you can learn about your new family and the culture you are living in is astounding. You are able to make comparisons to home and typically the family is very interested in how the same issues/events are in your home country. The exchange of ideas and traditions is amazing.”

According to Lohmann, mealtimes are particularly fascinating: “Meals are an important part of any culture and sharing them with a new family opens your mind to new foods and traditions. You learn about how they interact and how they share their lives with one another.”

Immersing yourself in local communities is an important part of any Inspire volunteer programme, so we offer homestay accommodation wherever possible. Find out more about our volunteer projects and why you should volunteer abroad.