Host family made in Palestine: the much improved Airb´bn !: The Palestinian host family option is by far the best way to be fully immersed in the culture and learn the language fast. Although, generally speaking families will prefer hosting a girl because introducing a boy in a family environment where there may be females, is a little uncomfortable in the Arabic culture.
You will be made to feel like you are part of the family as soon as you arrive. You will be introduced to the members of the family and their friends.
Don´t be surprised if you seem to be meeting never-ending numbers of family members. The average family average size is much larger in Palestine than in Western countries. Palestinian families are extremely close-knit so they will in the same building/house or very near.
The guest is invited everywhere the family goes and much attention is given to him. Although it has to be said, it is a healthy curiosity! Palestinians have a lot of restrictions when it comes to traveling so their eyes sparkle when you talk about your foreign country which may well be one of their dreams. Paris, France is definitely high on their wish list. When asked why they say “It´s beautiful, I want to see the Eiffel Tower!”. If there is a wedding, a birth celebration, you will be asked to come and share those moments.
Most Palestinian families will have 1 or 2 members who understand a little English so you will always be able to communicate. However, you will naturally want to understand them and communicate with them so that will be a great incentive to learn Arabic and practice!
Your ticket to tasting lots of different delicious meals lies within your host family! Océane says “As soon as my host family gathered that I loved Palestinian bread, I got to go to lots of different friends and relatives to taste the different types.”
You will have a real insight into the lives of the Palestinians, you will hear stories, anecdotes which relate to their history. You will witness their way of life and culture first hand.
The cost is reduced significantly, host families are a much cheaper option than hostels/hotels.
You will make friends for life as the Palestinians are very endearing. During your stay, every member of the family will remember your name (although you will probably struggle with theirs). They will invite you to come and stay again soon and no doubt you will invite them to come to visit you to be able to extend the hospitality they gave you.
No Airbnb will give you the level of human contact that a Palestinian host family usually shows visitors. It comes very naturally to them, it is simply a way of life. There is always room for one more, “sharing is caring” they say…
