Hippo Exchange Club Singapore is formed in 1999 with the objectives of forming international friendships, gaining international exposure, cultural exchange, imparting family values and learning new languages.

Since year 2000, HEC Singapore has organised and facilitated several outbound homestay programmes to Japan and Korea; and hosted a number of guests from Japan, with the aim of achieving the Club's objectives.

So what is Homestay?

Homestay gives you a better understanding of the way of life in a foreign country.

If you are a tourist on a package tour or even free & easy tour, you may not really interact with the locals as much as during a homestay. Most of the time, you will only interact with people as you visit places of attractions, eateries, shops etc. and hardly the locals.

In a homestay, you are practically living within the compounds of the locals and hence be able to see what the locals do from dawn to dusk. You may be surprised at the differences between your host and yourself even in terms of daily routines.

It allows you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of a country's culture.

From the conversations and sharing sessions, and even just by observation, you can really find out a lot about your host's culture, beliefs and habits. Such communication and discussions will minimise any potential misunderstandings between the host and the guest.

Homestay is about being part of the family.

When you participate in a homestay, you are like a new member of the family. Your host family will try their best to make sure that you are well taken care of to the best of their ability. Be true to your family members and try to be tolerant of the cultural differences. If there are really issues that you feel uncomfortable, you can raise them up to your host family in a polite manner, they will understand.

You are also a goodwill ambassador.

Remember, you are a participant from Singapore and hence, your host family will see you as a representation of Singaporeans. Therefore, it is important to be a goodwill ambassador so that you will leave behind a good impression.

Tell them about Singapore as well, because they are just as curious about where you come from and your way of life. Keep in touch with them, extend invitation to them to come to Singapore. Let them know that you want to maintain a lifelong friendship with them and not just for 2 weeks.

Homestay is not about cheap tour package and accommodation!

Do not take your host family for granted and treat your host place as a hotel. Try to get involve in their activities as far as possible. If your host families are keen Hippo Family Club members, you will be invited to many of the Hippo meetings and activities. Take them as a good learning experience, join in the fun. If you have other plans, try to communicate and discuss your schedule with your host family so as to avoid any misunderstandings or unhappiness.