If your program in Oman allows for a home stay, I would strongly recommend the experience. A home stay, in addition to giving you a sample of what daily life is like in Oman, can also serve as a way to meet new people and practice your Arabic. During my home stay, I learned how to eat with my hands properly, discovered just how spicy those green peppers on the table can be, and went out for several nights on the town with the “shabab.” While my family had a mixed east African and Omani heritage (common in Muscat) and therefore the adults spoke a Swahili/Arabic hybrid, the kids spoke fluent Arabic and the teens spoke fluent English. When it came time to study for my exams, I would sit down with the youngest son who spoke only a few words of English and conversed with him so that I could not fall back on my native tongue. In return for teaching him a few words in English, he took it upon himself to teach me the names of everyday objects that would not normally show up in a textbook. He also made sure I got my share of soccer playing time.
Having a home stay does not necessarily mean having a perfect experience, as it does require an effort on your part. It is important to be open to trying new things and to get to know the people you are living with or else you might just fall into the background. Don’t be afraid to ask questions but know that you are entering into someone else’s life, so respect their privacy. If you do this, you’ll be laughing right along with the entire family when they see the look on your face after you accidentally eat a whole chili in one bite.
