A homestay was offered by my program and seemed the easiest thing to do, so I decided to participate.

Committing to a homestay should be an informed decision on your part. It is going to require some effort and present challenges. You should figure out if you really want to make this effort.

I thought a homestay would be a good deal because everything is provided: meals, lodging, sightseeing, etc. It seemed like a real good “package” to me.

Perhaps you should take a harder look at your reasons for a homestay. Why are the hosts going to the trouble of this “package?” What is your part in the homestay?

A homestay is much cheaper than renting an apartment in Japan. Plus apartments are hard to find.

Cheap lodging is an inadequate reason for participating in a homestay. A homestay is more than a roof over your head. If a bargain is all you are looking for, look elsewhere.

I wanted to get to know some real people while in Japan and thought a homestay was a good opportunity.

This is a good motivation that can be the foundation for a successful homestay.

I thought the experience of living with a family would improve my skills in everyday language comprehension.

This is an acceptable reason for doing a homestay. However, you should be aware that some members of a host family may have the same motivation for hosting you—to improve their English.

I wanted to try to understand the family and their perspectives. I thought this would be a good way to learn about Japan.

A sincere interest in the family and their viewpoints will not only help you to learn about the country and its culture, it will smooth the way to a homestay that is successful for both you and the family.