家庭寄宿：另一种生活

江丽

家庭寄宿主要是指留学生为了解决住宿问题，提高自己的外语水平，增进对外国文化的了解，以及更好地融入外国社会而短期或长期居住在当地人家里。

When it comes to learning abroad， you may feel uncertain and nervous. Then a supportive host family can be hugely important in making you feel comfortable in a new country and a new culture. Here are some reasons.

Imagine if you could find a warm greeting upon arrival at your chosen travel destination. Your homesickness will be cured by the quality time you spend with your host family. Sharing conversations， trying each others hobbies or enjoying a movie evening together can create bonds and friendships that last a lifetime.

While you live with a local family， you can make the most out of everyday conversations in a relaxed environment， which will encourage you to learn new words in new ways that you cant always pick up in the classroom. You will make much faster progress in your learning as youll be putting your skills to use outside the classroom as well with native speakers.

While you live with your host family， you will eat the local cuisine and get to know the true character of the local culinary （烹饪的） culture. Although each family does it differently， this will give you invaluable insights into local life. You may even learn some delicious family recipes and should also share yours.

While exploring unknown pathways can be exciting， sometimes you just have to be somewhere on time. Living with a host family will teach you how to travel like a local and navigate the London Underground like a pro （老手） and read a train schedule with so much confidence that a native speaker asks you for directions.

Daily life with your host family will teach you so much about the culture and traditions of the country you are living in. It will also teach you to embrace cultural differences. Not only will you return home with new language skills， but you will hopefully also come home with a second family abroad—a true home away from home.

Fill in the following blanks according to the text.

while作連词的常见用法

①while引导时间状语从句，意为“当……时”。

We must strike while the iron is hot. 我们必须趁热打铁。

②while引导让步状语从句，意为“虽然……”。

While he loves his students， he is strict with them. 虽然他爱他的学生们，但他对他们很严格。

③while引导条件状语从句，意为“只要”。

While there is life， there is hope. 只要有生命存在，就有一线希望。

④while作并列连词，表示对比，意为“然而”。

Some people waste food while others dont have enough. 有些人浪费粮食，然而有些人却吃不饱。