Enhancing Student Education and Cultural Diversity Through Airbnb Guest Interactions

Airbnb & Learning: Do They Go Together?

When traveling, it’s no secret that all you want to do is relax. That would mean no homework and no additional writing assignments. But college students don’t always have that freedom. 

Luckily, they may ask for professional help. Instead of going through those hurdles alone, they can use some writing services. Students may think, “such services can write a report for me” and save time and effort. And once you have this out of the way, you start to truly enjoy your newly found free time. 

But it doesn’t mean that the learning should stop. On the contrary, a university student learns new things even if he/she is not in school. That is where Airbnb housing comes into play.

Benefits of Hosting International Students

There are plenty of ways to combine traveling and education. Airbnb student housing is one of them. It can be beneficial and educational for both the student and the one hosting. From learning something new about the other’s country to earning some extra income and creating unforgettable memories, here are some advantages of using Airbnb.

Cross-cultural Understanding

Many college or university students that choose to use an Airbnb for their travels or exchange programs want to learn as much as possible about the culture and place where they’ll be staying. And this is the perfect way for the host to learn about theirs, too.

Airbnb, in popular culture, is not only about renting your place. Most of us don’t even realize that what is normal for us may be perceived entirely differently by others. But it gives the chance to learn and educate. 

A Fresh Perspective of the Surroundings

Is enhancing student education with Airbnb guest interactions really possible? Definitely! By taking in a student, hosts get to show them not only their culture, but also give them a first-hand experience of the day-to-day happenings in the place. And this way, students get to learn outside their classes.

Showing them around will also help the host see the area through someone else’s eyes. You’d be surprised how different a place seems when a stranger points out its beauty. 

Extra Income/Extra Knowledge

The primary goal of renting a place is always getting some extra income. When hosts put up their places on Airbnb, they primarily want to earn more money. But for students, it’s the other way around. 

By traveling and staying in an Airbnb, students get knowledge that they otherwise can’t obtain in a classroom lesson. They ask the host to point them to some museums or landmarks, show them some traditional food, music, etc.—there are plenty of ways for them to broaden their views.

Networking

It’s a small world. With the advancements in technology, you may keep in touch with friends and acquaintances from anywhere. Or you can opt-in for the old-fashioned way of writing a letter. In every case, Airbnb student housing is the perfect way to meet new people and create long-lasting relationships. 

Both travelers and hosts create connections that may bring exciting things in the future. Whether the student travels back to the same host or they recommend another friend, or even if the host plans to travel to the student’s country—there is an endless stream of possibilities. And they all entail learning something new.

Where Do Airbnb and Education Cross Paths?

Experience is the best teacher. And Airbnb hosting gives just that. It may seem unconventional, but Airbnb and education go hand in hand. In fact, this way of learning is more memorable and better for some college or university students. 

Some governments have made tries (and still are) to implement a so-called “Airbnb for Academia” plan. Namely, since several universities have underused parts, they offer those to international students and earn some extra cash. In return, the students get to learn something new about the place (just as we discussed above).

Then there is the “Airbnb for higher ed” buzz that essentially bases on Harvard University’s ALEX program. It allows employers to send their employees to additional classes in a higher education institution that has some available spots. That will lower the costs for internal training, increase the employee’s knowledge, and bring in more tuition cash for the school.

So, yes, enhancing student education with Airbnb guest interactions is possible—and may even bring extraordinary results for some.