US Homestay

Frequent Asked Questions

Answers

How can we become a host family?
Please fill out an application form and return to our office. We will then contact you and set up an interview appointment. Host families are asked to submit to a background check at a cost of $10 per person. After this application process we will contact you when there is a good matching student.

What are the requirements of hosting an International Student?
Host family should be English speaking. Families should provide a safe, warm and friendly environment. Include students in family activities. Give students plenty opportunity to practice their English conversation. Provide a private room with furnishings and bathroom access with all meals provided (students can help themselves for breakfast and lunch.) Bus transportation should be within 45 minutes.

What is the stipend amount?
For year 2010 the stipend is $600/$625 per month. This covers room, board, utilities and meals.

What if there is a problem?
Please contact our office as soon as possible so we may help mediate any problems that arise.

Can we pick up our student at the airport?
Airport pick up must be arranged by USAI. USAI provides this service at an additional charge to the student. If a student or agency contacts you please have them make arrangements with our office. We may ask families to pick up students from the airport. Families will be reimbursed $30-$40 depending on the day/time. This does not apply to group programs.

Should we give the student house rules?
Yes, we encourage families to provide reasonable written house rules. This should be done during students'moving-in-period. Please provide USAI a copy to be kept on file.

What happens if the student is not a good match for our family?
The student should contact us as soon as possible and give a two week written notice to move out and we will help the student find different accommodations.

How long will the student stay with us?
It depends on the student and host family. Typically ranges from 1 month to 3 years. The average length of stay is 6 months to 1 year. Both the student and host family must enjoy living with each other. There is no guarantee how long a student will stay.

What if the student damages something in our home?
This is rare but we would mediate between student and host family to help resolve any problems.

Do we have to provide internet access?
We appreciate if you could provide internet access for student. Most students require internet access for school assignments. They also need internet access to keep in touch with their family and friends in their home country.

How many students can I host at the same time?
Families may host more than one student typically 2-3 students. However some programs and schools have maximum number of student per host family's house. For detailed information, please contact us. If you will have more than one student, please avoid hosting students of the same nationality. Also, please avoid hosting different gender student at the same time.

Is it okay to have students share a room?
NO. Each student needs their own private room. Please provide a room to each student. The only exception is for short term group programs.

I am not a native English speaker. Can I be a host family?
Yes you can however, please speak English at home when your student is around. They are coming here to learn English.

We are always here to help families and students. Please contact us anytime.