Homestay
General Homestay information
Short-term Homestay: A few days to 1 month
Long-term Homestay: 3 months or longer
Students can expect a private, furnished bedroom with access to a study area, shared family rooms, internet access, and interaction with their host family. They may have to share a bathroom and kitchen.
Meals may or may not be provided depending on the homestay organization.
Costs are around $650 - $1000/month depending on the homestay organization.
There may be placement fee costs in addition to the regular costs.
Distance to School: 30 ~ 60 minutes by public transportation
Homestay Application Process
Here is a general outline of the application process. Keep in mind that the whole process of finding a family can take up to 4 weeks. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
Research homestay organizations and choose the one that fits your budget and individual needs.
Complete the initial online application.
The organization will be in contact with you with follow-up information/questions.
Payment of fees (if any).
Organization will find a family (it can take 2-3 weeks).
Receive information on family.
Set a meeting day and move in!
Tips to have a positive homestay experience
Be open-minded and willing to try new things.
Have open communication and guidelines set between you (the student) & the family (host).
Contribute as a family member, not as a guest (helping out, asking politely, participating in activities, don’t be shy).
Every family is different! America is culturally diverse and not every family will be the same. There will be families with young or old children, single parent families, older folks with no kids, homes with multigenerational families, families that have immigrated to the U.S. many generations ago or some more recent. Embrace this diversity!
Remember that your host is interested in getting to know you and helping facilitate your transition to another country. They want you to have a positive experience while studying in the U.S.