Frequently Asked
Questions for Homestay Host Families
The Homestay Experience
Applying to be a
Homestay Host Family
Other
information
Answers
to Frequently Asked Host Family Questions
Housing
What is a Homestay?
A Homestay is a unique opportunity for a student to stay
with an American family while learning English at a local
school.
Do
students who stay in homestays learn English faster?
Yes.
By spending time with those who speak English, students are able to
learn the language faster.
If
I speak the same language as the visitor, should I converse with
him/her in their language?
No. Because students are here
to learn English, you should speak English in the home to help them
learn the language.
What kind of
room do I need to provide?
A private bedroom.
What items need
to be in the room?
Each visitor’s room should contain a
bed and bed linens, a desk/study area, dresser/closet, towels and a
trash can.
Does the
visitor need his/her own bathroom?
Some host families
offer the visitor their own bathroom and some offer bathroom
facilities that are shared by the family.
Do I
need to provide meals for the visitor?
Yes. The host
family will provide breakfast in a “serve yourself” style. Dinner is
provided each night with the host family.
Do I need to buy
special food?
No. You should continue to cook the same
food you normally would when you have any other guest in your
home.
Is
the visitor permitted to make their own food?
Yes, with
your permission.
Can I
host more than one visitor at one time?
Yes, if you can
provide a private bedroom for each visitor.
Do
I need to provide a house key to the visitor?
Yes.
Can the
visitor watch television/movies etc?
Yes.
Should
I allow the visitor to use the family’s telephone?
The
visitor may make local telephone calls from the Homestay. All long
distance calls must be made using a calling card.
Should
I allow the student to use the family computer?
Yes, but
only with your permission. Please make sure the visitor uses a local
access number when they log on to the internet to avoid long
distance charges.
Can the visitor
smoke in the home?
Yes, but only with your permission.
Some host families will ask that visitors to smoke outside the
house.
Can
the visitor do his/her laundry in the home?
Yes. The host
family should show the visitor where the laundry facilities are.
Should
I take the visitor shopping/ out to restaurants?
Yes if
they would like to go.
Will the visitor
have a curfew?
Visitors do not have a curfew. However, it
is customary that they notify the hosts if you will miss dinner or
will return to the house after 10pm.
Do
I need to be home whenever the student is home?
No.
However, the visitor will have a better experience if you spend time
with them.
Can the
visitor have guests come to the Homestay?
Yes, with your
permission.
Can
the student stay at a friend’s home during the
Homestay?
Yes. We ask the visitor to notify the host
family that they will be staying outside the Homestay for the
evening.
Applying to be a
Homestay Family
Where can I get
an application form?
Click
here for our online Host Family Application.
Is
there a deadline for submitting the application
form?
No.
Once
an application is completed, how soon will I receive a
visitor?
We will be visiting your home to view the room
you will be offering to visitors. Once this visit is complete, we
will send you a visitor as soon as possible.
Other
information
What are House
Rules?
House Rules are the rules of the particular host
family with whom you are staying. These rules may include requests
to lock the doors of the home when you leave, or avoid receiving
phone calls after a certain time at night. These rules usually apply
to members of the family and guests. In general, visitors should
respect and follow the host family’s house rules.
What are
some of the local sights to see?
Click here for links to local NYC attractions.
How
will the student travel from the Homestay to the
school?
Click here for public transportation schedules and maps.
You can learn more about New York City's transportation pass called Metro Card on the MTA site.
