Host Family Guidelines

Host Family Guidelines:

Welcome the foreign student(s) into my home as a member of my family.
Offer to help the student(s) with homework.
The benefits to me depend on the thought, effort and commitment I invest.
If hosts have questions regarding additional fees charged to the student, please contact us first.
Provide the student(s) with a private and furnished room including bed, desk, lamp, and dresser. (Two students may share a room for short stay programs.)
Daily conversations and listening practice are essential to the students’ English skills and I will do my best to help the student(s) by allowing time for daily interaction.
Have food for meals available each day for the student(s). Family Dinners are an expectation.
It is acceptable to invite student(s) to church services but it is not acceptable to proselytize your religion on student(s).
Familiarize the foreign student with the bus route from home to school.
Intercultural Homestays is not liable for any loss or injury incurred as a result of my hosting a foreign student.
Students are asked to report to Intercultural Homestays on a regular basis.
Waive my right to privacy under the Washington State Privacy Act in so far as Intercultural Homestays can reveal my address and telephone number for business purposes.
Intercultural Homestays reserves the right to remove a student from my home at its discretion.
Intercultural Homestays reserves the right to move a student and request a prorated refund.
The first month is considered a trial period and if either party wishes to terminate the homestay, the student’s money is to be refunded on a prorated basis.

Include student(s) in family activities.
Carry on your daily life naturally. Do not change to meet the students’ expectation. Let them adapt to you.
The language is limited, but remember they are adults and are to be treated as such.
Encourage your student(s) to compare their way of life to yours. You can become a conversation teacher in your home.
Be sure to give your student(s) a thorough explanation of how your house operates on the first day (shower, faucets, bed, water, etc.).
Please inform your student(s), upon arrival in your home, of your household policy toward smoking.
Keep in mind that the student(s) are here to study and they are “absorbed” at times.
It might be helpful if you speak a little more slowly, not more loudly, to your student(s) to facilitate understanding.
Do not automatically pay for everything unless you have made a decision to do so and your student(s) know the cost of things, e.g., movies, restaurants, etc.
If a problem arises due to the student(s) misunderstanding of your routines, tell him / her openly but tactfully what you wish them to do, e.g., make own bed.
Serve small portions of food at first since the taste may be unusual for the student(s). You can offer a second helping of food later.
The key is a healthy family life, a willing commitment and a realistic expectation.

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