Host 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.
   

• 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.
   

• 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.