Host Family FAQs

The Homestay Experience

For most students and athletes who choose to study in the United States, a homestay experience proves among the most rewarding they’ll ever experience. Not only does it present a unique opportunity for them to experience American lifestyle and culture while pursuing their academic aspirations, it also affords them the opportunity to improve their English language skills. It is a wonderful way for them to meet new friends from all over the world while enjoying the comfort and security of living with a local, caring family.

All participating host families must provide a room, meals, and transportation during the week. Students will require breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Athletes meal plans will vary, but typically require breakfast. Note that breakfast will usually consist of toast, cereal, muffins and other self-served, light foods that the student / athlete will typically prepare on their own. All families are also regularly evaluated by both the student / athlete and Homestay Florida.

Homestay Florida has accommodated students from China, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, and Israel – just to name a few! Homestay Florida strives to make your hosting experience a memory of a lifetime, and we look forward to making you a valued part of our extended family!

 

Your American Homestay Student / Athlete

Homestay Florida regularly works in conjunction with international student placement agencies and sports organizations to carefully select their homestay participants through a rigorous screening and orientation process. We acquire detailed personal profiles for students / athletes and prospective host families alike, and match homestay opportunities accordingly.

 

Host Family FAQs


Student FAQs

 

How can we become a host family?

Prospective host families may complete an online Host Family Profile & Registration form to get started. There are 2 available registration options, the Student Program form and the Athlete Program form. If we receive a placement opportunity and are able to match a student(s) or athlete(s) with your family profile, a homestay coordinator will contact you to arrange for an appointment at your home. Qualifying a family for homestay requires an interview, home inspection, program orientation, and criminal background check. If we are able to provide you with a placement, you must complete IRS form W-9 and ALL members in your household 18 years of age and older must complete a criminal background check prior to formal placement. Back

What are the requirements of hosting an International Student or Athlete?

For visiting students, English must be the primary language spoken in the home, which is essential for students to regularly practice their English conversation skills. For visiting athletes, spoken English in the home is ‘preferred.’ Families should provide a safe, warm and friendly environment and include students / athletes in family activities. Each student / athlete will require reliable high-speed wireless internet, their own private (student) or shared (athlete) bedroom with furnishings (desk for students), along with access to a private or shared bathroom. The host family must also provide all meals (meal plans for athletes will vary), and transportation during the week may be provided by the host family (higher stipend) or school bus (if available). Back

What is the monthly stipend amount?

Hosting an international student / athlete provides families the opportunity to gain rewarding insights into other cultures, develop memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, all while supplementing their income. The attractive stipend amount will more than cover room, board, utilities and meals and will vary depending upon student / athlete placement locations and programs. The stipend amount for any proposed homestay opportunity will be offered to you prior to your acceptance. Back

Is the income I receive taxable?

Yes, homestay income is taxable. You will be required to complete IRS tax form W-9 prior to formal student placement. Back

Is Homestay Florida available to assist us with any questions or problems?

Yes, the Homestay Florida team is available 24/7 and no question or concern is too small. We do not micromanage your parenting style and are always available to assist in resolving any misunderstanding or conflicts that may arise. Back

Are we required to provide airport transportation?

Yes. For students, we will provide you with airport arrival and departure information. Making the initial pickup special by preparing a welcome sign, bringing balloons, flowers, etc. goes a long way in creating a warm first impression and is genuinely appreciated by our students. For athletes, airport transportation may vary. Back

Should we provide the student / athlete with house rules?

Although all students / athletes in homestay formally sign off on a General Rules of Conduct Agreement prior to placement, we do encourage families to clearly and continually communicate house rules and expectations. Back

How long will the student / athlete stay with us?

Students / athletes are placed into homestay a for varying durations (weekly, camp session, monthly, semester, school year..). A homestay placement coincides with the term of a program. Back

What if we determine that hosting an international student / athlete is simply not for us once we start?

Not a problem – we always have qualified host families ready for action! Back

What if the student / athlete damages something in our home?

All students / athletes in homestay formally agree to a General Rules of Conduct Agreement prior to placement and are responsible for reimbursing their families if they cause any damage in the home. Please promptly contact Homestay Florida so that we may assist to immediately resolve. Back

Do we have to provide internet access?

Yes, students will require internet access in your home. Please keep in mind that most students participate in video-driven, online courses that require a reliable, high-speed internet service. Back

How many students / athletes can I host at the same time?

For high school placements, families may host more than one student with each having their own bedroom and a private or shared (same gender) bathroom. For camp or athlete placements, students may share a bedroom. Back

I am not a native English speaker. Can I be a host family?

Yes, you can host a student / athlete. However, English must be the primary language spoken in the home (for students), with emphasis on proper enunciation and grammar. This is essential for students to regularly practice and enhance their English conversation skills. For athletes, this is ‘preferred.’ An assessment will be determined during family interview. Back

 

Should you have any questions regarding Hosting or the Host Family Registration (Student Program)
or Host Family Registration (Athlete Program) process, please feel free to text Beth McMahon at 954.650.3668.

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