The Homestay Experience
For most athletes who choose to participate in sports activities 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 you to experience American lifestyle and culture while pursuing your athletic aspirations, it also affords you the opportunity to improve your English language skills. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends from all over the world while enjoying the comfort and security of living with a local, caring family.
Homestay Florida has accommodated athletes from China, Taiwan, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, and Israel – just to name a few! Homestay Florida strives to make your sports program experience a memory of a lifetime, and we look forward to making you a valued part of our extended family!
Your American Homestay Family
Homestay Florida carefully selects all of its families for homestay through a rigorous screening and orientation process, and all families are regularly evaluated by both the athlete and Homestay Florida. All of our participating families must provide a room, 2-3 meals per day (depending upon the athlete’s program), and transportation to and from the facility during the week and on weekends for sponsored activities (where possible).
Athlete FAQs
- When is the deadline to apply for homestay?
- How do I apply for homestay?
- How much does homestay cost?
- How does Homestay Florida choose host families?
- How will I get to my facility?
- I have pet allergies. Can I still participate in homestay?
- Will I have Internet access at host family’s house?
- Can I choose my host family?
- How do I pay the homestay fee?
- Do I have to arrange my own transportation to and from the airport?
- Is it okay if my family or friend stays at host family’s house?
- How long is my commitment to homestay?
- Is Homestay Florida available to assist me with any questions or problems?
- Can I change my host family?
- I understand that I will provide a damage deposit. How do I receive it back?
When is the deadline to apply for homestay?
Please feel free to contact us regarding your desired homestay term. Although deadlines vary among sports programs, we can typically offer placement year around. Back
How do I apply for homestay?
Please complete our Athlete Profile & Application to get started. We use your interests and preferences to best match you with an ideal host family. Back
How much does homestay cost?
Homestay fees vary and are arranged by your sponsoring organization. Back
How does Homestay Florida choose host families?
We carefully screen, vet, and train all interested host families. We also inspect and approve each home and athlete room. We acquire a detailed family profile, carefully review each application, and match athlete and host family. All families submit to a background check. Back
How will I get to my facility?
Transportation will either be provided by your host family or arranged for by your sponsoring organization. Back
I have pet allergies. Can I still participate in homestay?
Yes. There is a section on the Athlete Profile & Application Form where you any advise us of any pet allergies, as well as your preference for living with pets. Back
Will I have Internet access at host family’s house?
Yes. All host families provide the athlete with reliable, high-speed wireless internet access. Back
Can I choose my host family?
We carefully match athlete and host families based upon application profiles and face-to-face interviews (Skype, WeChat, Facetime, etc.). Back
How do I pay the homestay fee?
All fees are paid directly to Homestay Florida either by the athlete’s family or sponsoring organization. Back
Do I have to arrange my own transportation to and from the airport?
Transportation to and from the closest airport will be arranged by either Homestay Florida or your sponsoring organization at no additional charge to the athlete.
Athletes whose itinerary includes a different airport may be responsible for their own transportation. Back
Is it okay if my family or friend stays at host family’s house?
Homestay Florida would be happy to assist you in securing local accommodations for visiting family and friends. Back
How long is my commitment to homestay?
Athletes are placed into homestay and are committed for the length of the term of a program. Back
Is Homestay Florida available to assist me with any questions or problems?
Yes, the Homestay Florida team is available 24/7 and no question or concern is too small. We are also always available to assist in resolving any misunderstanding or conflicts that may arise. Back
Can I change my host family?
Intervening to resolve any misunderstanding or conflict is what Homestay Florida does best. However rare, and for the best interest of the athlete, Homestay Florida will promptly assist in securing a more suitable placement. Back
I understand that I will provide a damage deposit. How do I receive it back?
Homestay Florida will inspect your bedroom for cleanliness, as well as for any damage or excessive wear and tear after you move out of your homestay, and refund your deposit accordingly. Back
