Students and Guests Q/A?
It is an agreement between a Host Family and student/guest when the Host Family offers a furnished room in their home while the student/guest will be studying/working to do a internship or to relocate from another city or country. 2. Will student/guest learn the language/culture at a faster pace when he stays with a Host Family? Yes, they are forced to speak the language and live the new lifestyle all the time, they don't have an opportunity to speak their own language. 3. What is the minimum age to apply? In most countries the minimum age is aprox. 18 years old. 4. What is the minimum stay? The minimum stay is at least 2 weeks. 5. Will I have furnished room? Yes, you will have a room with a bed, bed linens, desk with chair, dresser/closet. 6. Are utilities included? Yes, you don't need pay anything extra. 7. Is internet access included? Host families usually have wireless internet. You will need to have your own computer or laptop with a wireless connection. 8. Will I have my own bathroom? You can reguest this option. Please note that bathroom supplies are not included, like shampoo, tooth paste, soap, towels, brush, shaving gel and so on. 9. Does homestay include transportation? Some host can offer you free or paid rides, but mostly you have to use the public transportation. After arrival host family will explain how to get around the city. 10. Will there be any other students at the same homestay? Some host families host more than 1 student. Ask if the host family has a student at this time. 11. When I request meals, does the host family cook for me all the time? You will be expected in most cases to prepare your own breakfast. They offer you family cooked meals for lunch or dinner. 12. Can I cook by myself ? Yes, most host families will allow you to cook your own food. The host families will show you how to use and where to look for kitchen equipment and utensils. 13. Do I have to accept homestay or request another option? There are many different options of homestay to choose from. 14. Will I receive a key to the house? Yes, you will. Please be careful, you have to be very responsible with it. If you wish to invite a friend, school mate to the house, please ask your host family if that would be ok. 15. Can I watch TV? If you want to have your own TV please request this with your application, Otherwise you can watch TV at suitable hours. TV is usually shared in a host living room. 16. Can I use the host family telephone? You may make local phone calls. For long distance calls you have to use a calling card or you can discuss with the host family if you can use their phone. We suggest to consider your own prepaid cellphone, it would be more convenient for you. 17. May I use the host family computer? It really depends on the host family. We suggest to bring own laptop. 18. May I smoke in the house? No. Most host families will not allow to smoke in their house, some do not like smell, or it may cause them an allergic reaction. Most host families will ask you to smoke outside the home in a specific area using an ashtray. 19. Can I do laundry? Yes, the host families will show you where the laundry facilities are and how to operate the washing machine. 20. Will I be able to go sightseeing with my host family? Yes. Please note that your entertainment tickets are paid by you. 21. Do I have to come home at a certain time? No, however it is recommended, that you tell your host family if you plan on missing dinner or returning to the house after midnight. Host families usually worry about their guests and students. Keep them informed! 22. Can I be picked up at the airport? There is an extra fee for this service. You can arrange that with the host to pick you up at the airport, in this case please include that request in your application and complete the flight details. You can add flight information later. 23. Do you provide airport drop off? No, please arrange your ride to the airport. Please ask your host family in advance, they might assist you. 24. What about House rules? Each host family has their own house rules. These rules may include requests by your host family to turn off the lights of your room or bathroom before you leave, or to avoid receiving phone calls after certain hours in the evening. 25. How can I get Student Health and Travel Insurance? Contact your homestay coordinator or school admission department for special group or student rates and benefits offered by insurance providers. Consider the cost of medical attention and emergency health care can be very expensive. For international guests, please consult with your own insurance broker or travel agent in your country of origin before travel. 26. Where can I get an application form and how much is the application fee? You will find the online application on this website, please ensure that it is the guest application. 27. Is the application fee refundable? Yes, only when your homestay coordinator regrets for not being able to provide you with suitable homestay due to high occupancies in the city. 28. Is there a deadline for submitting the application? No, we accept application at all times. Kindly allow a minimum of two to four weeks for best results. 29. Is it possible to bring a relative or friend as a companion to stay with me? Yes. You need to count at least one and half time of the regular homestay rate when your companion will share the same room with you. Companion arrangement must be decided upon in advance at the time of application and detailed information about the companion must be submitted on a separate on-line application. 30. How long does it take before I get to know information about my host family? It all depends on when you are arriving, your requirements, homestay availability. There is no estimated time, but it can be done fast. Please check your email on a regular bases and reply to your homestay coordinator immediately. You are always welcome to check the status of your application. 31. How much must I pay in advance to book the homestay room? You have to pay directly to the host family upon arrival and again on the 1st of each month. 32. When I request airport pick up, how do I know who will meet me at the airport? At the final stage of homestay placement, your homestay coordinator will email to you the airport pick up instructions and your host family details. 33. If I were to book a flight ticket now, which days or time are ideal to arrive at the host family home?It is best to arrive in the afternoons and evenings or during weekend. Try to avoid late night arrival if you can, but most host families will help you if you experience delays.
34. What if I experience delays from the airline or miss my flight? Please contact the host family by phone. We will provide you with their telephone numbers in advance. 35. If my homestay room is not available for one or two weeks, can I find assistance regarding finding temporary accommodation? Yes, Please ask your coordinator about possible temporary homestay or he will provide you with a list of hotels, hostel or B&B 36. What if I need additional help with registering me in language courses near to my homestay? Ask your homestay coordinator at the school you are registered with.
Go To:
http://www.homestaycentral.com/
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