How to Arrange A Homestay For A Foreign Exchange Student

Providing a homestay for a foreign exchange student is beneficial for the student and also a rewarding experience for the host family. Host families can learn about a homestay student's culture, while providing a safe and welcoming home environment. In addition, it's also a fairly easy way for a host family to earn some extra money. A homestay for a foreign exchange student can be arranged as a short-term, medium, or long-term arrangement. The following are the steps to be followed if you're interested in becoming a host family for a homestay.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   How does your family feel about the homestay?

   Discuss the homestay with all family members to make sure everyone feels comfortable with it. Educate family members of how a homestay works and what's expected of a host family.

2. 
    
   Ask other host families.

   Ask friends or other host families for tips and advice on particular homestay programs and how to go about the application process.

3. 
    
   Research foreign exchange programs.

   Research some different homestay programs. If you live near a college or university, check and see if they have foreign exchange programs. Contact a manager or coordinator and get information about the foreign exchange program. Find out what's expected of a host family to qualify for the program.

4. 
    
   A host family will undergo a screening process.

   Review the expectations and requirements of a homestay program, before you apply to become a host family. In order to host a foreign exchange student, the host family must go through an application and screening process.

5. 
    
   Apply for a foreign exchange program.

   Apply for a homestay program. Most programs will have an online application. Apply for the program after you've already looked at other foreign exchange programs.

6. 
    
   Host families need to get a home inspection.

   Arrange for a home inspection to qualify for the homestay program. This is to make sure the homestay would be safe, beneficial and accommodating for the foreign exchange student. The host family will need to provide a bedroom with a study desk, three meals a day and laundry accommodations. Some homestay programs do not require a host family to provide food for the foreign exchange student, but for most people that probably wouldn't be an issue. More luxurious or beneficial homestay accommodations will increase the chances of the host family getting accepted to host a foreign exchange student.

7. 
    
   The host family will undergo a screening process.

   Go through a screening process to qualify for a homestay. Host families will need to allow a police background check to make sure they are suitable and safe for hosting a foreign exchange student. Homestay programs will deny applications for a host family that has any legal problems.

8. 
    
   Make specifications about the foreign exchange student.

   Specify a preferred sex, religion, age range and other demographics of the foreign exchange student. Most foreign exchange programs will allow the host family to give specifications. A program that allows the host family to choose these things makes it a comfortable living situation for everyone. Choose a foreign exchange student from your own ethnic background, so you can learn more about your heritage.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the foreign exchange student is not allergic to your pet or anything else that may be hard to avoid in your home
• Find out if they have any food allergies or other requirements
• Allow your homestay guest to have privacy in your home
• Don't speak to your homestay guest about payment arrangements - host families should deal with the foreign exchange program about those matters
• Study the culture of the foreign exchange student before they arrive

[bahr94]

on 1/28/2010 Great article, 5 stars