Staying with an American host is one of the best ways to improve your English and become familiar with the diverse North American culture and population. Always keep in mind that you are staying in someone else's home.  It is important and respectful for you to follow the 'house rules' of your host and the guidelines outlined by ESI.

This may be your first homestay experience living with an American host. Here are guidelines, standards, and policies, outlined by ESI, for you to respect and follow:

Questions
Please contact Susan Svensson of Educational Services, Intl. (510) 436-4848 or  susan@edservintl.com should you have questions about your homestay.

English Practice
Talk as much as possible with your host. They want to interact with you and help you with your English.

Homestay Facilities
You are guaranteed your own private, furnished room.  Your host will provide you with your own key to the homestay.

Meals
Your host provides a continental breakfast and dinner. Lunch is not included. 

House Rules
Respect and follow the House Rules of your homestay.  Ask your host about their house rules and guidelines.

Respect and Tolerance
Please show respect to your host and family members for their way of life.  Be open to new ideas, customs, food, and culture. Be careful not to judge what is different.

Pets
The majority of hosts have family pets.  Please be respectful of this common custom.

Internet Access
Internet access is available in most homestays at no extra charge.  If you bring your laptop, you should also bring a wireless card. 

Laundry
Your host will provide laundry facilities.  You are responsible for doing your own laundry. 

Cleaning
Your host provides a clean room with fresh linens on your arrival day.  After that, you are responsible for keeping your room clean and cleaning up after yourself.  

Telephone
Please use a telephone card to make long distance and toll calls.  You are responsible for paying the host for any calls you make in the homestay.  Please follow your host's guidelines about telephone usage in the homestay.

Transportation
All homestays are located within walking distance of public transportation (AC Transit and/or BART).  You are responsible for your own transportation fees.

Medical
You are expected to have your own medical insurance.   You are responsible for for all your healthcare costs.  ESI recommends you give your medical insurance information to your host.

Homestay Cancellations or Early Departures
Should you need to cancel your homestay request before arrival, please inform ESI as soon as possible.

Should you need to depart from your homestay earlier than originally scheduled, you are required to give your host and ESI a 2-week cancellation notice. 

Extended Stays
If you wish to extend your stay beyond your original departure date, please inform ESI immediately.  Extended stays are granted if 1)no other student is scheduled for the homestay and 2)the host agrees to the extension.

Homestay Payments
Make your payment to Educational Services, Intl.

Damages/Lost Keys
You are responsible for paying for any damages you make to the host property and for the costs incurred if you lose your homestay key.

Grounds for Removal
You will be required to immediately leave your homestay with no refund for any of the following reasons:

	Illegal Use of Drugs and/or Alcohol
	Refusal to follow house rules of homestay
	Theft of homestay property
	Improper use of the internet (e.g. pornography, solicitation)