When you accept an offer of a homestay, you should understand the amount you will pay and what will be included.
COST FOR SHORT-TERM STAY: A homestay of one month or less is considered a short-term stay, and the charge will be about $30 per day with meals or about $25 per day without meals.
COST FOR LONG-TERM STAY: A homestay of more than one month is considered a long-term homestay. The homestay fee is set by individual host families. Charges vary from one host family to another.
For the full-meals option, the fee will probably be around $650 or more per month. Usually this includes:
- dinner prepared by the host and eaten with the family most evenings,
- breakfast (serve-yourself ),
- lunch. Most families provide food for students to prepare their own lunch to take with them on weekdays. Americans typically have informal lunches on weekends.
For the breakfast-only option, the fee will probably be about $525 per month.
For the flexible meals plan you will discuss with your hosts which meals will be provided.
If you require special food, such as Halal meat, the family may request that you purchase that food. You might also be expected to help prepare it.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PAYMENTS: If possible, your payments should be by personal check or bank check made payable to the host family. Your host family should not ask for cash. You should receive a receipt showing the date, the amount and the dates being paid for. Save your receipts! Your host family should not require a payment for more than one month in advance.
UTILITIES: The homestay fee covers the cost of utilities such as heat, electricity, water and high-speed internet access. Most hosts have wi-fi. You should plan to bring your own computer, but you will probably be able to use the host’s printer. You will be responsible for your own phone service and related costs.
MEDICAL & ACCIDENT INSURANCE: You are required to carry health and accident insurance. Most likely you will be purchasing insurance through your school. Or, if you will be using insurance from your own country, be sure to bring necessary policy and contact information clearly written in English.