| COSTS
There
is a one-time placement fee of $100.00, which is due with your application.
The cost of a homestay with meals is approximately $650.00 per month.
NOTES
TO HOMESTAY FAMILIES
A homestay
can be a valuable opportunity for students to learn about the United
States. Much of this success depends on you. Keep in mind that North
American culture may differ from that of the student's country.
Allow yourself to enjoy and learn from these differences.
Please
remember students are paying guests and should not be asked to do
household chores, except to pick up after themselves and keep their
own rooms clean. In addition, when you and your student agree on
a homestay monthly charge, it is expected that the rate will not
change for the duration of that student's stay.
TO
OUR STUDENTS
Our
host families are chosen with care. Our homestay coordinator visits
all the families to ensure that you will have a good experience.
If you want a homestay placement, please call us at 303-871-3075
or email us at elc@du.edu.
There are agencies that will place you in a homestay, but the ELC
has no control over conditions and may not be able to help you if
problems arise.
ELC
homestay placements are on a "first-come first-placed"
basis, so apply early to ensure a family.
Living
with a host family offers an excellent opportunity to practice your
English and to experience North American culture first hand. Students
who live in a homestay situation enjoy sharing meals, living space
and activities with their hosts and frequently feel like "part
of the family."
If
this will be your first time visiting the United States, your family
may or may not be what you expect. We use a variety of home situations
in our homestay placements. Your host may be a traditional American
family with a mother, father and children, or you may be placed
in the home of a single parent or couple without children. No matter
what type of family you are placed with, you can be assured that
each homestay family has been carefully selected by a homestay coordinator
with a genuine interest in your successful adjustment to life in
the U.S.
You
are expected to stay in your homestay for at least one quarter (3
months). Our homestays are not to be used as a place to
stay while you look for an apartment.
HOUSING
ARRANGEMENTS
All
Homestay placements are private rooms (single occupancy) unless
otherwise requested. Most students find the company of another student
in the home to be a valuable part of their homestay experience,
as both work to learn English together. Laundry facilities should
also be provided for the student.
MEALS
The
homestay usually includes two meals per day. Although food is provided
for breakfast and dinner, you may be responsible for preparing your
own lunch. You should let your host know what types of food you
prefer for breakfast and dinner, and also notify him or her if you
are allergic to or do not eat any specific foods. Breakfast is usually
very informal and is generally not a "sit-down" meal.
It often consists of toast or muffins, cereals, coffee and/or juices.
Dinner
is typically the most important meal of the day and is eaten with
the homestay family. It is a fantastic time to practice English
with your host. If you will not be home for dinner, it is important
that you advise your host in time so that she or he may plan accordingly.
There is no refund if you are out and miss a meal. If you are going
to be late, please tell your homestay family.
GENERAL
If
you smoke, you may not be able to smoke in your assigned home. You
may be allowed to smoke outside of the home. Please be ready to
follow all the household rules that your host gives you (for example:
limits on phone time, bathroom and kitchen rules, etc.) Students
should purchase phone cards in order to pay for their long distance
calls. This will eliminate any problems with long distance calls
on the family's phone bill. Broadband internet, although gaining
popularity, is still rare in most U.S. homes. If you must have broadband
to run Skipe, please let us know.
It
is very common in the United States for a household to have a cat
or dog living in the home. North Americans treat their pets almost
like a member of the family. If you are not comfortable with pets,
please inform the Homestay Coordinator before moving in with the
family.
Please
note that you may be placed in a home that is not walking distance
from the ELC. This is usually not a problem, since Denver has a
bus and light rail system, which either your family or the staff
at the ELC can help you understand. We do our best to place you
on a bus line with no transfers.
For
more information or if you have any questions, please contact the
Homestay Coordinator by phone at 303-871-3075 or by email.
Homestay
Application
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