Host Information
Most Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in our housing program. Below are the most frequently asked questions we receive from potential hosts. If you have a specific question that is not covered below please email the housing coordinator in the area you live.

Do I get to choose the Participant who I would like to host in my home?  IHPS Homestays selects a Participant on a Host's behalf. We base our selection on our initial home visit and the information submitted on the Host Application. We  encourage potential hosts to list  personal preferences on their Host application. Hosts have the option to turn down the opportunity to take in a Participant if they feel they will not match well with their family or lifestyle.

What if I am a single Host? IHPS has many single Hosts who participate in our housing program. We also have Hosts who are married, widowed and divorced.

How long will a Participant stay in my home?

*The minimum time period  is 4 weeks. **The maximum time period is one year.
**Kaplan students can apply for less than a 4 week period

      **Partipants have the option to check out of a homestay with a 30 days notice.

How will they get to school or their internship? Our Participants take public transportation which is why potential hosts must be located near to a bus stop or train station. Hosts can provide transportation to and from school.

Will they have medical insurance? Yes. The school in which they are accepted requires medical insurance. They will have a student medical card and if needed they can call the number listed on the back for information on where to seek medical help or Dr's in the area.

How do we screen our Participants? We rely on the Participant's housing application and the fact that US Immigration has allowed them into our country.

What if we don’t get along with the Participant? IHPS makes every effort to match a Participant with Hosts who we feel will be compatible. To help ensure a positive experience we recommend  listing specific house rules and posting them in an area where the Participant can see them. If an issue arises, the first thing a Host should do is try to work out the problem with open communication. If this does not work, please feel free to contact your local housing coordinator for support.

What schools do we work with? We work with many Colleges, Universities and ESL schools in California, New York, New Jersey and Florida.

What if I can’t provide meals? If you cannot provide meals for a Participant, you will be matched with an applicant who is requesting a "Home Share". Participants who choose this option need full use of a Host's kitchen, including pots and pans and cupboard space. Please note: About 80% of our Applicants will request a Host who can provide meals at least initially, so not providing them with meals may limit your availability to host one of our  students. Participants can change from the meal program to the no-meal program with a 30 days notice.

What does providing meals entail? Hosts must offer two meals per day. Breakfast is student prepared and dinner is with the Host at least 4 nights of the week. Food that is offered must be healthy and nutritious. If the Participant is not able to join the family meal in the evening, a Host is required to leave a dinner plate or some prepared food in the refrigerator for the Participant.

When should I expect a Participant to be placed in my home? IHPS cannot guarantee that you will be placed with a Participant. 

What do I need to provide other than a bed, pillow, linens, closet, desk and a chair? A Warm and Welcoming environment AND laundry detergent, light bulbs, toilet paper. "Home Share" hosts will also need to provide pots and pans, utensils and cupboard/refrigerator space. **Beginning 2008, it is mandatory for hosts to have internet service in their home. Most students will travel with a laptop. It is NOT mandatory for a Participant to use the Host's computer.

What if a Participant is a smoker? IHPS has a strict No-Smoking policy for all our Participants. We do not allow them to smoke in OR around your home. Participants sign a contract stating that they agree to this policy and will adhere to this rule. We also encourage hosts to not go against our IHPS policy and allow them to smoke outside of your home. If you find your guest to be smoking in or around your home, please notify your housing coordinator immediately.

Do I impose a curfew or other household rules? Household rules are up to the individual Host. We do encourage every host to list any rules they deem fit for their household.

Household Rules to think about:

• Notification left for the host if the Participant is not planning to come home in the evening.

• When or if a Participant's friend is allowed to enter the home if the host is not at home.

• The hours that a student can use the kitchen

• Quiet hours

How old are the Participants? We have Participants ranging in age from 17 years to 35 years. Most are college level age (18-24)

Do they speak English? Most have a good grasp on the English language, however some of our ESL  students are more limited.

What kind of support is offered by IHPS after the Participant arrives?  IHPS is in contact from beginning to end and available for support 24/7. After arrival, our coordinator will check in with Host and Participant to make sure all is OK.

Additional Info:

• Hosting is more than simply renting a room in your home to a student or intern

• New students or Participants who have never been to the US before are going to be more dependent on their host initially and may need more guidance and definitely more patience

• We expect Hosts to welcome our Participants and make them feel like part of a family.

• Offer an environment where they will feel comfortable conversing in English

We thank you so much for your kindness and willingness to open your heart and home to an IHPS Homestay Participant!

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