Guidelines & Suggestions for USH Hosts

• Students should be thoroughly welcomed into the home and regarded as a temporary family member.
• Provide an English speaking environment. Some students may be embarrassed by their limited ability, so let them see that you are pleased with their efforts. This is a wonderful way to encourage your student to use this time with you to improve their English. Also, family members can be helpful to the student's progress by asking questions about their progress at school and their adjustment to life in their new community.
• Hosts shall treat students with kindness, and provide a caring and safe atmosphere with respect to a student's privacy, culture, and religious beliefs.
• USH suggests holding 'weekly meetings' with your student. This provides an opportunity to improve communication and encourages the student to stay involved in social and family interaction.
• Hosts will provide students with the following basic amenities:
  • a private room that is clean and in habitable condition
  • a bed ( mattresses on the floor or chase lounges are not acceptable)
  • a desk with adequate lighting
  • closet space/dresser
  • bed linens and towels
• If there is something not covered in our Student Guidelines you may provide your own "House Rules" upon the student's arrival. Please make sure to word your rules politely as not to offend or intimidate your new student and submit them to our office.
• Breakfast is self-served, so please keep continental foods available (juice/tea, milk, cereal, fruit, bread…). Additionally, a cooked balanced meal in the evening will be provided (depending on the meal plan you offer). If you are unable to cook some evenings, please let the student know in advance and leave food for him/her to prepare.
• Students should have full use of common rooms such as family/living room as well as laundry facilities if applicable. Hosts may need to show students how to operate household appliances and inform them of what times are appropriate for their use.
• Host families are not required to but may assist and provide all necessary information and first-hand help needed during the student's stay. This may include transportation information, restaurants, places to visit, etc.
• USH reserves the right to re-locate a student due to incompatibility as stated on our host agreement. Please be aware that in some cases homestay changes may come on short notice. However, all changes will be done with consideration for all parties.
• USH will request feedback from each student to determine future suitability of the Homestay.