International Homestay Program for Host Families FAQ
Families are made up of people from a variety of family structures. ECC welcomes all types of families to apply as hosts.
ECC recognizes that many families will go on short vacations or holidays. Please inform the student if you will be away from home for longer than a night. We encourage you to include the student in your travels, if possible. Students are responsible for their travel costs.
You may not select your student. Placements are made based on various criteria, and ECC will try to make the best fit for the student and host.
Yes. The homestay coordinator will match students who are comfortable living with pets. Please note that many international students are not accustomed to living with indoor pets.
Hosts are provided a modest stipend to cover the expense of hosting a student. Hosts choosing to participate in the program primarily for monetary benefits should not apply as these intentions run contrary to the program’s goal of providing a nurturing environment for the student. This is an opportunity for hosts to learn from international students and share their traditions and culture and contribute to global cultural awareness.
| Homestay Option | Monthly Fee (due by 5 p.m. the day after initial move-in and the first day of the month thereafter) | Security Deposit (due by 5 p.m. the day after initial move-in) | Prorated Fee (per day) | Airport Pickup Fee (due by 5 p.m. the day after initial move-in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term (30 days)* without transportation | $550 | $550 | $19.00 |
From Chicago O’Hare International Airport: $50.00 From Chicago Midway International Airport: $75.00 |
| Short-term (30 days)* with transportation | $750 | $750 | $25.00 | |
| Long-term (one semester/16 weeks) without transportation | $600 | $600 | $20.00 | |
| Long-term (one semester/16 weeks) with transportation | $800 | $800 | $27.00 | |
| There is a one-month/30-day minimum for hosting a student in a homestay. If you choose to host for the short-term (30-day) homestay option, the student will need to secure housing beyond the 30-day period (such as a local apartment or flat). Extensions of short-term homestays are not guaranteed. If your homestay student arrives for studies mid-semester (such as for the Intensive English Program) and chooses the long-term homestay option, you will host the student for the number of weeks remaining in the semester. | ||||
Problems can and do arise between host families and students from time to time. It is expected that the parties will communicate freely with each other in a reasonable attempt to work out such problems informally. If the student and host family cannot solve their problems informally, the parties agree to speak with the homestay coordinator.
Yes, as long as the home has a separate bedroom for the student.
Yes. However, you must indicate on your host application that you cannot provide transportation. If you are not near public transportation, matching you with a student may be more difficult unless the student intends to provide their own transportation.
The student is counting on you to provide a safe and secure housing experience. If you feel the student is not a good fit for your home, please get in touch with the homestay coordinator immediately.