Homestay Program for F-1 Students
Homestay is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating in the International Student Homestay Program (ISHP) is a great way to become immersed in American culture and make life-long friendships.
Application Process
- Read, complete, and sign the ISHP full-time international student application - PDF for the ECC International Student Homestay Program.
- Read and sign theISHP student information, policies and agreement - PDF for the ECC International Student Homestay Program.
- Submit a letter of introduction with a current passport-sized photograph. A digital picture is acceptable.
- Pay a one-time, non-refundable fee of $100.00 USD in the form of cash, a cashier’s check or money order payable to Elgin Community College, or international wire transfer - by peerTransfer™
- Submit your application by email to nescobar@elgin.edu, by fax to +1-847-214-7785, or by postal mail to:
- Elgin Community College
Office of International Student Services and Study Abroad
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123-7193
United States of America
The homestay application will only be processed once all above materials are received by the ECC International Office and you have been accepted into ECC as an F-1 student. You should submit your homestay application and required documentation no later than 60 days prior to your arrival in the U.S. The ECC International Student Homestay Program does not guarantee homestay placement.
FAQ
Submit your homestay application and agreement and placement at least 60 days before your arrival in the U.S.
Every homestay is required to provide Internet access, although wireless connectivity is not guaranteed.
The $100.00 USD application fee is due to ECC upon submission of the International Student Homestay Program Student Application and Homestay Agreement. Airport pickup, security deposit and first month’s homestay fee is due by 5:00 p.m. the day following your arrival. Monthly homestay fees are due the first day of each subsequent month. All fees must be paid by cash, money order, or check drawn on a US bank.
Family, friends or agents that accompany you to the U.S. or come to visit you cannot stay with you overnight in your homestay. Please arrange for any family or friends to stay at a local hotel. The homestay coordinator can provide you with a list of local hotels. You should discuss with your host family rules for family or friends to visit you at the homestay. Your host family will outline their guest policy in the homestay contract.
Please discuss vacation plans with your host family at least two weeks prior to your departure. If you are away from the home for 14 nights or less, there is no discount for vacation. If you are away for 15 days or longer your monthly fee will be reduced. For vacations longer than 30 days, approval needs to be given by the homestay coordinator.
The security deposit will be returned to you between 30 and 60 days after your departure from the homestay. The deposit amount will be reduced if any money is owed to the family or if there is any property damage.
You will have access to laundry facilities. Please discuss with your host family the arrangements for using laundry facilities.
Indicate on your application if you have any pet allergies. The homestay coordinator will make every effort to not place you in a homestay that has pets.
You may be allowed to use your host’s phone to make local calls. You will need to purchase a phone card, call collect or purchase a cell phone to make long distance or international calls.
Approximately two weeks prior to your arrival, you will receive by email the details of your assigned homestay and host family.
Contact
International Student Homestay Program
Building B, Room B105
847-214-7722
nescobar@elgin.edu