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Homestay → Resources for Host Families

Answers, tips and guidelines for those who are hosting—or are interested in hosting—an international student in the USA.

25 articles
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Written by Mallory Graber

Household Pets → Host Family Guidelines

Can host families have pets? Absolutely! Here's everything you need to know about hosting with pets in your household.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Instructions for Getting Your Background Check with Sterling Volunteers

How do SRS hosts submit their background checks? Here's a breakdown of the process.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Reasons to Become a Host Family

Here are just a few reasons why families all over the nation decide to host international students through StudentRoomStay
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Laundry → Guidelines for Host Families

Will I have to do my student's laundry? Here are some basic guidelines for host families regarding laundry.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Extra Responsibilities: Hosting Under-18 Students

Here's a breakdown of the additional host family requirements for international students in high school or younger.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

About SRS International Students

Who will you be hosting? How old are they? Where are they from? Find answers to commonly asked questions about our students here.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

House Rules → Tips & Guidelines for Hosts

Here are some basic house rules for host families to reference when sharing expectations with their international upon arrival.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Do Hosts Get Paid? Yes!

Yes, you will get paid for hosting an international student through StudentRoomStay. Learn more about host compensation here.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Host Application & Vetting Process

Want to become a host family for international students? Here's a quick overview of the entire host application process.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Transportation → FAQs for Hosts

Do hosts have to provide transportation? Can my student drive? Here's everything host families need to know about transportation.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Virtual Home Inspections

Will someone visit the host family's home during the application process? Here's everything you need to know about home inspections.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Legal Documentation & Paperwork

Find answers to our most common questions about your international student's legal documentation, insurance and paperwork.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

The Host Family's Role

What is the host family's role exactly? Learn more about the host family's unique and vital role in the international student experience.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Types of Host Families

Who can become a host with StudentRoomStay? We do not exclude any families who believe they can be amazing hosts.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Where Hosts Are Located in the USA

Do hosts need to live near a school? Where do we provide homestay? Here's everything you need to know.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Student Availability→ When You'll Start Hosting

You've signed up to host with us...now what? Here's the breakdown of when you can start hosting.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Accepting/Declining New Hosting Opportunities

How do we present new hosting opportunities to you? Here's a complete breakdown of the entire process.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Timelines → Short-Term vs. Long-Term Homestay Placements

How long do students stay? What are short-term hosting opportunities? Here's everything you need to know about homestay timelines.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Student Arrival Checklist

Here's a quick arrival checklist for host families to ensure all key topics are covered during your student’s first week.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Involving Your Student In Family Activities

Are you required to take your student out to dinner and on family trips? Do you have to be home? What about vacations? Find answers here.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Homestay Tips → Before, During & After Arrival

Here are some tips and guidelines for first-time host families to help you cultivate a successful homestay experience.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Homestay Tax Questions

Is your host family stipend taxable? Learn everything you need to know about taxes and hosting international students.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Your Student's Personal Finances

Will international students have their own spending money? Do hosts have to pay for everything? Find out here.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Meals & Cooking → Guidelines for Hosts

Do host families need to buy food? Do they need to cook for their student? Here's everything you need to know.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago

Airport Pick-Up → Procedures & Guidelines

Here are some airport pick-up tips and guidelines to help start your student's homestay placement on a positive note.
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Written by Mallory Graber. Updated over a week ago