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What is a “Host Family?”
A host family may be two parents with children (from baby to adult), a single parent, a couple without children, grandparents, or a single person. All host families are screened by our partner organizations abroad and provide warm, welcoming homes for international students.
Will my family speak English?
They might, but they know that you are coming to use and improve your language skills, so they’ll encourage you to speak their language.
Are host families paid?
Families hosting homestay/study programs receive a small weekly stipend to help cover their expenses. You will find that they are very welcoming hosts who are experienced at sharing their culture and helping you learn their language and customs. Some families hosting homestay immersion programs do not receive a stipend.
When will I receive information about my host family?
You will receive host family details and contact information in the week prior to departure, possibly earlier.
Will there be teenagers in the family?
If you are going on a homestay study program, your host family might have a teen in the home, but many families don’t. However, you will have opportunities to meet other teens at the language school and on the excursions. Some families host more than one student, so you may share a homestay with a teen from a different country. For the homestay immersion programs, our partners abroad choose families who either have a teen in the home or who can introduce you to teens in the extended family or neighborhood.
What if I have a problem with my family?
Talk with the homestay coordinator of your program. They want you to have a rewarding homestay experience and will help with any problems or questions you might have.
How will I get from the airport to my host family?
You will be met at you arrival airport by the local program coordinator and taken to your host family.
Will I get any orientation materials?
Yes. Once you are accepted into the program, we will send you comprehensive orientation materials that cover everything from packing suggestions to dealing with culture shock.
What travel documents will I need?
That depends on the length of your stay, your citizenship, and other individual factors. Entry requirements change frequently, so we strongly recommend that you contact an embassy or consulate of your host country to get up-to-date information. Generally, U.S. citizens need a valid passport, but not a visa for short term stays in the countries where we offer summer programs. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary travel documents for your stay abroad.
How do I apply?
Complete the initial application form and submit it (by mail, email, fax, or online) to ANDEO with a $500 deposit. We will then send you a detailed application with questions about your family and interests, a medical statement and release form, an agreement that spells out behavior expectations, directions for writing a letter to your host family, and three reference forms. You will have about 3-4 weeks to complete this. The decision to accept you into the program will be made based on your completed application. If for any reason we cannot accept you into the program, your deposit will be refunded in full/
Who should not apply for this program?
Students who are currently experiencing excessive behavior problems, drug or alcohol abuse, eating disorders or other psychological disorders that might interfere with the program, or students who have experiences these issues in the pas year should not apply.
Are there any scholarships?
No. ANDEO is a no-profit organization and we try to keep prices as low as possible for all participants. For students who want to fundraise for their program abroad, we have compiled some ideas and suggestions.
Can I talk with students who have participated in your program?
Definitely! Please contact our office and we can provide you with the email addresses of students who have gone abroad with ANDEO.
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