Right at Home

Description

Many neighborhood residents have opened their homes to international students who attend the English Language Program. The Homestay program allows you to experience American culture in the safety and comfort of an American home while having excellent opportunities to practice English conversation. By sharing everyday life with your family, a Homestay becomes much more than just renting a room in a home. It becomes a place where you feel right at home.

Since every home is different, every Homestay is different. Some Homestay hosts include a husband, a wife, and children, some are single parents, and some are retired Americans who enjoy sharing their homes with international students. Homestay students are expected to live with their hosts as "family members." As such, you may be invited to participate in a variety of family traditions, activities, and outings. You may also be expected to keep your bedroom clean or help with shared tasks like cleaning up after a family meal.

All Homestay hosts are chosen for their hospitality and proximity to ELP. Each family must submit an extensive application and references to the Homestay Coordinator and be interviewed in their home before they can be accepted as Homestay hosts.

Due to the popularity of the Homestay program, spaces may be limited. You should apply as early as possible for the best chance of receiving one.

Costs

A non-refundable $250.00 placement fee is due at the time of application. Applications received after the deadline should include an additional $100 late fee ($350 total).

The Homestay rate is $27.00 per night. The Homestay fee for the first full session must be paid directly to your host family on move-in day. A full session includes the period from the move-in date to the move-out date listed on page 4 of the housing application. The approximate one-month cost is $750.00 and the approximate two month cost is $1,500.00. The Homestay fee includes:  

There is and additional $30.00 per month air-conditioning
fee from May through September.

These prices are valid from Fall 1, 2009 thorough Summer 2, 2010 and are subject to change Fall 1,2010.

Application Instructions

1. Arrange for Homestay placement fee of $250.00 ($350.00 if late) to be paid by a check drawn on a US bank or an international postal money order made payable to "Right at Home Homestay." Sorry, no credit cards.
2. Send the Housing Application and Homestay placement fee to the address below.
3. Payment for the first full session is due directly to your host family on move-in day. From May through September, there is an additional $30.00/month air-conditioning fee. The full Homestay fee can be paid in traveler's checks, money order, or American cash.
4. When your application and placement fee is received, a confirmation of acceptance to Homestay will be sent within two weeks. Your Homestay family assignment will follow. If space is not available, your deposit will be returned.

Cancellations/Refunds:
Except in cases where Homestay space is not available, the
placement fee is not refundable. Once you have occupied your Homestay, there are no refunds of the first session Homestay fee.

For more information, contact:

Anne Cohen
Homestay Coordinator
E-Mail: rahhomestay@verizon.net
Phone: 1-215-382-0383
Fax: 1-215-382-5884

Send your application and payment to:

Anne Cohen
Homestay Coordinator
817 South 48th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143 USA