Homestay 101TRAINING SLIDES

Your Guide to Being the Best Homestay!

Homestay 101

Created by: Ross Victory

Arrival

•Take your student on a tour of his/her new home, and show him/her all the areas they will have access to.areas they will have access to.

• If you are hosting a girl, show her how and where to dispose of sanitary napkins or tampons to save embarrassment and plumbing repairs later on.

•Be open and clear about what you expect.

•Do not make assumptions about the student’s background or that he/she will

know what needs to be done. Be clear Be clear Be clear Be clear –––– Write it out.Write it out.Write it out.Write it out.

•Outline the specifics of your family’s routine, privileges and restrictions, and chores. Some students may not have washed dishes or have done laundry.

•Do not encourage negative thinking. None of us likes to hear "I hate America,” or “I hate Middletown,” or “I hate this stupid school,” etc.

RulesThe host family establishes household rules including chores, The host family establishes household rules including chores, The host family establishes household rules including chores, The host family establishes household rules including chores, curfew hour, as well as telephone and internet use.curfew hour, as well as telephone and internet use.curfew hour, as well as telephone and internet use.curfew hour, as well as telephone and internet use. It is the responsibility of the student to follow all rules established by the host family. If the student has issues regarding the host family’s rules, he/she should discuss them with the host family. If the issues can’t be resolved between the student and the host family, either the student and/or the host family should contact their Local Coordinator for resolution.

It is extremely important to treat your student as a member of the family. All too often, the host family “feels sorry” for the student, and is afraid to be strict or discipline the student, or give them chores. Remember, the student will be with you for months, and if you treat them as a guest, the student will wear out his/her welcome very quickly. As a family, you are entitled to have household rules specific welcome very quickly. As a family, you are entitled to have household rules specific

to your home and routine. Don’t feel “badly” or “guilty” because your Don’t feel “badly” or “guilty” because your Don’t feel “badly” or “guilty” because your Don’t feel “badly” or “guilty” because your student doesn’t like the rules student doesn’t like the rules student doesn’t like the rules student doesn’t like the rules –––– be firm! be firm! be firm! be firm! Gateway recommends limiting international phone calls and internet usage to/from family/friends in their natural country to no more than one call / internet use per week during the first two or three weeks of arrival, and one or two calls per month following that along with once per week internet usage for no more than 30 minutes. Gateway recommends that host family’s change the WIFI password frequently to protect their internet in order to monitor student use.

Part-time jobs

Marijuana

AcademicsStudents must attend school every day unless they are ill. They must They must They must They must maintain a grade of "C" or higher in ALL classes at all times.maintain a grade of "C" or higher in ALL classes at all times.maintain a grade of "C" or higher in ALL classes at all times.maintain a grade of "C" or higher in ALL classes at all times. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disciplinary action.

Tutoring can be arranged. Contact the Gateway office to see how.

*The host family is not responsible for the students academic performance, however, the home environment must be conducive to studying at all times. Since our program is academic and cultural in nature, we expect our students to be diligent about their studies. Please report if the student is not adhering to this.Please report if the student is not adhering to this.

UniformsSome Gateway Students are required to wear uniforms.

You can contact the school directly for the uniform vendor.

Host Families are not required to purchase uniforms, Host Families are not required to purchase uniforms, Host Families are not required to purchase uniforms, Host Families are not required to purchase uniforms, however, they may be asked to get reimbursed for the student’s uniforms if they are abroad and time doesn’t permit.

We advise at least 3 sets of uniforms.

Transportation

OneOneOneOne ofofofof thethethethe biggestbiggestbiggestbiggest shocksshocksshocksshocks totototo internationalinternationalinternationalinternational studentsstudentsstudentsstudents whenwhenwhenwhen theytheytheythey arrivearrivearrivearrive isisisis ourourourourOneOneOneOne ofofofof thethethethe biggestbiggestbiggestbiggest shocksshocksshocksshocks totototo internationalinternationalinternationalinternational studentsstudentsstudentsstudents whenwhenwhenwhen theytheytheythey arrivearrivearrivearrive isisisis ourourourourlacklacklacklack ofofofof aaaa massmassmassmass transittransittransittransit systemsystemsystemsystem.... Our country is unique in its dependence on theprivate passenger automobile for transportation in all but the most populatedmetropolitan areas.

Per your contract, you are required to pick up and drop off the student fromschool each day and provide at least one day to help the student with errands.You should request that he/she give you a minimum of two day notice if theyneed a ride to some school-related activity or social event.

If your transportation situation changes, please let the office know ASAP.

The student should never rely on public transportation if this hasn’t beenagreed on prior to confirmation of the arrangement.

*Never charge the student for rides without consent of the office.*You can arrange a taxi in lieu of your transportation duties.

SomeSomeSomeSome positivepositivepositivepositive andandandand appropriateappropriateappropriateappropriate formsformsformsforms ofofofof affectionaffectionaffectionaffection betweenbetweenbetweenbetween hosthosthosthostparentsparentsparentsparents orororor otherotherotherother adultsadultsadultsadults andandandand studentsstudentsstudentsstudents areareareare listedlistedlistedlisted belowbelowbelowbelow::::

• Brief hugs

• Pats on the shoulder or back

• Handshakes

• “High-fives” and hand slapping

• Verbal praise

Love & Affection

• Brief touches to hands, faces, shoulders and arms

• Arms around shoulders

• Holding hands during prayer

GatewayGatewayGatewayGateway encouragesencouragesencouragesencourages lovelovelovelove andandandand affectionaffectionaffectionaffection betweenbetweenbetweenbetween ourourourour hosthosthosthost familiesfamiliesfamiliesfamiliesandandandand exchangeexchangeexchangeexchange studentsstudentsstudentsstudents.... However,However,However,However, itititit isisisis importantimportantimportantimportant totototo distinguishdistinguishdistinguishdistinguishbetweenbetweenbetweenbetween appropriateappropriateappropriateappropriate andandandand inappropriateinappropriateinappropriateinappropriate formsformsformsforms ofofofof affectionaffectionaffectionaffection.... ToToToToavoidavoidavoidavoid problems,problems,problems,problems, wewewewe recommend,recommend,recommend,recommend, nononono touchingtouchingtouchingtouching....

Medical InsuranceU. S. Department of State regulations require that every Gateway student is covered by medical and travel insurance. If your student

does not have their insurance card, request it directly from the office. You are not responsible for your student's medical expenses, his/her

natural parents are. Do not be persuaded by a doctor's office or Do not be persuaded by a doctor's office or Do not be persuaded by a doctor's office or Do not be persuaded by a doctor's office or hospital’s request for you to guarantee paymenthospital’s request for you to guarantee paymenthospital’s request for you to guarantee paymenthospital’s request for you to guarantee payment. . . . All bills should be in

student’s or natural parent’s name.

All insurance policies exclude some services. Routine physical examinations (as for sports), inoculations which the student should should should should

All insurance policies exclude some services. Routine physical examinations (as for sports), inoculations which the student should should should should have receivedhave receivedhave receivedhave received prior to coming to the United States, and dental care

are NOT covered. The student will pay out of pocket for these expenses. However, dental emergencies, such as dental treatment

related to an accident, may be covered.

Students insurance will only cover what is considered a reasonable charge for the services provided. This will vary according to what state you are residing in. Student and their natural parents will be

responsible for any amount not covered by insurance. All deductibles must be paid at time of service.

Vacations / TravelA Travel Release Form must be signed by the natural and hostparents. Contact the office for the Travel Release Form.

Students should not miss school to travel, unless the trip is sponsoredby the high school. If they will miss school time, the travel must beapproved by a school administrator.

Travel without an adult 18 or older is not allowed.

Conflict ResolutionConflict with your student often revolves around cultural differences. If you understandthe cultural differences between your student’s native country, and ours, it is easier tounderstand why the student may have more difficulty adapting to some of our rules thanwith others. However, it is the responsibility of the student to adapt to life in America,whether they agree with our rules or not – the rules are the rules.

ChartChartChartChart SourceSourceSourceSource:::: httphttphttphttp:::://www//www//www//www....chinachinachinachina----nafsanafsanafsanafsa....aiefaiefaiefaief----usausausausa....org/culture/differencesorg/culture/differencesorg/culture/differencesorg/culture/differences....htmhtmhtmhtm

CHINESE AMERICANS

Conception Of the SelfConception Of the SelfConception Of the SelfConception Of the SelfCollectivist: Higher value placed on group

cooperation and individual modesty.

Individualist: Higher value placed on self-reliance.Self-promotion is more accepted. High value placed on

"freedom" from externally imposed constraints.

Social RelationshipsSocial RelationshipsSocial RelationshipsSocial Relationships

Formal, hierarchical. People most comfortable in the presence of a hierarchy in which they know their

position and the customs/rules for behavior in the situation.

Informal, egalitarian. People most comfortable with their social equals; importance of social rankings minimized.

FriendshipFriendshipFriendshipFriendshipSmall number of close, lifelong friends who feel

deeply obligated to give each other whatever help might seem required.

Large collection of "friends" and acquaintances which changes over time and involves only limited mutual

obligations.

ObligationObligationObligationObligationRelationships with other people involve reciprocal

obligations.People avoid interdependent relationships and

situations that might entail long-term obligations.

Task vs. Relationship Task vs. Relationship Task vs. Relationship Task vs. Relationship OrientationOrientationOrientationOrientation

Relationship-oriented: Maintaining a harmonious relationship has priority over accomplishing tasks.

Task-oriented. Relationships are less important than getting the work done.

Harmony vs.Harmony vs.Harmony vs.Harmony vs."Truth""Truth""Truth""Truth"

Avoid direct confrontation, open criticism, and controversial topics. Concern maintaining harmony

and with "face."

Willing to confront directly, criticize, discuss controversial topics, press personal opinions

about what they consider "the truth.Little concern with "face."

Role of laws, rules, and Role of laws, rules, and Role of laws, rules, and Role of laws, rules, and regulationsregulationsregulationsregulations

More faith in personal relationships than in following written rules and procedures for structuring

interactions.

Written rules presumably apply to everyone and are assumed to produce fair, reasonable procedures and

decisions.

Time ConsciousnessTime ConsciousnessTime ConsciousnessTime ConsciousnessRelatively more attention to the past and to the

longer-term future.Less interested in the past; eye on near-term future.

Ascribed vs. Achieved Ascribed vs. Achieved Ascribed vs. Achieved Ascribed vs. Achieved StatusStatusStatusStatus

Traditionally, a person's status in the society was based importantly on inherited

characteristics such as age, gender, and family.This is changing.

People's status is based mainly on their own achievements, including education obtained

and level of success realized in their line of work.

Managing Culture ShockCulture shock may not happen right away. It is often weeks, andsometimes months, before it appears. It takes time to adjust to lifein America. How do you identify when culture shock appears?

• Excessive homesickness• Frequent and persistent criticism of the USA and insistence that things are better "at home"• Persistent sadness and depression• Spending a lot of time alone, usually in his/her room• Frequent feelings of tiredness and/or sleeping too much• Frequent feelings of tiredness and/or sleeping too much• Eating too much, or not at all• Weight gain or loss• Wanting to spend most of his/her time with other exchange students• Refusal to communicate• Irritability or anger without any apparent reason• Coping with loss of freedom

Host Family Monthly ReportsWe require our Local Coordinators “LCs” to meet with you, email you/ We require our Local Coordinators “LCs” to meet with you, email you/ We require our Local Coordinators “LCs” to meet with you, email you/ We require our Local Coordinators “LCs” to meet with you, email you/

text you or call you on the telephone, at least once each month to obtain a text you or call you on the telephone, at least once each month to obtain a text you or call you on the telephone, at least once each month to obtain a text you or call you on the telephone, at least once each month to obtain a written report. They will also contact the school that your student attends, as written report. They will also contact the school that your student attends, as written report. They will also contact the school that your student attends, as written report. They will also contact the school that your student attends, as well as the student. well as the student. well as the student. well as the student. The purpose for this contact is to secure feedback from the student on how he/she is doing, not only from his/her perspective, but from the perspective of the host family and school personnel. You will complete a Host Family Report each month and submit it to your LC by the 25th. The first late fee is $25, second late fee is $50, and lastly $100.

The LC will use the information obtained to file a Monthly Report to the home office. The Reports are reviewed by the home office staff, and then forwarded office. The Reports are reviewed by the home office staff, and then forwarded to our overseas partners, who in turn provide the natural parents with a report on how their child is doing.

Minor problems may be dealt with during the monthly contact phone call or meeting. Other problems may require further conversations with the involved parties, and more detailed documentation than a Monthly Report.

Changing Host FamiliesA student may not change host families unless the Gateway HomestayManager has approved the move, and completed all of the necessarydocumentation from the student, LC, current host family, and natural parents(if necessary).

IfIfIfIf difficultiesdifficultiesdifficultiesdifficulties arisearisearisearise betweenbetweenbetweenbetween thethethethe hosthosthosthost familyfamilyfamilyfamily andandandand thethethethe student,student,student,student, itititit isisisis importantimportantimportantimportant thatthatthatthatyouyouyouyou firstfirstfirstfirst attemptattemptattemptattempt totototo resolveresolveresolveresolve thethethethe problemproblemproblemproblem bybybyby speakingspeakingspeakingspeaking totototo thethethethe studentstudentstudentstudent.... ManyManyManyManystudentsstudentsstudentsstudents lacklacklacklack thethethethe abilityabilityabilityability totototo resolveresolveresolveresolve minorminorminorminor conflictsconflictsconflictsconflicts thatthatthatthat arisearisearisearise.... If this does notresolve your problem, speak with your LC, then your Homestay Manager ifnecessary.

A student may NOT, under any circumstances, make the decision to move.Decisions regarding the placement of our students are made by Gateway – weare their legal guardians while they are under our program. If you are hostinga student, and it isn’t working out for either of you, a move may be required.However, it is still handled by Gateway.

No “life changes” are allowed while the student is in the United States under the Gateway Program. This includes, but is not limited to: changing religion, getting This includes, but is not limited to: changing religion, getting This includes, but is not limited to: changing religion, getting This includes, but is not limited to: changing religion, getting married, becoming pregnant, causing a pregnancy, profound alterations of married, becoming pregnant, causing a pregnancy, profound alterations of married, becoming pregnant, causing a pregnancy, profound alterations of married, becoming pregnant, causing a pregnancy, profound alterations of appearance such as tattoos, body piercing, cosmetic surgery or dying the hair appearance such as tattoos, body piercing, cosmetic surgery or dying the hair appearance such as tattoos, body piercing, cosmetic surgery or dying the hair appearance such as tattoos, body piercing, cosmetic surgery or dying the hair an unnatural color (such as green, purple or blue). an unnatural color (such as green, purple or blue). an unnatural color (such as green, purple or blue). an unnatural color (such as green, purple or blue).

Our intention is to send theOur intention is to send theOur intention is to send theOur intention is to send the student back in the same condition that we received them. If a student is pushing for something that you believe falls within this restricted category, feel free to suggest it be added to our list.

Student “Life Changes”

What Your Student Signs before Arriving...

DepartureYou may feel awkward about talking to your student about leaving your home.

HomestayHomestayHomestayHomestay families understand that students leave for a variety of reasons: families understand that students leave for a variety of reasons: families understand that students leave for a variety of reasons: families understand that students leave for a variety of reasons:

• Going back to your country, • Moving to another city, or • Moving into an apartment to be alone or • Moving with friends.

It is important to let your student know at this point what you have enjoyed about him/her living in your home. We recommend a nice final letter and It is important to let your student know at this point what you have enjoyed about him/her living in your home. We recommend a nice final letter and family picture to take with them.

Before your student leaves, make sure he/she cancels any services,subscriptions, etc. Make sure you help your student contact the cell phone company, bank, the university and anyone else who needs to know their new address.

Also, be sure to get your student’s address in case you need to mail them something.

EmergenciesEmergenciesEmergenciesEmergencies fallfallfallfall intointointointo thethethethe categorycategorycategorycategory ofofofof medicalmedicalmedicalmedical issuesissuesissuesissues.... FirstFirstFirstFirst andandandand foremost,foremost,foremost,foremost, useuseuseuseyouryouryouryour judgmentjudgmentjudgmentjudgment.... GATEWAYGATEWAYGATEWAYGATEWAY needsneedsneedsneeds totototo bebebebe contacted,contacted,contacted,contacted, asasasas doesdoesdoesdoes thethethethe medicalmedicalmedicalmedicalinsuranceinsuranceinsuranceinsurance carrier,carrier,carrier,carrier, butbutbutbut thethethethe wellwellwellwell----beingbeingbeingbeing ofofofof thethethethe studentstudentstudentstudent comescomescomescomes firstfirstfirstfirst.... If the studentbecomes seriously ill, or injured, and requires immediate medical care, get thestudent to the emergency room! Be sure and take the student’s medicalhistory and medical release (both included in the student’s application), andbe sure that the student has their medical insurance card on them at all times.OnceOnceOnceOnce youyouyouyou areareareare atatatat thethethethe emergencyemergencyemergencyemergency room,room,room,room, telephonetelephonetelephonetelephone youryouryouryour LCLCLCLC first,first,first,first, andandandand ifififif he/shehe/shehe/shehe/she isisisisunavailable,unavailable,unavailable,unavailable, contactcontactcontactcontact thethethethe HomestayHomestayHomestayHomestay ManagerManagerManagerManager orororor GuardianshipGuardianshipGuardianshipGuardianship OfficerOfficerOfficerOfficer....

It is imperative that you keep Gateway informed of all emergency medicalprocedures and the status of the student’s health, so that we can keep the

Emergencies

procedures and the status of the student’s health, so that we can keep thenatural family advised of their child’s medical status.

*If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.be sure to teach your student your family’s emergency procedure AT THEBEGINNING of their stay.

Gateway Contact List

If you have a problem, or simply want to ask a question, your first point of contact is your LC. In all likelihood, you have already developed a relationship with this individual through the student selection and placement process. If at some point, you have a problem, and are unable to resolve it with your LC, or he/she is unavailable, your next point of contact

would be from the list below.

East Coast OfficeEast Coast OfficeEast Coast OfficeEast Coast Office

Laura Lu (Chinese speaking)Laura Lu (Chinese speaking)Laura Lu (Chinese speaking)Laura Lu (Chinese speaking)Guardianship Officer Office: 518-631-5554application1@gateway-education.com

West Coast OfficeWest Coast OfficeWest Coast OfficeWest Coast Office

JulienJulienJulienJulien Yang (Chinese speaking)Yang (Chinese speaking)Yang (Chinese speaking)Yang (Chinese speaking)Location ManagerOffice: 626-551-4491Emergency Cell: 626-319-0755julien.yang@gateway-education.com

KarenaKarenaKarenaKarena Li (Chinese speaking)Li (Chinese speaking)Li (Chinese speaking)Li (Chinese speaking)Guardianship OfficerOffice: 626-551-4212guardianship1@gateway-education.com

TiantianTiantianTiantianTiantian LiLiLiLi (Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)TiantianTiantianTiantianTiantian LiLiLiLi (Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)(Chinese speaking)Guardianship OfficerOffice: 626-788-9411Guardianship2@gateway-education.com

Ross VictoryRoss VictoryRoss VictoryRoss VictoryHomestay ManagerOffice: 626-551-4471ross@gateway-education.com

Ashley FranklinAshley FranklinAshley FranklinAshley FranklinAssistant Homestay CoordinatorOffice: 626-551-4451ashley@gateway-education.com

Jae ShinJae ShinJae ShinJae ShinMarketing ManagerOffice: 626-788-9411jae@gateway-education.com

Kristina EcholsKristina EcholsKristina EcholsKristina EcholsApplications ManagerOffice: 626-551-4481Application2@gateway-education.com

Please use the information in this handbook to correctly answer the questions below.

1. Gateway recommends that Host Families change the WIFI password to monitor the student’s internet use. TRUE FALSE

2. The host family should make sure the student always maintains an A or B average in all classes. TRUE FALSE

3. The student should pay for a taxi if the host family is not able to take him/her to school each day. TRUE FALSE

4. If the student has a medical emergency the host family should not write down their names as the guardian or financial responsibility.

Host Family Handbook Acknowledgement

down their names as the guardian or financial responsibility.

TRUE FALSE

5. Gateway requires 14 days to change or cancel a homestay arrangement.

TRUE FALSE

6. Completing a month report allows the natural parents to hear the host families opinion about their child’s academic performance and behavior.

TRUE FALSE

Signature:_____________________________________________Date:_____________________

Signature:_____________________________________________Date:_____________________