Frequently asked questions

You will be living in the home of an American host. Homestay living is not an apartment or a dorm, rather you are sharing in daily interactions and meals of the host while learning about U.S. culture! Individuals will have a furnished private bedroom in the home of a Global Immersions host. Group visitors will have either a private bedroom or share a bedroom with two beds.

The Homestay experience is the perfect way to learn about U.S. culture, day-to-day living, and to practice your English in a non-structured environment. It’s been proven that aside from English language lessons, interacting with English speaking individuals greatly improves your dialect. By working with hundreds of Boston area hosts, we are able to provide a beneficial and higher quality homestay experience for each visitor.

Hosts are no longer required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to participate and host a visitor. The majority of our hosts in the network are fully vaccinated. Hosts are required to provide the vaccination status for all members of the household regardless of age. Vaccines are strongly encouraged and visitors are required to follow MA, CDC, and local Covid-19 guidelines throughout their stay in homestay.

Vaccines are not required to participate in the Global Immersions Homestay program. Vaccines are strongly encouraged and visitors are required to follow MA, CDC, and local Covid-19 guidelines throughout their stay in homestay.

1. Complete the homestay request form(javascript:void(0)) 2. Submit application fee of $125 3. Receive confirmation and receipt from Global Immersions Homestay If you are having issues completing the online homestay request form, download and complete the Homestay Request form pdf below. Email t(info@globalimmersions.com)he completed form to request a homestay.

In order to provide professional service to you, homestay requests should be received at least two weeks plus prior to your arrival in Boston. Although we will be happy to assist you, requests submitted less than one week before your arrival require special permission from our office and an additional last minute processing fee of $50 USD.

We specialize in private bedrooms for individuals, we can offer comfortable homestays for two people in one bedroom based on our host availability. For any specific requests, please contact (mailto:info@globalimmersions.com?subject=Special Request for Homestay)our office with details.

No, Global Immersions Homestay provides homestay living for any international visitor to Boston. We welcome all international visitors 18 years and older!

Global Immersions, Inc., Boston’s leading homestay agency, has successfully matched thousands of international visitors and hosts annually since 2000. All of the Homestay coordinators are experienced and have worked with international visitors from all over the world.

For individuals the total homestay cost will be a one-time application fee of $125 per person (non-refundable), plus your homestay rate per week depending on the homestay option you choose. For example: $125 application fee and $390 per week - Standard Homestay. Visit Homestay Options (javascript:void(0))for all individual homestay rates.

You will receive an invoice for your homestay once the placement has been confirmed. Payment options include: credit card (print authorization form below and return), international wire transfer, via Paypal or direct bank deposit to any Bank of America (no personal checks will be accepted). Please contact u(mailto:info@globalimmersions.com?subject=Payment Question)s with questions.

No. Fees including the application fee and the prepayment of up to 4 weeks must be received in full by Global Immersions, Inc. before moving into the homestay. All homestay fees are paid directly to Global Immersions, Inc. throughout the duration of your stay.

Individuals can arrive to homestay on a Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to arrive prior to the weekend, please contact (mailto:info@globalimmersions.com?subject=Early Arrival Request)the office with the specific date(s) request. Extra night(s) must be approved. There is a $50 per night charge for an extra night(s) up to 4 nights. 5 nights plus equal one extra week charge.

Individuals can arrive on either Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 7:00AM - 10:00PM (EST). The arrival date must be provided on the homestay request form to arrange a homestay. If your arrival time is not set when applying, you must provide the information prior to arrival to the office and the host. It is important to provide the arrival details to make sure the host will be home to greet you. If you will arrive to your homestay earlier than 7:00AM, you must contact (mailto:info@globalimmersions.com?subject=Early morning arrival request)the office for approval. A hotel will be required and is the responsibility of the individual if the arrival to homestay is after 10:00PM.

A homestay week for payment purposes is from a Saturday or Sunday to the following Saturday. Move-out time is by noon on the Saturday. The new homestay week will begin on the Saturday at noon for payment purposes. If you are moving out later than noon, you must get approval from your host. Please make sure to discuss with your host your departure details prior to departure day for planning purposes.

The application fee of $125 must be received with the application to begin the placement process. Once the placement has been confirmed, you will receive the host profile with all of the details about the home, hosts and area.

Placements are based on host availability, preferences and location. This information is then matched with the visitor's homestay option, profile, daily destination, and other preferences. We have strong working relationships with our hosts that help us make the best match possible for both the visitor and host. The hosts will provide a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for each visitor.

Our host network represents the ethnic diversity of metropolitan Boston and includes families with young children or teenagers, couples with no children, retirees, single parents with children and single professionals.

Not necessarily. Our homestay program reflects the fabric and diversity of Boston and the United States/ The homestay host network includes "traditional" families, single parents, retired couples, retired individuals, empty nesters (husband and wife whose children have grown and left home), and single working professionals.

Yes, once you receive the host biography with all of their information, we encourage you to contact the host to begin building the relationship.

It depends on the homestay. If there are other visitors in the homestay, there will not be two visitors from the same country unless requested.

Hosts must complete an extensive acceptance process, including the completion of a host application, home inspection, and background and reference checks. They must also live within our target area, meaning they live within a certain radius of Boston's city center in safe neighborhoods.

Our number one concern is that you have a positive experience in your homestay. We recommend that you set aside your expectations and stereotypes and be open to new experiences. It is very important to keep an open mind! The US culture, customs, people, homes and cities are very different than your own. This is your opportunity to learn about American culture first hand. You will be allowed to experience day-to-day life while living with an American host.

For individuals, you are responsible for your own transportation to and from your homestay. There are taxis, buses, and the subway at the airport. If you are interested in an airport pick-up service, please contact the office for details and prices. If you are a part of a group, delivery to your homestay will be arranged for the group. After the first arrival, you are responsible for your own transportation to and from daily destination.

All visitors take public transportation from their homestays to downtown Boston or your daily destination. Public transportation includes bus, subway (T) and commuter rail services. All homestays must be located within 15 minutes walking distance of public transportation. Please note that it is common for visitors to take more than one type of public transportation.

It could be a charming Victorian or an apartment. Boston is a city filled with homes of all different sizes and shapes. We discourage visitors from comparing their homes because each on is different and offers its own amenities.

Choosing to live in a homestay is a wonderful way to experience Boston without spending all of your budget on housing and food. It is a unique opportunity to live and experience American life! Our hosts open their homes and lives to you, and they should be treated with respect and honesty. Our homestays are not commercial establishments with maid services and cooks. Our homestays are homes offered by open-minded and caring people, willing to share in a cultural exchange.

You will be responsible for your own laundry and keeping your bedroom tidy. In the US, all members of the family are usually expected to clean up after themselves. Although you will not be expected to clean the house, please be aware that domestic help and maids, etc. are very expensive and therefore not common in the US. Please be considerate and clean up after yourself!

If you have a dietary restriction, please make sure to let us know in your application. Some dietary restrictions are easier to place than others. With this in mind, we suggest you chose the Standard or Executive B and B option. With this, you would get breakfast and then be allowed to cook whatever you would like in your host's kitchen. If you have any other questions regarding dietary needs, please contact us.

We suggest that you bring clothes that you can layer. In the winter, we suggest that you bring warm clothes; a heavy down coat or woolen coat, hat, gloves, wool sweaters and socks, boots for the snow (yes, we have snow!), appropriate rain coat and umbrella, long shirts and pants. Toiletries are your responsibility. Linens (sheets) and towels are provided by the host.

All homestay options include a self-served continental breakfast (juice, cereal, toast, coffee/tea). This means that you are responsible for making your own breakfast in the morning and cleaning up your own breakfast dishes. If you have dinner included in your homestay option, your evening meal will be prepared by, and shared with, the host.

Yes, internet access and wifi is guaranteed for all homestay options. You will need to speak with your host about their wifi password and how to use for your computer or phone.

Boston has four distinct seasons. Weather is fairly unpredictable and can range from 0°F in the winter and up to over a 90°F in the summer. Please check the local weather forcast in order to know what clothes to pack and wear.

No. All homes are located within walking distance of public transportation. Boston is a commuter city and a typical commute with public transportation is average 60 minutes. Commute times vary depending on the location and train/subway. In fact, it is often easier to travel with public transportation than with a car due to Boston’s traffic. Rest assured, all homestays are within walking distance of Boston’s extensive public transportation system. You will be able to get around with ease! Visit www.mbta.com for more information about Boston’s public transportation system.

The legal age to purchase and use alcohol or tobacco is 21. Drinking and smoking guidelines are at the discretion of each host for those visitors 21+ living in their home. It is very important to that each visitor understands what is and is not allowed in the homestay regarding drinking and all forms of legal smoking with the exception of marijuana.

Make sure to read the tips provided by Global Immersions, Inc. and the house guidelines upon arrival in the Welcome Packet. We strongly suggest you discuss any question or issue with your host first to make sure there is not a misunderstanding. Most issues can usually be resolved directly with your homestay host. If you still have questions or issues regarding your homestay, please email (mailto:info@globalimmersions.com?subject=Homestay Question)or call the office with specifics to resolve the matter. If you have an issue and do not communicate it to us or your group leader when it occurs, we cannot be held responsible and will not issue refunds based on untimely communications. We try our best to resolve all issues with all parties.