Question 1

What is homestay living?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why should I live in homestay?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do I request a homestay?

Accepted Answer

1. Complete the homestay request form
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 the completed form to request a homestay.

Question 4

What is the application deadline?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can you accommodate a special request?

Accepted Answer

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 our office with details.

Question 6

Is homestay only for younger international students?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How much experience does Global Immersions have?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

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 for all individual homestay rates.

Question 9

How should I pay the homestay fee?

Accepted Answer

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 us with questions.

Question 10

May I pay the fees when I arrive?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the fee for an extra night of homestay?

Accepted Answer

Individuals can arrive to homestay on a Saturday or Sunday.  If you would like to arrive prior to the weekend, please contact 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.

Question 12

When can I move-in to homestay?

Accepted Answer

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 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.

Question 13

What day and time should I move-out of homestay?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When do I recieve my homestay placement information?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How will you choose my host?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Who are the homestay hosts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Will my host family include a mother, father and children?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Can I contact my host family before I move-in?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

Will other visitors be in my homestay?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How are hosts selected to be a part of the Global Immersions network?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

How can I be sure that I have a positive homestay experience?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

How will I get to my homestay on the first day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

How will I get to my daily destination (school, etc.) from my homestay?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

What will my home look like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

How is homestay different than a hotel or bed and breakfast?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Who does my laundry and cleans the house?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 27

What should I do if I have a dietary restriction?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

What do I need to bring to Boston?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

Who will cook my meals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

Will I have internet acess and wifi at my homestay?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 31

What is the weather like in Boston?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 32

Will I live within walking distance of downtown Boston?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 33

What is the legal drinking and smoking age in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 34

What if I have an issue with my homestay after arrival?

Accepted Answer

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 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.

Frequently asked questions