What is a Homestay?
A homestay is a unique opportunity for international students to live with a local American host family. In addition to providing an affordable private room with an option of two meals per day or access to the kitchen, the program gives students a chance to experience American culture from a first-hand perspective and build cross-cultural friendships.
Foothill College works very closely with International Student Placements (ISP), a local homestay company that has placed international students in local host families since 1992.
ISP visits each host family's house and views the student's room to make sure that it is adequate. ISP is a wonderful partner known for its professionalism, caring and committed staff, and superior service to students and schools.
ISP works hard to provide a well-matched homestay in which the student will feel comfortable and secure. Host families will be selected based on the student's application form. Please be as specific as possible about your particular requests for a comfortable living environment (allergies to pets, host's religion, etc.). The more information you include about yourself and your preferences, the better! ISP will do its best to honor your requests.
Homestay is one of the housing options available to international students at Foothill. If you have never lived abroad or in the United States, or you are under 18 years old, we strongly recommend that you consider living with a host family for at least the first 3 months.
Homestay Fees
- $800/month with 2 meals per day
- $650/month without meals
- $435 ISP placement fee (non-refundable)
The monthly fee is paid directly to the host family and includes all utilities, such as water, electricity, trash, etc. (phone and Internet will be arranged separately). ISP requires a minimum time commitment of 3 months.
Airport pick-up can be arranged with ISP in advance for a $100 fee.
Application Procedure
You can apply online or by filling out a paper application.
You may enclose the ISP application with the International Student Application to Foothill College, and we will be happy to forward it to ISP. However, we encourage you to submit your application to ISP directly for faster processing.
ISP suggests that you submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before arrival. During the busy summer application process, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible (you do not need to wait to be accepted by Foothill College). If you are unsure of your arrival, submit the application first with an estimated arrival date and communicate the details later. If you apply within 21 days of your arrival, you will have to enclose an additional $50 late fee.
For more information about the homestay program, contact the ISP directly:
International Student Placements
199 First Street, Suite 305
Los Altos, CA 94022
E-mail: info@isphomestays.com
Phone: 1-650-947-8879 |
