General

What is included in my homestay package?

During your stay at the host’s home, you will be provided three meals daily and the host will do their best to provide one hot meal. You will also be given access to a private bedroom with internet access. Your host will also provide the necessary transportation, which may include going to the grocery stores to get necessities such as hygiene products. All other non-essential travel is not encouraged during COVID-19.

Will my host provide me a spare key to the home?

Yes, your host will provide you with an extra key. You are required to return this key to your host on your move out day. If you fail to return the keys then you will be held responsible to pay for the host's cost to change their lock and duplicate another set of keys for the entire family.

Will I have to follow house rules?

Yes, although we provide student guidelines, hosts may also have other rules that you must follow. Please speak to your host directly about any additional house rules.

How do you select host families?

ABC Education Group carefully screens its host families in order to ensure that we have the most caring and dependable hosts possible. In order to select a host family, we review the family's application and conduct phone interviews as well as background checks. You can be rest assured that our network of host families are caring and reliable.

Hosting Specifics

Can I visit my host family before I move into the homestay?

We do not allow nor recommend students to visit the host prior to move in as this may cause inconvenience since they are already screened by us. All communication must be directed to ABC Education Group until your move-in day.

Can I move to a different homestay if I am unhappy with my initial assignment?

ABC Education Group uses a very efficient matching system to match you with the best possible host based on your application preferences and availability of our hosts at the time you apply. Therefore, students are usually quite happy with their initial assignments.

In addition, given the current situation with COVID-19, it is advised to minimize travel as much as possible.

Payment

How do I pay my fees?

All payments will be made via wire transfer or direct deposit and are required prior to move-in.

Can I pay my host directly for my homestay?

No. All payments must be paid directly to ABC Education Group. ABC Education Group will not be responsible to refund any money or fees paid directly to the host.

Are the payments and emergency fund refundable IN CASE OF CANCELLATION?

Yes and no. Once you have been matched to a host family and both parties have signed the homestay agreement, the payment becomes non-refundable if you choose to cancel your homestay early. The emergency fund will be returned if it has not been used.

When and how do I get my emergency fund back if it is unused?

Your emergency fund, less any fees, is refundable within 30 days after your move out date. The funds will be returned to whatever payment method that the payer initially used to make the payment, less any applicable service fees.

COVID-19 Specifics

Is there anything specific we should be aware of as we become hosts during the COVID-19 situation?

Yes, with the complexity of COVID-19, we are requiring all students to enter a 14-day self-isolation period after you arrive at your host’s home, which means staying at home and completely avoiding contact with other people. After the 14-day self-isolation period, you are strongly advised to stay home except for essential needs.

What if I don’t like the food my hosts make?

During COVID-19 we ask for everyone’s mutual understanding and accommodation to this complex situation. Please keep an open mind and heart to trying new cuisine, and we always encourage a fun culinary exchange.