Student Homestay – FAQ
How do I apply to IHPS student homestay program?
If you would like to apply for student housing, you may apply online, or you may download our Student Housing Pdf.
How soon in advance do I need to apply to the student homestay program? We recommend international students apply as soon as they have been accepted to their US school or work assignment. IHPS cannot guarantee student housing placements for late applicants.
Do I get to choose the Host or homestay where I will be placed? IHPS Homestays selects a Host on your behalf. We base our selection on the information submitted on your Student Application and the information from our Hosts. We encourage students to list personal preferences on their applications. Please see our article on Homestay for Students- Living with a family in the US.
What are the student housing fees that I need to pay? After we accept your Student Homestay Application, you will need to submit your application fee and housing deposit ($385 Application and Deposit $100). If you apply less than 2 weeks before arrival, you will also need to pay an additional $75 late fee.
Does IHPS offer an airport pick-up service? Yes, we do. A “meet and greet” at the airport starts at $175 one-way. LAX to Santa Barbara and NY and New Jersey airports to Brookdale College are additional.
When are the rest of my student housing fees due? The first homestay housing payment is due before check-in. After that, you can choose to pay in full or every 12 weeks.
How can I pay my student homestay fees? Credit Card, Wire transfer, PayPal or by US Check. Please request additional information on the method you prefer.
Do I need to have student insurance? IHPS recommends students have insurance while studying here in the USA. For a list of recommended international student insurance, please contact us.
When will I know my Host information? If you have applied to our homestay program well in advance, you will be notified of your student housing placement 3-4 weeks before arrival. A Homestay confirmation will be emailed from our main office in Pasadena, CA. This will include a Host Profile and contact information of your new host family.
How far will my Host’s home be from my school or internship? Most students are placed within 5 miles of campus and will require students to ride a bus to get to school. Once you get your host family confirmation, check out this site to find out how long it will take you to get to school.
If I choose the meal option initially, can I switch to the no-meal option at some point? Yes, a 30-day notice is required and your host family must agree to the switch to the no meal plan. We suggest discussing this with your host family directly.
Can I cook in the Host’s kitchen and use their pots/pans and utensil if I choose the no-meal option? Some hosts will allow light cooking, which would include microwave use and the use of their utensils and pots and pans. For safety reasons, some hosts will not allow the use of their stoves when they are not in the home. Please discuss what is allowed directly with your host family.
What if I do not like living in the homestay I am placed? IHPS Homestays will make every effort to place you in a student homestay where you will be comfortable and where you will be compatible with your host family. If needed, IHPS can replace students on a case-by-case basis.
What if I want to extend past my initial contract period? The initial contract period for all homestays is 12 weeks. All extensions must go through IHPS Homestays. Please contact us by your 8th week of housing to let us know that you would like to extend. We will then contact your host to make arrangements for your extension. A new invoice will be emailed, and you will be required to submit the additional housing fees by a certain date.
What happens if I want to check out of my Homestay before my initial contract period is finished? Will I be refunded my unused housing fees? The initial contract period for all homestays is 12 weeks. If you would like to move out of homestay at the end of your contract of 12 weeks, please provide written notice by your 8th week of housing.
How does IHPS’s billing work? Students who leave a valid credit card on file may choose the 12-week billing option. You may also pay by Zelle or wire transfer.
Is there an extra charge for using my credit card? Yes. Currently, it is a 3.7% processing fee.