HOST FAMILY GUIDELINES
These guidelines can serve as a document of mutual understanding between Fun Opportunity Abroad (FOA) and the participating host families.
Basic Host Family Responsibilities
Your student cannot wait to join your family and be part of your warm and welcoming home. These are the primary responsibilities we require from our host families:
Establish trust and friendship between the student and your family by offering a safe and welcoming environment.
Be understanding about cultural differences.
Exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student's well-being.
Host family MUST REPORT TO FOA if any new students, family members, or friends are staying in their home while participating in any FOA programs.
If double placement or more, students must have their own bed. Sharing a bed is prohibited. If they are minors under 18 years old, they usually are allowed to share a room.
Provide a private bedroom with the basic furnishings (bed, desk, lamp, dresser/closet, etc).
Provide meals – typically, two meals (breakfast and dinner) during weekdays and three meals on weekends/holidays. For dinner, it is better to prepare meals at home. Students are not responsible for paying for their meals if they go out. If you choose to take students out to eat, please keep meals within your budget and not have students pay for them.
Spending a minimum of a half-day with them during weekends (taking them out on activities or sightseeing whenever possible, inviting them to any family and friend activities within reason, etc.).
Please do not leave students under the age of 14 alone for ANY period. If you have to leave them alone under any given circumstances, please communicate with us beforehand so we can devise the best solution for everyone.
Students aged 14 and over may be left alone for a maximum of 3 hours, provided they are comfortable and old enough to manage independently.
Provide access to laundry if needed. Families may not charge students for laundry.
Provide WIFI access if possible.
Helpful Hints for Host Families
Your student may be extremely nervous and overwhelmed. Please give him or her a few days to adjust, settle in, and recoup from jet lag.
Do not assume that your student is unhappy or uninterested if he or she seems quiet, tired, or introverted. Most need time to rest, sleep, and adjust to a new environment after first arriving.
Students may speak English well but are not accustomed to hearing the local brand spoken. Please keep in mind that you should speak slowly and clearly and try to avoid idioms.
Students from Asian countries may need more time to adjust to speaking the English language. It is important to remember that different education systems teach the English language differently. In Asia, English is taught predominantly as a writing language; therefore, some Asian students need a few extra days or weeks to adjust to hearing and speaking the language before becoming proficient.
Writing things down can be helpful in the first few days. It is essential to give advance warnings for upcoming events, such as mealtimes, time to leave, etc.
Resist the temptation to overlook minor problems or resolve them without the assistance of our staff. It is essential to ensure that our staff is aware of any issues, big or small, as soon as they occur. Our staff is trained to help support you and your student, so please do not hesitate to contact us if any issues arise throughout your student's stay.
Do remember that your student's mental picture of America most likely probably comes from American TV shows and Hollywood movies. Some expectations can never be fulfilled, no matter what has been said at orientation. It may be a while before there is understanding and appreciation of the real America, your America!
Remember that you have your expectations of your students, and the hosting expectations can not be met. Reviewing and readjusting expectations after meeting and getting to know your student is essential.
Do not assume your student understands because you receive smiles and nods. Smiles and nodding in agreement are non-verbal ways of pleasing you, but they do not automatically imply that you have been understood.
If you do run into an issue, do not panic. Most issues are a result of miscommunication, cultural differences, or unrealistic expectations on either the part of the student or the host family. Please be open to communicating with our staff to determine the issue's root.
The happiest families are flexible enough to realize that cultural learning and personal habits will not be changed quickly. Remember that many things are not right or wrong but different. Give your student time to learn your house rules, and be patient if she or he makes a few mistakes here and there.
Vehicle Accidents Involving Students
This policy outlines the required procedures for host families when a motor vehicle accident occurs while transporting students during the homestay program. The safety of students is the program’s highest priority.
1, Immediate Safety Actions
Ensure the immediate safety of all students and individuals involved.
Call 911 for any injury, suspected injury, or unsafe traffic situation.
Move the vehicle only if safe and legally permitted.
Provide first aid only within one’s training and abilities.
2, Mandatory Notifications
Host families must notify the following as soon as possible and no later than one hour after the incident:
Local emergency services, if not already contacted.
Program emergency contact line (required for all accidents).
Local police, if required by law or if any party is injured.
3, Medical Evaluation
Any student reprting discomfort, visible injury, or emotional distress must receive a professional medical evaluation.
Host families must inform the program of any emergency medical care provided.
4, Documentation Requirements
Within 24 hours, host families must submit:
A copy of the police accident report (when available).
Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, if safely obtainable.
Insurance information for all involved drivers.
A written summary of the events from the host driver.
5, Temporary Suspension of Transportation Privileges
Host family transportation privileges will be temporarily suspended until the program:
Confirms active insurance coverage,
Reviews the police report (when available), and
Determines that transportation may safely resume.
6, Alternative Transportation Arrangements
The program will arrange temporary student transportation as needed. Host families are expected to cooperate fully with these arrangements.
7, Insurance and Liability
The host family’s personal auto insurance is the primary coverage for any accident.
The program may request updated proof of insurance, driving records, or additional documentation after the incident.
8, Communication With Parents/Guardians
All communication with students' parents or guardians regarding the incident will be handled exclusively by program staff. Host families should not contact parents directly unless instructed.
Incidents Involving Animals
This policy outlines required actions when a student is bitten or scratched by an animal—whether a host family pet, a neighborhood animal, or wildlife—during the homestay period.
1, Immediate Response
If a student is bitten or scratched:
Ensure the student moves to a safe location away from the animal.
Assess the injury. Even small bites or scratches must be taken seriously.
Wash the wound gently with soap and water only if it is safe to do so and does not delay medical evaluation.
Host families must not attempt medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
2, Mandatory Notifications
Host families must notify the following immediately and no later than 30 minutes after the incident:
Program emergency contact line
Local medical or emergency services, if the wound is bleeding, deep, painful, or from an unknown or unvaccinated animal
Local animal control, if required by local law or if the bite is from an unconfined or unidentified animal
3, Medical Evaluation Requirements
All animal bites and significant scratches require professional medical evaluation, including potential assessment for infection, tetanus, or rabies exposure.
Must inform program staff immediately, so they can transport the student to urgent care or the emergency room
4, Documentation Requirements
Within 24 hours, host families must submit:
A written incident report describing what occurred
Photos of the injury (if appropriate and with student comfort considered)
Proof of the animal’s vaccination records (rabies, etc.), if it is a household pet
Any medical documentation provided to the family or student
5, Animal Quarantine or Restrictions
Depending on the severity and circumstances, the program may require:
Temporary or permanent removal of the animal from student areas
An official quarantine (if mandated by local health authorities)
A safety inspection of the homestay environment
6, Student Support and Follow-Up
The program will:
Follow up with the student to monitor physical and emotional well-being
Communicate with the student’s parents/guardians regarding the incident and medical care
Determine whether the student should remain with the same host family
Host families must not contact international parents directly unless instructed.
7, Liability and Responsibility
Host families are responsible for ensuring that animals in the home are properly trained, secured, and vaccinated.
If a household pet bites or injures a student, the host family may be held liable under local laws and program policies.
The program may request updated vaccination records or additional safety measures before allowing continued hosting.
Sexual Harassment or Misconduct by Host Family Members
These guidelines provide clear procedures for responding to any incident of sexual harassment or misconduct involving a student and a host family member.
1, Immediate Response
If a student reports or is suspected to have experienced sexual harassment:
Ensure the student is safe and separated from the alleged perpetrator.
Do not attempt to investigate or confront the accused family member.
Treat the student’s report seriously, confidentially, and respectfully.
Provide emotional support and reassurance that the program will handle the situation.
2, Mandatory Reporting
Host families must immediately contact the program staff if an allegation is made.
All program staff must follow local laws regarding reporting of sexual harassment or abuse, including mandatory child protection authorities if applicable.
Students should be encouraged to report directly to program staff if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
3, Immediate Protective Actions
Upon receiving a report:
The student will be relocated to a safe environment, which may include a different host family, a hotel, or another secure location.
The host family member accused of harassment will have restricted contact with students pending investigation.
Program staff will coordinate with local authorities as required.
4, Investigation Procedures
All reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially.
The program will document all communications, witness statements, and actions taken.
Program staff will cooperate with law enforcement or child protection agencies as required.
5, Communication With Parents/Guardians
The program staff—not host families—will communicate with the student’s parents/guardians regarding the incident, actions taken, and follow-up procedures.
Host families must not contact parents directly regarding the allegation.
6, Consequences for Host Family Members
Any host family member found to have engaged in sexual harassment or misconduct will be immediately removed from the homestay program.
The program reserves the right to terminate hosting privileges and cooperate with law enforcement.
7, Prevention Expectations
Host families are expected to maintain professional and appropriate boundaries with all students.
Private rooms or unsupervised situations must always be conducted with respect for student safety and privacy.
Training and guidelines on appropriate behavior must be followed.
General Medical Attention
Every student enrolled in the FOA program arrives in the US with a travel medical insurance policy.
If you notice that your student is unwell, please notify us right away. We will guide you through the process.
If your student requires immediate medical attention, please also immediately communicate with us. FOA staff will take the students to a hospital if needed. It's also vital that host families are not responsible for any medical expenses incurred by the student. The student's biological parents are responsible for any medical bills acquired during the program, which is why students must avoid costly treatment - such as an emergency room visit - unless necessary. An excellent alternative to the emergency room is an in-network urgent care facility.
General Liability Issues
Every student enrolled in the FOA program arrives in the US with a travel liability insurance policy.
FOA is not responsible for any damages done by students; however, if any should occur, FOA will act as a liaison to dispute any additional cost required for a repair with the responsible party involved.
Please only keep your valuables and personal belongings in a different room where your students don’t have access to. Please DO NOT leave personal items in student room(s). If your student accidentally damages your belongings, please take a photo of the damage as proof and notify us immediately. Any liability resulting from the student's activities, such as damage or destruction of property or injury to persons, shall be the responsibility of the student, his/her biological parent(s), and legal guardian(s).
The student's personal property is his or her responsibility. Host families are not liable for any property or money lost or stolen.
Photo & Media Marketing Consent
During the homestay program, we may take photos or videos of activities, host families, and students for marketing, promotional, and educational purposes.These images may be used on our website, social media platforms, brochures, newsletters, and other marketing materials.
By participating in the homestay program, you consent to the use of such photos and videos unless they inform us otherwise. If you are not comfortable being photographed or included in promotional materials, please feel free to let us know and we will fully respect your preference.
In Conclusion
Thank you for generously offering to host with Fun Opportunity Abroad. We are grateful to you for opening your home and hearts. Host families play a vital role in the success of the FOA programs. Hopefully, these guidelines can help you create a wonderful and rewarding experience that can positively change your life. Again, our staff is here to assist you, so please do not hesitate to reach out if needed.