International
Student Program
Mater Dei High School
COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A HOLISTIC, CATHOLIC
EDUCATION THAT UPLIFTS THE MIND AND
COMPLEMENTS THE SPIRIT. THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF
MATER DEI.
Parent/Student Homestay Handbook
Homestay Guide for International Students Enrolled at
Mater Dei High School
Please review this booklet to prepare yourself for your homestay experience in
America! The handbook serves to provide advice and suggestsions as to what to expect and how to prepare for your time here.
contents
Why Homestay .....................................................................................................................2
Homestay Considerations ...................................................................................................3
Life at Home ..........................................................................................................................5
A Tour of Your House and Neighborhood • Household Chores • Laundry
Bedroom • Bathrooms • Telephone & Internet • Meals • Healthcare & Medical
Emergencies
Life Outside of the Home .....................................................................................................8
Curfew • Visitors • Driving • Travel• Travel With Your Homestay or
School Group • Smoking • Alcohol & Drugs • Pocket Money • Conversation
A Word About Compromise ................................................................................................11
Mater Dei Standards of Conduct ........................................................................................12
Parent/Student Handbook • Homestay Standards of Conduct
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Homestay Handbook
Why Homestay?
We believe homestay provides the greatest opportunity for learning the English language and culture. As a
student in the homestay program, you will be treated as
a member of the family. Therefore, just like a member
of the family, you will be expected to follow household
rules and to assist with chores such as keeping your bedroom clean and tidy, and cleaning up after yourself in the
kitchen and around the house.
Your homestay experience will depend on your own attitude and friendliness. Come in with an “open mind”,
be flexible, and be ready to accept the “American” way
of life. You will meet people of all types with different
personalities and ways of doing things.
Orange County is a special place to go to school due to
its diverse population. You will find that our host families
come from many different backgrounds, which reflect
the multicultural aspect of American culture. Homestay
families reflect the great melting pot that is America.
We know that coming to a new country and living with
new people, and using a new language, can be hard, but
your attitude will make a big difference. Your host family
has invited you into their home because they are eager to learn about you and help you acclimate to
life in America. Be patient with them, just as they will be patient with you.
Being a host student can be very fun and rewarding.
It takes flexibility, time, and patience, but with a good
attitude you will learn so much from your American
family!
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International
Student Program
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Homestay Handbook
Homestay considerations
Please keep these considerations about homestays in mind as you prepare
for your new adventure in America!
Accommodations
Your homestay will provide you with:
• A private bedroom and a single or • Bedrooms include wireless access to
shared bathroom.
internet, a bed, a desk, and a closet.
• Breakfast. Most homes will usually • Utilities (except for phone). We
provide a self-serve breakfast.
recommended students to purchase
• Dinner. a pre-paid phone card or cell phone.
• Transportation to and from school.
• Facilities to do your own laundry once
a week.
DURATION
Your homestay begins on your expected arrival date as listed in
your registration packet (August 14, 2013) and ends one week
after the last day of school. Homestay is provided for the student only. Parents who wish to come for a few days to help with
your transition are more than welcome to do so; however, they
are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Do not
expect your host family to prepare a room for additional family
members.
If you make arrangements to arrive prior to August 14, Mater Dei
High School and your home stay parents are not responsible for
pick-up or housing. You must arrange for your own accommodations and transportation.
LOCATION
Mater Dei High School is a commuter school. Therefore families live all over
Orange County.
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International
Student Program
Mater Dei High School
Homestay Handbook
EVERY HOST IS DIFFRENT - JUST LIKE EVERY STUDENT
Please be aware that no host family will be the same. All families will have their own way of life. What
our hosts do have in common is that they are committed to providing a safe, caring environment for
you. Please do not compare your host family with other host families. Simply enjoy the family you are
with and embrace the lifestyle they have created in their home. Just like you have different family styles
in your own country, every host family will have a different style here. However one thing, is the same:
they have worked very hard to prepare for your arrival. Do not forget that you also have to earn their
goodwill, as they are generously opening their lives to you.
REASONABLE FEES, REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS
It is important to recognize that you are not paying for the hospitality of your host family. Your homestay fees represent a courtesy, not a payment for a service. Homestay is NOT a hotel—in fact, a homestay costs far less than a hotel. Your host parents are not expected to cater to your every wish. Students
who recognize this important aspect of homestay will get the most out of their experience.
Mater Dei works hard to ensure that you are placed in a family that best matches the needs of both
you and your host. However, it is important to remember that not all requests will be met.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Please remember that your host family does have a schedule of their own to follow and may not stop
their personal commitments to take care of your transportation needs. ALWAYS communicate to your
host family your plans and transportation needs several days in advance and to find a schedule that is
mutually convenient.
Ask your host for help using public transportation—you will want to ask how and where to buy fares
and you will want to familiarize yourself with local routes. Please take into consideration, that public
transportation in Orange County is not as affordable or accessible as it is in China.
If you choose to use public transportation, please make sure that your parents in China have given you
permission and that they communicate this to the host family.
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Homestay Handbook
LIFE AT HOME
Every host family will have their different household
rules. Your host family will have unique habits and
preferences concerning daily life in the house. This
includes when to have baths and showers (bathroom etiquette in America is different compared
to your own country), where food can or cannot
be eaten, how to do laundry, curfews, smoking (or
non-smoking) policies, limits on using home amenities and other family property, family schedules &
bedtime hours, when it is OK to have friends over,
and so on.
Please be sensitive about upholding all of these
customs.
All the rules or guidelines that apply to your family
members also apply to you—life for your homestay
family should go on as usual, with you as an equal
participant. We ask our hosts to arrange a family
meeting to go over the house rules at the beginning
of your stay.
Life-long friendships and relationships can be made if you come into the
homestay experience with an open mind! Getting to know a new family in a
new country can be dificult, but the host family hopes to help you with your
transition! All you have to do is ask.
A TOUR OF YOUR HOUSE & NEIGHBORHOOD
Please ask for a tour of your house when you first arrive. Your host should show you where everything is, with
special care to point out your bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and dining area, the laundry room, and so on.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the house, make yourself at home! But please— respect everyone’s
right to privacy and quiet. And always remember to respect and follow the household rules.
Make sure you have the chance to meet all members of your host family. It is important to remember your
host family’s names. If you are having a hard time pronouncing the name, ask them to repeat it for you. They
will be more than happy to help you. It is rude to be living in someone else’s home without knowing their
names.
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Homestay Handbook
HOUSEHOLD CHORES
LAUNDRY
Your host parents will welcome you into their
home as a member of the family. As a member
of the home, you will be expected to complete
your share of chores. For example, you will be
responsible to keep your room clean, in addition to keeping other areas of the house tidy, as
you use them. You should also be prepared to
help with meal preparation, cleaning of dishes,
and doing your own laundry.
Please check with your host at the beginning of your stay to work out a laundry
schedule. They may ask you to do your own
laundry. Please ensure that you have a full
load and are not washing a few items every
few days. Most families will request that
laundry be done only once a week.
In America, we do not separate our laundry
in to many small loads. Using the laundry
machine can become quite expensive if
used that way. It is common practice to
wait until the weekend to do laundry. Very
hot water and strong laundry detergent is
used to ensure that the clothes are clean.
Every home will have a different set of household chores. Please be vigilant in fulfilling
your portion of the chores. A family that runs
smoothly is one where all members perform
that duty.
BEDROOM
You will be provided with a single bedroom which will include a bed, a desk and chair, a lamp
for studying, a dresser or closet, and a desk and chair. Please ask your host to show you how to
use the bed and blankets if it looks different than what you are familiar with, and where to find
extra blankets if needed.
Your homestay family will discuss with you what can be put on bedroom walls and how to attach items. As a courtesy, and to conserve energy, please turn off the light before leaving your
room.
BATHROOM
Some students may have a private bathroom, while some have a shared bathroom. Regardless,
please leave the bathroom clean and dry after you use it. Your host will explain their expectations concerning the use of the bathroom- especially when and for how long.
American bathroom etiquette is different from Asian bathroom etiquette. While you may be
accustomed to taking a bath or showering and leaving the floor wet, it is not so in America.
Most Americans take short 10 minute shower and will leave the outer tub area of the bathroom dry.
If you are unsure of what the normal showering customs are, please ask your hosts.
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Homestay Handbook
MEALS
Everybody likes different foods. Part of the cultural experience of the homestay is to eat what your host family
eats, and teaching your host family what you like to eat. Please do not expect your host family to change their
diet to match what you like to eat.
Try to make your experience fun. Tell your hosts what you like to eat, and perhaps even make a meal for your
host family that is considered traditional in your home country. This is a great way for you to eat something
familiar and comforting for a change, if you are feeling homesick!
Your host family will provide you meals—but this doesn’t mean that your meals will be served to you. Sometimes your host will not be at home for every meal—and sometimes your host family will have different customs than you are used to for certain meals, like breakfast—so when you arrive, please ask where the food is
stored and how to make a simple breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Here is what you can expect in a typical Homestay regarding
meals:
Breakfast – Homestays will generally provide breakfast. Most
will be self-serve. Please ask your host where the breakfast
items are kept and how to prepare it. Some families will have
a hot breakfast; some will have a cold breakfast such as cereal,
fruit, and juice. If you prefer a hot breakfast and it is not customary for the family, please ask your family if you are able
prepare a hot breakfast on your own.
If you’re not sure what the rules are, discuss the meal with your
host when you arrive or whenever you’re unsure of what to
do—they want you to be fed and don’t want you to go to school hungry.
Lunch – Lunch will be provided for you at school from Monday through Friday. Most families in America eat
a simple lunch, such as a sandwich. Host families generally provide lunch on Weekends. If you wish to pack a
lunch on a weekday, instead of buying it at school, this is an option. However, your host family is not required
to prepare that meal. Please ask your host family to take you shopping for lunch items. It will be an expense
that you will have to cover yourself.
Dinner – Your host family will try to have a sit-down dinner as often as their weekly schedule allows. It is very
important that you communicate with your family when you will be home for dinner.
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Homestay Handbook
TELEPHONE & INTERNET
It is encouraged for students to purchase their own mobile phones and/or phone cards. Students are responsible for any
and all charges he or she uses during the time of their homestay.
Similar rules may apply to the use of the internet.
It is important that you do not spend too much time on the phone or internet late at night. While it is understandable
that late nights are the only times your family and friends in China are available to speak, please know that consistent
late night phone calls may disturb your host family.
Please note, students are advised not to use your host family’s computer.
In case of extreme emergency, dial “911” and you will be connected with an operator who will be able to send the police,
fire truck and/or ambulance. This number should be posted by the telephone and you should discuss other emergency
numbers and what to do in the event of a fire or emergency.
LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE HOME
We encourage students to participate in family activities with the host family, when
mutually convenient. Remember, living with a host family gives you a chance to
experience American culture. Keep an open mind and try different things.
If you want to go out with friends, please make sure you check with your homestay
parents for permission. We request that you give at least 2 days’ notice when you
wish to partake in an activity without the host family. If you need transportation,
please remember to ask your host family if they are available to take you. Do not
expect your host to drive you to every event.
When you do go out, please provide detailed information to your homestay families:
•Who are you going with (provide a phone number)? • Where are you going?
•When will you be gone and when will you be back?
• How will you be trans•Do you need transportation from your host parent?
ported?
Please do not ever assume your homestay family knows where you are, or remembers plans you have discussed in advance. Always review your plans with your
homestay family on the day you’re going out. Always tell your host when you will be
coming home—and always call if you’re going to be late. They will worry if you’re
not home when you’re supposed to be!
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Homestay Handbook
CURFEW
DRIVING
House rules include the hours you will be permitted to spend
outside the home, especially in the evenings. Factors determining curfews include whether it’s a school night or the
weekend, what types of activities you’re involved in, and the
ages of family members in the homestay.
Mater Dei does not allow international
students to obtain driver’s license while a
student at Mater Dei.
TRAVELING WITH HOMESTAY OR SCHOOL GROUP
TRAVELING ALONE
It’s not uncommon for American
families to spend weekends or short
holidays out of town with family or
friends. Some families spend school
vacations in other parts of the country
or abroad. Take this opportunity to
experience U.S. culture.
Mater Dei High School under no circumstance is responsible for the student during
non-school hours and when the School is
closed. It is the student’s natural parents’
responsibility to arrange for the Participant’s travel and care on School closure
dates, including during holiday recesses.
Please refer to the “School Closure Dates”
form in the Registration Packet.
SMOKING
Mater Dei is a non-smoking school. Students are not allowed to smoke at home, at school, or elsewhere.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
Under no circumstances are students participating in the homestay program
allowed to use drugs. Mater Dei High School conducts arandom drug testing program. Please be aware that at any point in time, you may be asked to
undergo a drug test.
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International
Student Program
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Homestay Handbook
POCKET MONEY
Please bring an adequate budget of pocket money for supplementary expenses such as meals out of
the home, movies, and so on. Your homestay fees do not cover the costs of leisure activity or meals
that you choose to purchase on your own outside the home.
Also, your Homestay fees do not include costs of family outings. Although your homestay family may
choose to pay for some activities, if you choose to participate in family holidays and/or travel where
costs are incurred, you should expect to assist in bearing the costs.
While theft is not common in America, it can and does happen. Please do not carry or display large
amounts of cash at any time. Displaying wealth can also lead to uncomfortable situations among your
peers.
When you arrive, for your own security and convenience, it’s a good idea to open a bank account. This
is common practice in the U.S. and is the most reliable and safe way to handle money.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Your tuition includes the cost of medical insurance. Your host family will be given a copy of your health
insurance card. If you should need a new copy, please contact the International Student Coordinator for
a copy.
CONVERSATION
You have come to study in America to become more
confident and assertive in English, so practice, practice,
practice! The best way to improve your English is to
practice!
Please also remember that if you speak Chinese in the
home, it may be seen as rude, since your host family
may not understand what you are saying. Try your best
to use English in the home.
Take this great opportunity of living
with an American family and practice
speaking English! It can be
challenging at first, but it’s worth it!
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Homestay Handbook
a word about compromise
We sincerely hope that your time spent in homestay will be rewarding and enjoyable. There may, however, be moments when you encounter difficulties. This often happens because of poor communication,
or miscommunication, or a mutual inability to compromise.
Please remember communication is key when dealing with people of different cultures. We all expect
different things and each person has his or her own perspective on things. Should a conflict or difficulty
occur, please:
1. Speak with your host family immediately. A small problem can turn into a very big one if you
do not sit down and communicate with the host family. If you have a problem, if you are unsure
about something, if you feel that your family is upset by something, talk with them about it.
Most families will be happy to talk to you and to find out what can be done to resolve the
problem.
2. If the problem cannot be resolved by speaking with your family, please call the International
Student Coordinator for assistance. We will then communicate the issue with all parties and
come together to discuss some possible solutions. Even the most persistent problems
can be resolved through onversation.
Mater dei parent/student handbook
Please refer to the Mater Dei Parent/Student Handbook for school rules and regulations. All students and
parents must sign the “Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement Page”. This was included in your
registration packet.
To see the complete handbook, please visit:
http://materdei.edliotest.com/pdf/2012-2013%20Parent%20Student%20Handbook%208-3-12.pdf.
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Homestay Handbook
Mater Dei High School
homestay standards of conduct
Lastly, please remember the standards of conduct as described in the “Homestay Application” included in the
Application Packet.
Mater Dei High School has a standard of behavior that is expected of their Homestay Students. This list is an
expectation we request of Mater Dei students.
• The student must be considerate and remember that you are staying in someone’s home, not in a hotel.
• The student will abide by the Host Family’s expectations, and house rules including phone use, showers,
laundry, smoking, drinking, curfews, visitors, and chores.
• The student will communicate openly with the Host Family especially in regards to any issues he/she
may have with any aspect of the placement.
• The student will not, under any circumstance, smoke, use illegal drugs, or drink alcohol inside or outside
of the Host Family home.
• The student will respect the social and cultural characteristics of the Host Family’s home.
• The student will respect the privacy and belongings of the Host Family’s home.
• The student will not use the Host Family’s telephone, fax, or any telecommunication device without
permission from the Host(s).
• The student will be financially responsible for any and all telephone charges he/she uses during the time
of their Homestay duration.
• The student is responsible for any damages to Host Family’s property that is made by the student.
• The student will clean his/her own room and bathroom, do his/her own laundry, and wash his/her own
dishes (unless otherwise agreed upon with host family).
• The student will keep the bathroom as tidy as possible, and clean up after use.
• The student will keep the bed room tidy and clean.
• The student will not borrow anything that belongs to the Host Family unless he/she has permission to
do so.
• When invited, the student should participate in daily home life and activities as are practical and
mutually convenient.
• The student may not bring guests to the Host Family’s home without prior permission.
• The student will not borrow money from the Host Family or lend money to it.
• The student must notify Host Family in advance, if student needs transportation to events and functions
other than daily school attendance.
• The student will give the Host Family advanced notice of future plans. Do not expect the Host Family to
be available the day of your request.
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International
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Homestay Handbook
Final Thoughts...
We hope you will enjoy your homestay as much as possible.
Wish wish you all the best and hope to see you soon!
if you are interested in attending mater dei high school and participating in the homestay program, please contact Three W International
(UCSE):
[email protected]
Rm.2007-2008, Bldg10, Wanda Plaza
No. 93 Jianguo Rd., Chaoyang Dist.
Beijing 100022 China
+86 (010) 85891011 or +86 (010) 65532701
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