I want to take advantage of my long high school vacations and study abroad!
I’m looking for a homestay family that is willing to host high school students.
If either of these apply to you, then these five points about doing a homestay in America are for you!
Later on in this post, real life troubles that actually happened during high school student homestays will be discussed, so if you’re currently considering doing a homestay please keep reading.
Important things to check and confirm, as well as things you should bring on your homestay, will also be discussed.
Are there any host families that accept high school students?
Are there any host families that accept high school students?
In the past, we have had a wide range of students from elementary school age to seniors in their sixties.
We have also had families do homestays as a sort of summer camp experience, and if you’re interested we would be more than happy to tell you more about that as well.
The True Meaning of a Homestay
A homestay is an experience where you become a member of a host family and live together.
You can look forward to not only improving your language abilities, but also participating in a wide variety of cultural exchange experiences.
Since there are a few things you should know before going abroad, let’s talk about those first.
Since there are a few things you should know before going abroad, let’s talk about those first.
We have compiled a list of things to ensure you have a comfortable and successful homestay. Please take a look at them here:
How to ensure you have a successful homestay in America
Homestay Problems and Solutions
The following contains a list of problems that anyone could face on their homestay, regardless of age. Be sure to check them out beforehand and you should be ready for anything!
Homestay problems and solutions
High School Homestays: The Major Factors
Here we will discuss some real life problems and troubles that actual high school students have experienced during their homestay.
Greetings
Saying “Hello!” or “Hi!” to everyone you meet (not just your host family) is the norm.
In order to have a comfortable social life and living environment, it is important to be open to communicating with others.
Obey the Curfew
Even for adults, walking around at night is dangerous.
It is extremely important for high school students to obey the rules regarding the curfew.
America is different from Japan in that there are certain areas you should NOT not go to, and even adults do not walk around at night.
Do not invite friends over to your host family’s home without permission.
Remember, to your host family your friends are unknown strangers.
And having a stranger in your house is something that isn’t comfortable for anyone.
Should you ever want to invite a friend over, be absolutely sure to ask your host family for permission first.
Do not eat out without notifying your host family first.
During a typical homestay, your host family will provide you with breakfast and lunch, for a total of two meals a day.
Since your host family will prepare your dinner unless they are told not not to,
if there is a day where you will be eating breakfast or dinner outside the house be sure to tell your host family in advance.
Do your part.
You are not a customer, and your host family is not your maid.
Be sure to do what you can to help, including cleaning up any dishes or silverware you have used, as well as doing your own cleaning and laundry.
Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
Tobacco and alcohol consumption by anyone under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited by law in the state of California.
There have been cases in the past where students under 21 who were caught drinking were expelled from the homestay program.
important Considerations for High School Homestays
For high school students and below, there are a few things you should decide before doing your homestay.
Do you need someone to pick you up and/or drop you off?
It’s normal for parents or guardians of students to pick up/drop off students (even if they don’t live nearby.)
If you think you’ll need someone to pick you up/drop you off at school, please be sure to check the starting and finishing times of your school classes.
This service will cost an additional fee separate from the homestay fee itself.
Lunch Availability
Normally, lunch isn’t included in a standard homestay plan.
If you will need lunch prepared for you, please let us know in advance.
Requests for lunch on weekends can also be met for an additional fee.
The Necessity of a Guardian
A guardian is someone who takes care of you.
For example, a guardian contacts the school when you are absent, participates in school events with you, and overall becomes a temporary replacement for your family.
現地にガーディアンをお願いできる人が他にいれば問題ありませんが、いなければホストになってもらえるか相談が必要になります。
（ガーディアン費用は別途）
High School Homestay Necessities
シャンプー、ボディソープなど特別指定がない限り日用品は現地で購入可能です。
As long as you don’t have any particular preference for things like shampoo or body soap, then you can buy them around your local homestay area.
Sunscreen
Since American sunscreen becomes really white and has a considerably strong SPF, we recommend you bring some from Japan.
A School Bag
While you can definitely buy a school bag in America, it might be a little difficult to go out of your way to get one.
As for writing utensils, you can easily buy those at a supermarket or drug store.
Over the Counter Medicine
When it comes to medicine, tablets and pills tend to be a bigger size when compared to Japan.
If you have any of your own over the counter medicine that you like, it might be best to bring it with you from Japan.
Credit Cards and Cash Passports
In America, it’s best to keep the amount of cash you have on hand to a minimum, while mostly sticking to using credit cards or cash passports.
携帯電話、SIMカード
A SIM free cell phone is a fantastic item to have on hand during your homestay.
While you can of course buy a sim card in Los Angeles, it’s better to have a cell phone you can use as soon as you land at the airport, just in case there are any problems.
Furthermore, we are able to offer a SIM card that will be ready to use within half a day to a day at a special price.
Should you wish to purchase one, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Traveler’s Insurance/Study Abroad Insurance
Health care costs in America are quite high, so be sure to purchase an insurance plan that covers short stays overseas.
Furthermore, regardless of any insurance plan you join, dental care costs will most likely not be adequately covered, so it may be best to finish any dental work you need in Japan before coming over.
Summary
Be sure to check that your insurance plan covers all necessary things for a high school student.
Understand the various cultural differences you will encounter as well as all the things you should avoid doing.
Understand the possible troubles and difficulties that may arise, and do what you can beforehand to prepare for them.
Confirm any additional requests that need to be made of your hosts.
While it is by no means mandatory, if you are thinking of bringing any souvenirs or gifts for your host family from Japan, be sure to check out the following link:
The Top 5 Gifts and Souvenirs Guaranteed to Delight Your Host Family!
Should you have any questions or need any further clarification regarding anything, feel free to contact us at your convenience.
English 
日本語