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San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley

SMCCCD Home San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley Homestay Information and Application for Students

Homestay Information and Application for Students

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“The choice of living with a host family during my college period in the U.S. was the best I could make. The homestay provides me a safe and healthy environment while I get to explore a new country and its culture. The relationship you are going to make with you host family is for life, if you are open to it. I would definitely recommend this experience for everybody."               

- Eloisa Da Silva (pictured)

 

What are the Benefits of a Homestay?

  • Living with a host family will help you immerse in the American culture.
  • You can dramatically improve your English language skills.
  • You will have a safe and supportive family environment while you're in America.
  • Homestay is a lot cheaper than renting an apartment on your own in the Bay Area.

Student Homestay Resources

Student Handbook

  • Rent: page 4
  • Deposit: page 5
  • Semester breaks: page 6

View Handbook  

Rent Receipt Form

If your host requires you to pay rent in cash, have them sign the receipt form every month. This form can also be used during your initial move-in day when you have to pay for two months' rent in advance.

Fill out form  

Moving Notification Form

You must give your host a 30-day written notice before moving out, or else you may risk losing some or all of your $500 deposit. 

Fill out form  

Relocation Request Form

Fill out the form if you would like to request a new host family. You will be charged a $100 Change Fee.

Fill out form

 

Application Fees and Deadlines

Spring Deadline: December 1st, 11:59pm (California Time)

  • $300 fee
  • Late fee (after December 1st): $500

Fall Deadline: July 1st, 11:59pm (California Time)

  • $300 fee
  • Late fee (after July 1st): $500

For students who apply after the Fall or Spring Homestay Referral application deadlines, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with a host family.  Kindly note that Options 3 and 4 WILL NOT be available after the application deadlines.

We will refund you with the application fee if:

  1. Your Visa is denied; or
  2. We are unable to match you with a host family

 

Homestay Options and Monthly Rates

 

  • Option 1 - Private Room, 2 meals per day: $1,775
  • Option 2 - Private Room without meals: $1,275
  • Option 3 - Shared Room*, 2 melas per day: $1,375
  • Option 4 - Shared Room* without meals: $875

*Two students of the same gender will share a room, but each student will have their own bed, desk and drawer.

Please note that Option 3 and 4 are not available after the application deadline has passed.

 

Move-in Costs

 

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in San Mateo County Community College District's Homestay Referral Program for international students. Before submitting your application, kindly keep in the mind that it will take 10 - 14 days to process an application.   If you are arriving prior to receiving your homestay placement confirmation, you will need to find your own temporary housing. You can find temporary housing options in our Housing Resources.

 

Airport Transportation

It is the student’s responsibility to arrange transportation from the airport to the homestay.  Some hosts offer to pick the student up from the airport, however, it is not required and is completely on a voluntary basis. After being matched, please contact your host right away to coordinate this. You may also take a taxi, Lyft, or Uber, located right outside of baggage claim. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions