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Where will I be placed?
The Homestay placement depends upon many factors: schools, interested families, and proximity to a large city, to name a few. Most important to AHA is the relationship that develops between you and your host family, so finding the best possible family match for you is AHA's priority, whether that family lives in a smaller town or in a sprawling metropolis. We will work with you to understand your specific preferences and try in the available time to find a family in the location that most closely matches the criteria we lay out together. That means the sooner we receive your application, the more time we will have to accommodate your requests.
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How is the Homestay family chosen?
Host families are chosen on the basis of suitability and interest. Our representatives abroad will interview each family extensively and use that information to match your AHA application with the most fitting family.
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Will there be kids my own age?
This is one of the most frequent requests, and one that we work very hard to fulfill. If this is one of your preferences, be sure to note it in your application. We will do our best, but we cannot guarantee that the available families will have children of a certain age. Sometimes, families who choose to host are retired and have children who have grown up and moved away. If there isn't a student your age living with the host-family, there should be a niece, nephew, family-friend, or neighbors your age looking forward to meeting a student from abroad. You will also meet and make friends with many students your age at school or at activities and events, just like back at home.
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Will I have my own bedroom?
You will have your own bed, and usually - but not always - your own bedroom. Financial situations vary family by family, country by country, so it is important to know that many countries may not have houses as spacious or as comfortable as American ones. On the plus side, sharing rooms with your adopted brother or sister may help you learn more about each other in a shorter period of time and force you to speak and hear the language you came to get better at.
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What is the minimum GPA to apply?
There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate in a Homestay. AHA considers a student's entire application, and we believe grades are not the most reliable indicator of a student's personality or potential. We seek well-rounded, adventurous individuals who are curious both in and out of the classroom.
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Is there a language requirement to participate?
Any Homestay would benefit from knowing some of the host-country's language. If you plan to attend school for credit during your Homestay, AHA does require a minimum of two years of study in the target language. The requirement is necessary simply because if you would not be able to absorb the lessons and receive credits from your high school in the US without understanding what is being taught.
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Is airfare included in the fees?
Not usually, but transfers to your host-family and local transportation are often included in the program fees. For more detailed information about the program fees and what is included, please call us anytime at: 415. 509. 6757
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What will I do everyday?
You will become a member of your host-family, doing the same activities they normally do. Most students are surprised by how quotidien activities at home become interesting and challenging in a foreign culture. The most important thing to remember is that how you display your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will affect the type of experience you have. The more eager you are to join others in activities or conversations, the more willing they will be to include you in their excursions, parties, or even just a trip to their favorite hang-out.
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Will I attend school during my Homestay?
For long-term (semester and academic year) and many three month Homestays , enrollment in school is available and recommended. Students will attend classes in either a public or private (depending on the country) high school with other local high school students. Classes will be taught in the host-country's language. Subjects will vary by country, so if there is a certain class you need to take, please notify AHA on your application. If you are interested in a short-term Homestay, depending on the time of year, you may be able to "sit-in" on classes and participate informally. Intensive language study is also available.
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Will my school credits from abroad transfer to my school in the U.S.?
Each high school has its own policy regarding credits acquired abroad. The best thing to do is to set up a meeting with your guidance counselor and inquire whether the credits would transfer. AHA can help advise you on the basic process of transferring your credits and we can also answer questions your school may have about the courses you would take abroad.
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What happens if I don't get along with my host family?
The focus of your learning in the Homestay is adapting to a foreign culture and to a host-family. If there is a conflict, you should first talk to your local coordinator. Your host-family, your local coordinator, and you should meet together to discuss the problem. Most misunderstandings happen when people don't know what to expect of each other. An open conversation usually solves the problem.
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What happens if I get sick or hurt while I am abroad?
AHA provides accident and medical insurance for all students on our programs. Inform your host-family or local coordinator if you feel sick or have an accident no matter how minor you think it may be.
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Can I leave before the end of the program?
Students have the responsibility of staying for the duration of their Homestay. AHA believes that in order for the you to enjoy the full benefit of your Homestay, you should remain with your host-family for the program dates set prior to your departure. Host-families often plan activities, including farewell parties, around the dates they receive, which are determined by you together with AHA, and if you leave early, that may disrupt those activities already scheduled in advance and make them feel that you were not happy in their home.
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Can I come home for the holidays?
AHA believes strongly that continuity is vital to language study, and if you return to the US for the holidays, you may lose much of the progress you have made because you will be speaking English at home. For students participating in a year-long Homestay, AHA requires that they stay with their host-family for the any holiday breaks. AHA views such times as significant opportunities to see how holidays are celebrated in a different culture. For students who are on the semester or short-term Homestay, AHA is aware that students often have to return before a certain date for a variety of reasons, for example, to enroll in the next term's classes. Therefore, while AHA recommends that you stay with your host-family throughout your Homestay, it is optional to stay or return to the US for the holidays if you are on a semester or short-term Homestay. Please note all costs associated with leaving and returning to the host-family for holiday breaks are the responsibility of the student.
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