Welcome to AEI

WELCOME!

Welcome to the AEI Homestay Program! The Homestay Program places an international student in the home of an American family. Living with a family gives you the chance to learn about American culture and to share your country's culture with the family. It also gives you an excellent opportunity to practice listening and speaking the English language.

ONLINE APPLICATION AND FEE

Complete Parts I and II of the Homestay Family Online Application form to request a homestay experience.

Before applying, make sure you check the IEP Calendar for deadlines.

Note that you will also need to pay a $150 nonrefundable application fee. You can pay online with a VISA or Mastercard credit card. You can also send a personal check, international money order, or credit card number to the AEI mailing address at the bottom of this page. Please do not send cash or traveler's checks.

LIVING WITH A HOST FAMILY

What's it like to live with a host family?

You will participate in family life by eating with your family, having conversations with them, and doing things together. For example, you might go on a picnic or watch a video together.

You will also be expected to act independently and responsibly. You will...

Make your own bed.

Clean your bedroom.

Do your own laundry.

Help with routine household tasks (for example, empty trash, dry dishes, or rake leaves).

Your host family will worry about you if you don't tell them where you are going and when you will be back. In this respect, you have more responsibility and less freedom than if you live in a dormitory or an apartment.

TYPES OF AMERICAN FAMILIES

What is an American family like?

There is no one "typical" American family. They are very diverse. They have different family traditions and customs. They are from many different racial and ethnic groups. Their religious beliefs are not all the same. Some students are surprised because American families are so different from each other.

Some families are...

Single women, with or without children.

Older couples whose children are grown.

Couples with small children or with no children.

Most families...

Live 30 minutes or less from the campus by bus.

Do not permit smoking in their homes.

Have dogs and/or cats as pet.

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

What can I expect in terms of cultural differences?

You will notice many cultural differences between your country and the United States. These differences will make your homestay experience interesting, sometimes confusing, and frequently enjoyable.

Since you have chosen a homestay placement because you want to experience the U.S. family lifestyle, you need to expect a different way of doing things. It is easy to misinterpret a situation and think that it is bad or insulting when it is merely different than what you are used to. Speak openly with your host family and ask about things you don't understand. If you still don't understand what you see or hear or feel, you can ask the Homestay Program Coordinator.

COST AND LENGTH OF STAY

How much does it cost?

Homestay costs $495/month:

You pay your host family directly on the first of each month.

You pay $17/day for a partial month.

You do not pay for the entire term when you arrive.

Your host family will provide...

An evening meal and food for breakfast during the week, plus all meals on weekends.

A private bedroom furnished with a bed, dresser, and desk.

Sheets, blankets and towels.

How long will I live with my host family?

Students agree to live with their host families for at least one term. If there are problems, the Homestay Program Coordinator will help you find a solution. If you decide to move out before the end of the term, you may be required to pay a cancellation fee to the family.

NOTIFICATION

When will AEI tell me about my host family?

About 3 to 4 weeks before the term begins, the Homestay Program Coordinator will send you the name, address, and telephone number of your host family.

What would my host family like to know from me?

To learn more about you and your culture, your host family would like you to:

Tell them about your country and customs.

Show them pictures and a map of your country.

Show them photographs of your family and tell them about your family.

Play music from your country. Teach them a song in your language.

Tell them what you like and don't like to eat.

Discuss similarities and differences between U.S. culture and your culture.

Prepare for them, or help them prepare, a meal that is usually served in your country.

Ask questions about things you find curious, puzzling, or fascinating. Americans really like questions from international students.

TESTIMONIALS

What do other students say about living with host families in Eugene?

Here are "Things that I really enjoyed... Things that were hard for me..."

"I like to talk with my host mom and her daughter after dinner. They are humorous people. I learned American lifestyle and way of thinking. [However,] sometimes they are very noisy, especially the children. They watch TV very loud."

"I went to Grandmother's house every Sunday. I enjoyed eating diner and talking with them there. I was comfortable. My room was clean, but other rooms were not clean because there were three boys."

"I love my host parents because they are really concerned about me. They tried to prepare Korean food and many different food. [However,] I was lonely sometimes."

"About a month ago, they took me to a wedding reception. I dressed up and I was so nervous, but when I went there, I could enjoy myself, and I learned some American culture like the etiquette of table. It was big family so I was puzzled [as to] when I could take bath."

"They took me to Odel Lake to ski! It was wonderful! And I was so lucky! [However,] my host mother often worked until very late."