About USH
Why choose Homestay?
Types of Homestay
FAQ
How to Apply
After You Arrive
Fees & Payments
Student Guidelines
Tips

Tips

 

Move in day

• If you are flying to the U.S., remember to print out your homestay welcome packet and carry this information with you on your flight.

• If your schedule has changed and you will be unable to move in on the day or the time scheduled, please contact USH immediately so we may contact your host.

• Provide your move in time to USH as early as possible to ensure your host will be home at the time of your arrival.
  

 

Mailing letters and packages

• Letters and packages can be mailed using the U.S. Postal Service

• When addressing mail for delivery in the U.S., please ask your host permission to use the homestay address as your temporary address.

• If you are moving from the host's home, go to the post office to request a change of address. When you depart your homestay, leave your host an address so they can forward your mail to you after your move out day. Your host is not responsible to forward or hold onto any mail that may arrive after you move out of the homestay.

• You can rent a post office box for a fee. Check with your local post office to check their rental rates.

 

Cultural Differences

• The U.S. is a diverse, exciting, and truly unique place to pursue your studies or professional goals. As with any new experience, there will be a time of transition as you become more familiar with your new surroundings. Both students and hosts may have to adjust to each other's cultural differences (e.g. diet, values, religion, etc.)
• Students who find their homestay experience more meaningful tend to be open to the new cultural experiences. As a homestay student, you have elected to live as a guest in an American host's home. Thus, it is beneficial for you to be open- minded during your stay and respectful of the cultural differences that may arise between you and your host.
• Your first days will not reflect your entire experience. As you become more comfortable and get to know your host, you will feel better adjusted to your new home. Students also tend to find support at their school, their interactions with new friends, and eventually become more comfortable within their new setting.

 

Safety and Security

• It is important to lock the doors and close the windows to your homestay if you are not at the home.

• Remember to return your house keys to your host before you move out of the homestay.

• When travelling carry a map and know where you are going and how to get their before you leave for your trip.

• Try not to walk alone at night. If you do walk at night keep the number of an emergency contact. If you are lost, walk to the nearest store or gas station and ask for directions.

• Remember to return your house keys to your host before you move out of the homestay.
  

 

Banking in the U.S.

• After you arrive, you can exchange currency at the airport or at a major hotel. To find daily exchange rates, check on the financial pages of the local newspaper or visit websites that provide exchange rates for major world currencies.

• You can open a checking account in the U.S. by visiting a bank and asking to open an account. Banks usually request that you make a deposit of money into the account when you first open it.

• You may use your passport as photo identification when opening an account or when paying for purchases using a check or credit card.

• If you will be using traveler's checks, you should not sign the checks until you are ready to use them.

• Sources for traveler's checks are American Express (1-800-221-7282), Citicorp (1-800-645-6556), and Thomas Cook (1-800-223-9920)
  

 

Transportation

• After your housing is confirmed, USH will provide you with the bus information that will transport you from your home to your school. To view additional options of bus lines you can take or to find routes to other places, please visit the local bus website for your area.

• If you need help finding your bus stop, ask your host if they can direct you to the correct location. Carry the address of your homestay and school so you can always ask for help if you are lost.

• Another useful website is Google Maps Simply enter your address and a destination then choose the public transit icon to find a route.

• If you plan to take the public transit frequently during your stay in the U.S., you may want to consider buying a weekly or monthly bus pass. Some public transit may offer student prices that are cheaper than regular prices.