Mid-Continent University

99 Powell Rd. East

Mayfield, KY 42066

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School for Global Business English

270.247.8521, ext. 374

fax: 270.247.3115

Homestay Program

A homestay is a period of time when the student lives in an American home as a member of the family. Although expenses for room and board are included in the fees, a Homestay is more of a relationship than a room rental.

Homestay Providers are carefully chosen for their kind and caring personalities by the University. The selection of each family is made after a thorough background check and review of references. Every Homestay Provider will participate in an orientation and training program before the international student arrives.

Students that live with a Homestay family find their English improves dramatically through conversation and daily interaction with their families. They have a greater sense of security and exposure to a rich variety of cultural learning opportunities, such as family activities, religious practices, sporting events, and more. The greatest reward for the students and families is the deep, lasting friendship established between them.

The Homestay Family

In the United States a Homestay family can take many forms. A Homestay family can be a retired couple, a single-parent family, or a traditional family. They can be young or older, with or without children, but they all share a strong interest in international students.

The Homestay Family facility will include:

• a clean and comfortable home

• a kind and caring family

• a safe, English-speaking environment

• a furnished bedroom with study area

• linens/towels

• healthy meals

• kitchen access, as arranged with family (student is responsible for clean up)

• access to laundry facilities, including detergent, etc.

• telephone access for local calls

• television privileges, and in many homes computer with internet access.

The Homestay Student

Living with a Homestay Family requires cooperation that involves some personal sacrifices. A Homestay Student is like a family member, not a guest. As a result, families may have certain expectations from the student, such as, participating in family activities, cleaning one’s room and bathroom, keeping reasonable hours, communicating with the family about one’s schedule, occasionally helping with minor household chores, not inviting guests without the Homestay family’s permission.

What characterizes a positive Homestay Student?

A student who:

• is able to recognize that being in a Homestay is a privilege

• is able to appreciate and enjoy different kinds of people and appreciate a family environment

• is willing to make an effort to communicate and cooperate with others

• will follow the guidelines and preferences of the family

• is mature, stable, flexible, and good-natured

Transportation

Either the Homestay family or MCU will provide transportation to and from campus Monday through Friday for classes. Beyond the class schedule, MCU cannot always provide transportation when the student needs it or desires it. MCU does provide transportation from and to the Nashville International Airport at the beginning and end of the semester for a fee.

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