Homestay Application

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FALL QUARTER STUDENTS: As our hosts are full during the month of August through the beginning of September with short-stay students, all homestays for Fall Quarter 2009 will be open from September 11th. Please make sure that students will arrive on September 11th or after.

Important: This is not an online application. Enter the information using your computer keyboard, print the application on paper, and then send it in by regular or express mail.
(click one)
Mr. Ms.
      
Family name

 First name
Date of birth

 Nationality


Native language
Please note: If applicant is younger than 18 years old, a parent or guardian needs to sign the medical authorization and minor agreement forms.
Permanent address  
Street address

City, state
Country

Postal code

Phone

Fax

E-mail

Current address (if different from above) 
Street address

City, state
Country
Postal code
Phone
Fax
E-mail
Emergency contact 
Full name
Street address
City, state
Country
Postal code
Phone
Fax
E-mail
Arrival date in Seattle
Airline / Flight number
/

Arrival time
 School you plan to attend
School start date
How long do you plan to be in Seattle?*
*Please note there is a three month minimum for staying in homestay (unless you make prior arrangements with us). If you prefer to live in an apartment, please contact your school for apartment listings. Of course we do not want you to stay in a situation which is not comfortable, so if you have any concerns in your homestay, we will be glad to meet with you and move you to a different homestay if necessary.
Which homestay option do you prefer? Traditional Homestay
Bed & Breakfast Homestay 
What is your English conversation level?
Last completed level of education
Current or desired occupation
Hobbies and interests
Would you prefer small children in your host family (under 6 years old)?
Yes No No Preference
Would you prefer older children in your host family (between 6 and 14)?
Yes No No Preference
Would you be comfortable with a family that owns a dog?
Yes No No Preference
Would you be comfortable with a family that owns a cat?
Yes No No Preference
Do you smoke?
Yes No
Please note: None of our hosts allows smoking inside their homes. If you smoke inside the homestay, you may be asked to move immediately. When you smoke outside, please do not leave cigarette butts for your host to clean up.
Do you plan to have a car during your homestay?
Yes  No 
Do you practice a religion?
Yes No
If "yes," which one?
Please list any health problems, allergies, or dietary restrictions.
Please list any special physical or emotional conditions you have.
Please list any foods you cannot or don't like to eat.
Your personality: please check all which describe you:
Quiet
Shy
Messy
Open-minded
Outgoing
Independent
Tidy
Cautious
Religious
Cheerful
Frugal 		Organized
Private
Talkative
Athletic
Energetic
Noisy
Picky eater
Serious
Nervous
Calm
Other:
Please write a brief note to your host family, describing what you would like them to know about you.
( You may enter up to 320 characters. )

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Please note: The placement fee and deposit are due WITH the application. No application will be processed without payment. 
Cancellations: The placement fee is nonrefundable once we have notified you of placement, except in the case of a visa denial. However, it is valid for up to six months in the case of postponement due to illness or visa delays. In the event of a visa denial, you must provide proof that your visa to study in the United States was denied. If cancellation is received less than two weeks before the date which the homestay is to begin, the Deposit will be sent as a cancellation fee to the host. We will refund the Deposit if we receive notification at least two weeks prior to scheduled arrival.
Payment Methods
  • MasterCard/Visa
  • bank draft (in US dollars, drawn on a US bank)
  • traveler's checks
  • postal money orders.
If you are paying by bank draft, traveler's checks, or postal money order, we recommend that you print the application and send it to the ABODE office by express or priority mail. Checks should be made out to ABODE.
If you are paying by credit card, we recommend that you print the application and payment form and fax it to our office.

HOMESTAY AGREEMENT

ABODE makes every effort to be fair and equitable to both hosts and homestay guests. Homestay guests and hosts are required to read and agree to certain homestay guidelines. Please consider the agreement below carefully, to ensure you are willing and able to fully participate in our homestay program.

Three months minimum: We expect homestay guests to stay in their homestay at least an academic quarter (three months). The homestay is not just a convenient place to live temporarily while you search for an apartment. Hosts put a lot of effort into welcoming you and helping you learn your way around the area. In return, we expect you to participate in the host's daily life for a minimum of three months.

Two weeks' notice: By signing the Homestay Agreement, you promise to try homestay for one academic term (usually 3 months). After that, if you would like to move to an apartment, you must give your host family at least two weeks' notice. This means that your have paid the host for two weeks' from the date you inform them you are moving. Even if you choose to move out before the end of two weeks, the hosts must be paid for the full two weeks. Don't wait to tell them your plans on moving; hosts need to know in advance what is happening in their home.

Changing host families: Homestay guests who are having trouble in their homestay are welcome to call or email ABODE. We welcome the opportunity to make the homestay experience rewarding for homestay guests and hosts alike. Your first month in the homestay is considered a trial period. It may be that the homestay we chose for you does not meet your needs. After we discuss it with you, we would be glad to choose a different homestay for you and arrange for you to move. We do not expect you to stay in an uncomfortable situation, and we will make every effort to move you as quickly as possible. We will move you to a different host, free of charge, within your first six months of your homestay. After that, you will need to pay another placement fee.

Diversity: Our hosts reflect our cultural diversity, and each host is different. We have hosts from various ethnic groups, socio-economic levels, religions, and lifestyles. What our hosts have in common is a willingness to open their homes to people from different cultures. Although we are committed to making appropriate and comfortable homestay matches, we cannot accommodate requests for hosts of a specific racial background, of a specific religion, with a specific number of children, or any other characteristic. Please be open to experiencing the cultural diversity we are so proud of.

Host's home rules: Each host has a unique lifestyle, and as a result will have a unique set of household rules. You are expected to follow these rules as a member of the family. Your host will explain the rules when you arrive. These rules could include what chores each household member is responsible for, whether you can invite your friends over, how late you can receive phone calls, and where you might be allowed to smoke. Most homestay guests seem to adapt easily to their hosts' lifestyles, just as hosts have made many adjustments in their homes to accommodate international homestay guests.

Your payment: You are responsible to pay your host a monthly stipend. The rate is published in ABODE information (and on the website), and is not negotiable. Your monthly payment is due each month on the date you moved in, in full and on time. Please contact us immediately if you have any questions regarding your payment.

Moving out: When you move out, you must return your key, provide your new contact information (for forwarding mail and phone calls), and leave your room as clean as it was when you moved in. You are also responsible for any damages caused by you at your homestay.

Liability: ABODE Homestays, Inc. makes every effort to ensure their homestay guests' safety and comfort. ABODE cannot be held liable for damages due to problems between members of the host family and the homestay guest, but the ABODE staff will try to help mediate and suggest compromises which are fair to all parties.

You are responsible for your own personal belongings. While we screen our hosts carefully and believe they are trustworthy, it is never a good idea to keep large amounts of cash or other high-priced, uninsured valuables in your room. Neither ABODE nor your host will be responsible for the loss or damage of your personal belongings, unless proved to be caused by a member of the host family. Any disputes or questions should be directed to ABODE. We cannot help you if you don't let us know there is a problem. We are available in case of emergencies 7 days a week.

Any disputes or questions should be directed to ABODE. We cannot help you if you don’t let us know there is a problem. We are available in case of emergencies 7 days a week.

I have read and understood the above contract. I understand that by signing this contract, I am responsible for the rules outlined in it. I agree to participate in the homestay program to the best of my ability.

I hereby request ABODE to make an appropriate homestay placement for me based on the information contained in this application.

Signature of applicant ______________________________
Date _______________
Signature of parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years old ______________________________
Date _______________

 
Our mailing address:
ABODE
20126 Ballinger Way NE #84
Shoreline, WA 98155
USA 		Our telephone and fax numbers:
Tel: 206-527-8654
Fax: 206-524-7780
Credit Card Authorization
IMPORTANT: Only fill out this section if you are paying by credit card
Cardholder Name: ______________________________
Credit Card Number: ______________________________
Expiration Date: ______________________________
I hereby request ABODE to charge my account $350 ($450 for minors) for homestay services for the applicant named on this form.
Signature of cardholder ______________________________
  Date _______________

© ABODE Homestays, Inc. 2004-2008