STUDENTS RESPONSILITIES

As a guest in someone's home, students must be responsible of the homestay family and are expected to abide by the rules of the household. Here are some of the guidelines to help ensure your homestay experience will become an enjoyable experience.

1. Make sure to let your family know where you are going and what time you will be home. Finding out from the family if smoking is allowed and where.

2. Let your homestay family know if you are not going to eat at home one day in advance so that the host does not make extra food for you.

3. Telephone: Find out from family if you are able to make and receive calls and for how long. If you want to make a long distance call from your host family's home, you must use a calling card or make a collect call.

4. Ask your homestay family a couple days in advance if it is all right to take friends home and appropriate visiting hours.

5. Consult with your homestay family with regard to laundry. It is your responsibility for providing your own toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.

6. You are responsible for keeping the common areas clean. However, you are not required to do homestay chores such as baby sitting, cleaning the house etc.

7. TV/Computer: Find out if there are any limitations as to the frequency or the appropriate hours of use.

8. Your homestay family should talk to you and not ignore you. The family must communicate with you and make you feel like part of the family. You should also get to know the family by asking questions and telling them about your yourself and your family back home.

9. Please be considerate and remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Turn off the television when you are not watching.

10. Find out from your homestay family when and where you can shower.

11. You should never be left overnight alone in the house. If your family goes on a weekend vacation or a day trip, they should arrange for someone else to do all the things your homestay family does while they are away.

12. In emergencies situations dial 911 to reach proper authorities.

13. If you have any questions or concerns that you feel uncomfortable about asking your homestay family, please contact your guardian or the Toronto Homestay Agency office as soon as possible.