The Agape Homestay Program has been designed to provide international students the opportunity to make friends, learn about American culture and provide opportunities to practice English outside of class. There are many benefits to staying with an American family; however, some students are not prepared for all aspects of living with another family. This article will give you more details about what a student can expect in the Agape Homestay program. This will help you decide whether or not it is the right choice for you.

The keys to a successful homestay experience are understanding and flexibility. While you or your parents may have decided that a homestay is the best housing option, a homestay is really more than just a place to stay during your English studies. A homestay requires that you share living space, the telephone, and transportation with other persons; therefore, you will have to respect the rights and needs of others as well. There will also be certain rules that you will have to obey. If you require considerable privacy and the ability to come and go at any time, a homestay may not be as suitable as living in an apartment or other kinds of housing.

Another important thing to realize is that both the families and houses in the Agape Homestay program come in different sizes and shapes. Your homestay accommodations will vary depending upon the homestay family. Most students will be in houses, but others may be in apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes. In each case, the family or host will provide comfortable accommodations. In addition, you may be in a homestay with a married couple with or without children, a single parent with children, a retired couple whose children are grown, or a single person. You can feel comfortable knowing that your homestay family or host is there to help you when you need it.

Even though Agape is located in the city center, many American families live outside the city. All homes in the Agape Homestay program are located in safe and respectable neighborhoods. The travel time from your homestay to Agape is usually 20-30 minutes each way. Unfortunately, there is very little public transportation in Columbia and Greenville. Transportation to and from school will be provided by the host family. Transportation for shopping or for other reasons is at the discretion of the family. If you are used to being independent, it may be difficult for you to depend on someone else to provide transportation for you.

Making the decision to choose a homestay is like signing a lease for an apartment. You will be making a commitment to stay with your family for at least one session. Unless there is a major problem or emergency, you will be expected to stay in your assigned homestay until the end of your first session (usually 9 weeks). There is no homestay refund available after the end of the 3rd week or 30% of your session.

Remember, the quickest way to learn English is to use it everyday! Living with an American family gives you the best opportunity to practice the English you are learning in the classroom. If you have any questions or concerns about the Agape Homestay Program, please contact Admissions at admissions@aeliusa.com.