Open your doors, your heart and your mind. Gratitude

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2 Open your doors, your heart and your mind Gratitude Becoming a host family has truly been a blessing in our home. It provided us an opportunity to learn about a culture other than our own, and to share our culture as well. As an American host family, we were afforded the opportunity to add a new member to our family. Our student was from China and he was an absolute a joy! The period of adjustment for my family was minimal, as he fit right in with our daily routines and schedules. I think the most important thing we probably will take away from this experience is that no matter where we come from, or our experiences, there is a common thread that connects all human-beings. I am happy that I gained another son through this experience and I know we will always keep in touch with one another. Antonio and Kristine Simon Host Family

3 Hosts are families with children, single-parent families, and couples Global s Host Families Hosts are caring and dedicated, with or without children. Our host families are interested in opening their doors to an international student from ages Our students are ambitious, curious, young adults interested in experiencing the American way-of-life, our culture, our land, and our daily lives. Host families will provide (including but not limited to): Acclimation to American life A clean bedroom Daily meals Study area Introduction to the community High-speed internet Transportation Cultural activities

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5 Supplement your household income while broadening your horizons, Financial Matters Hosts financial-needs matter. Global Connections will arrange to financially reimburse you up to $1,100 monthly for the costs incurred to host one of our students. This is called a stipend. Stipends are distributed each month and cover the costs associated with the care, transportation and well-being of the student in addition, but not limited, to: Meals, snacks and beverages Added cost for utilities Transportation to and from the student s school Monthly convenience and amenity necessities Students pay for their expenses of a personal nature (incidentals) Including entertainment and all costs related to their schooling including tuition, books and materials, etc. Refer a host family or friend and receive up to $300*

6 A wonderful experience Meet The Musselman s, their host student XJ and his family! JoEllen and Luke Musselman Homestay Host Family We found out about hosting through an sent out from our daughters' school. We had recently moved into a home with a spare bedroom, and very quickly decided to apply to be a host family. We love the experience. Growing up, Luke's family had hosted a student from the Philippines, who now over 30 years later, is still like a member of the family. We wanted to give our children that same type of experience. I don't know if our experience is typical, but it's been great. XJ has fit in with our family right from the start. We let him know that he should feel comfortable in our home, and I think he really has. XJ came with us to Ohio for Thanksgiving, and all of our family loved meeting him, and hearing about his experiences here, and learning about his life in China. XJ's parents recently came to visit, see his school, and meet us. We had a wonderful time. Being a host family has been a wonderful experience that we will treasure for the rest of our lives! And our goal is that this will be relationships that will also last a lifetime! Open your doors, your heart and your mind

7 Students share their own traditions, meals, culture and beliefs with you Our Students Global Connections students come primarily from Asia. Students will soon also be arriving from other continents around the globe as we continue to expand our school partnerships. "I think the experience to us is very precious." - Sherry Students are curious to learn about the American way of life and a different system of education. They have conversational English skills, and will be able to interact with their host family and teachers at school. Our coordinators help host families problem solve any miscommunication or cultural differences through orientation and during the school year. Students will: Attend school and extra curricular activities daily. Require basic transportation (home-school-home). Want to integrate with their host family and school community. Share housekeeping chores. Make friends with both international and local students.

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9 Now that you re interested let s get started The Journey Begins Ready to start? First contact one of our Residential Life Associates today via info@gcstays.com, or by phone We ll start the application process with you (online) and begin to search for a student match. Please visit our website for additional FAQS for each region. We invite you to apply : You are assigned a dedicated homestay coordinator who will know your family and your student personally. Orientation and monthly check-ins, plus contact whenever you have a question or concern. Emergency/on-call support throughout the duration of the program.

10 HOMESTAY HEADQUARTERS JENKINTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA T: W: GCSTAYS.COM E:

11 SAMPLE QUESTIONS FROM HOST FAMILIES: Who is eligible to host? We seek families of all backgrounds, provided that they are able to provide a safe, nurturing environment that meets our standard and our students needs, all of which is determined during the application and matching processes. What is required of a host family? As a host family, you will provide your student with: The opportunity to participate in your family s daily life and events The same care, support, and comfort you would give another member of your family Their own bedroom, bed, desk, chair, study light, closet and drawer space Breakfast and dinner on school days, and three meals on the weekend Transportation to and from school and after school activities What support do I receive from Global Connections and what does my family provide individually? You will have an orientation to prepare you for the responsibilities of a homestay. You will have regular contact with your Homestay Coordinator, who will work with you to make sure that you, your homestay student and their biological parents are all able to work together to ensure a beneficial experience for everyone involved. Your Homestay Coordinator and your students' school will also work with you, your student and their biological parents to track their progress and provide tutoring and ESL support when necessary. Accommodation offered to students will need to be clean, orderly, in good repair, and not currently being renovated. It must comply with current council building regulations, be properly furnished and allows for student privacy. Bathrooms may be shared with the family or private. Global Connections will provide translation services as needed to assist your student in school and at home and to help you better understand and respond to the needs of your student. You and your student will be invited to multiple events for homestay families throughout the school year to network and have the students enjoy some social networking. A stipend of $1100/month to help with the cost of hosting the student (1099 tax form) How are students selected and matched? Students are required to meet a high standard of qualifications to be accepted by Global Connections. They must: Be accepted to a middle or high school program that Global Connections partners with Demonstrate a commitment to academic motivation and possess solid grades Be in good general health and meet the medical criteria After your completed and accepted application is filed, your Homestay Coordinator will review and recommend based on both the student and family profile. Then, a virtual meeting will be scheduled to begin the communication process between you and your student. You will also be invited to complete an orientation (either in-person or online) to help with what to expect prior to your student s arrival