But first, is there a cost?
You're required to:
1. Provide your student with 3 meals a day.
2. Transportation to and from school- the school bus works.
3. A comfy bed to sleep in- they can share a room with a same-gendered sibling.
Outside of that, it's at your discretion to pay for anything, but is completely not required. The student will come with monthly spending money and knows they must pay for anything outside of food and transportation.
1 : You apply to host at ASSE.com
You aren't committing yet! It's just to get the processes started. We'll do a background check and call your references. You'll also have access to available students.
2 : I visit your home
I'll come to your home and take pictures of the main areas, including the student's bedroom. These pictures will not be public but will be added to your internal file to approve your application. Also, you and I will have an in-depth conversation (a.k.a Family Orientation Meeting), answering any questions you may have and giving you tips on picking a student best suited for your family rhythm.
Again, you aren't committed yet, but I prefer to give this orientation before committing so you have all the information before deciding if you'd like to host.
3: Choose a Student (a.k.a Make it Official!)
To make it official, simply choose a student. Once a student is selected, I will contact the school admin to ensure student acceptance to the local high school. Just FYI: this is also when the procedure for your student visa begins (nothing you do, but when their organization in their country does).
Students do not have a choice of where they go in the U.S. They can choose a large area of the US as a preference (like South, Central, North). The student has committed to being open to living anywhere with any family in the U.S.
The process is pretty simple.
4: Start Talking with Your Student
Send the student pictures of your family, the neighborhood, and the house. Say hello to their parents, too!
-A great way to connect is via Marco Polo, where you can send videos.
-The best way to text internationally for free is with What's App.
5: Final To Dos Before They Arrive
I'll walk you through these items, but just so you can see the full picture:
-Ensure your student has all required vaccines. Also, if they have medications for the year.
- Join the Arkansas ASSE Facebook group to connect with other host families.
-- Add the ASSE events to your calendar. Your student will be required to attend 3 fun ASSE official events during the year (i.e., ice skating, a pool party, or a visit to the capital)
6: Pick Them Up from the Airport
ASSE corporate schedules group flights for their students. The company chooses their flight based on all the students leaving a particular country. Once that date is set, you will be notified. It is usually set for 1 week before the start of the school year. I'll come too if you'd like me to be at the airport! (The student must go back to their home country no later than 10 days after the last day of school)