Description of Accommodation

Staying with a local family is both exciting and rewarding. Host families provide the best insight into how an American family leads their life. This interaction with a family helps students communicate better, faster and allows them to pick up words and nuances used in daily situations. There is no typical homestay in Boston. Some homes are single standing homes, apartments or multifamily homes.

Students are placed in a single or twin room. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, closet and waste paper basket. It is important that rooms and living areas are kept neat and tidy. Students also have access to a shared bathroom.

Bed linen and towels are provided by the host family. In general, students can use the laundry facilities though a number of washes per week remains at the discretion of the family, for example, a specific laundry day. Internet access is available and telephone access is restricted to incoming calls only.

Meal Description

A variety of food is provided each one packed with nutritional value. Host families make an effort to adjust the type of food offered to the tastes of the students and take religious beliefs into consideration when preparing meals. Vegetarians or people with food allergies should specify their eating options upon booking so this can be shared with families prior to arrival.

Breakfast varies from family to family. It is usually self-service and includes bread, coffee, cereal. Hosts are encouraged to offer students whatever is typical for their home.

Students will eat whatever the family eats and help set the table or clear up after dinner. Students are encouraged to participate in family activities or outings.

Dinners are usually quite early in the states but families will inform the student of the time when they eat. Not all families will sit down and have dinner together every night. It is important that the student informs the host family beforehand should they be late or not having dinner.