Students

Application Process Overview

Interested in living with an American family while you study at ECC? Participating in the International Student Homestay Program is a great way to become immersed in American culture and make life-long friendships. Homestay is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Apply online and upload all required documents through the online application system.

  1. Read, complete, and sign the Application for International Students for the ECC International Student Homestay Program. 
  2. Read and sign the Program Information, Policies, and Agreement for International Students for the ECC International Student Homestay Program. 
  3. Please include a photo and a letter of introduction for your host. This is an excellent way for them to get to know you. Your letter may include, but is not limited to:
    • Information about yourself and your family
    • Your hobbies and interests
    • Reasons you want to live with an American family
    • A description of your personality (e.g., outgoing, serious, enjoy spending time alone or with others)
    • Any other details that would help your host learn more about you.

      4. Once a homestay placement has been made, pay a one-time, non-refundable placement fee of $100.00 before arriving in the homestay. Payments can be
          made in person at ECC Student Accounts, online at elgin.edu/AccessECC, or via international bank wire through Flywire at flywire.com (if student is outside
          the U.S.).

The homestay application will only be processed once the ECC Center for Global Engagement receives all the above materials and after you have been accepted into ECC as an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor, with ECC serving as the sponsoring institution. You should submit your homestay application, agreement, and required documents no later than 60 days before you arrive in the U.S. The International Student Homestay Program does not guarantee a homestay placement. However, most students are matched with a host family if they submit their application by the deadline. Applications for homestay placement received after the application deadline will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, pending availability.

FAQ

Submit your homestay application, agreement, and placement at least 60 days before your arrival in the U.S.

Every homestay is required to provide Internet access, although wireless connectivity is not guaranteed.

Fees paid to the college:

  • The $100.00 USD placement fee is due once you have been issued a homestay placement and prior to arriving in the homestay.
  • The security deposit, equal to your monthly homestay fee, is due by 5:00 p.m. the business day following your arrival at the homestay. Security deposits can be paid online through AccessECC or at the Office of Student Accounts (in-person at Building B, Room B151, or by calling 1-847-214-7380.

Fees paid to the host:

  • Airport pick-up is due by 5:00 p.m. the day following your arrival at the homestay.
  • Your first month’s homestay and airport pick-up fees are due by 5:00 p.m. following your arrival at the homestay.

Monthly homestay fees are due on the first day of each subsequent month. All fees must be paid by cash, money order, or check drawn from a U.S. bank.

Family, friends, or agents that accompany you to the U.S. or come to visit you cannot stay with you overnight in your homestay. Please arrange for any family or friends to stay at a local hotel. The homestay coordinator can provide you with a list of local hotels. You should discuss with your host family the rules for family or friends to visit you at the homestay. Your host family will outline their guest policy in the homestay contract.

Please discuss vacation plans with your host family at least two weeks before departure. If you are away from the home for 14 nights or less, there is no discount for vacation. Your monthly fee will be reduced if you are away for 15 days or longer. For vacations longer than 30 days, approval needs to be given by the homestay coordinator.

The process to return the security deposit to you will occur no later than 30 days after you depart from the homestay program if the host family has reported no alleged damage. 

You will have access to laundry facilities. Please discuss with your host family the arrangements for using laundry facilities.

Indicate on your application if you have any pet allergies. The Homestay Coordinator will make every effort to place you in a homestay without pets.

Approximately four to six weeks before your arrival, you will receive the details of your assigned homestay and host family by email. You must respond promptly to this email to accept your assigned homestay placement. Questions? Contact the Homestay Coordinator by email or phone at +1-847-214-7722.

Contact

International Student Homestay Program

Building B, Room B105
847-214-7722
homestay@elgin.edu

Contact

Center for Global Engagement

Building B, Room B105
847-214-7809
international@elgin.edu

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Friday: 8 am to 4 pm