When you or your representative (i.e. your relative, school, or agent) submits an online homestay application, IHA will assign a local or national homestay coordinator. She or he will do the following:
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- Works with your application and addresses any homestay concerns, questions, and preferences that you may have.
- Prepare a profile of you and your request and submit it to host families in the desired local area. Please ensure that your application is complete.
- Help you search and find a suitable and most affordable homestay accommodation close to school or workplace when possible.
- Prepare offer(s) and email it to your inbox, preferably more than one homestay suggestion for you to compare.
- Should you wish to book a homestay offer, she or he will assist you with securing the advance payment to reserve the homestay.
- Advance payment is usually up to 20% for long-term stays. Part of the advance payment is deductible from your overall homestay fees after the service fee.
- Help you set up an affordable payment plan with your host and sign a reasonable booking agreement with your host to that effect.
- When all set, she/he will connect you directly with your host to reconfirm your arrival plans; i.e. start date and time at the homestay.
- Will follow up with you and your host family after arrival to ensure satisfaction.
- Your coodinator will also contact you to review your homestay experience.