Questions about the host family

Can I reject a family if I don't think it seems good enough?
No, not prior to your departure.

How does STS select their host families?
STS has cooperational partners or local offices in the program country. These offices and partners who match the students with families. All families fill out an application form that is matched with the student's application. In addition all families are visited in their homes before they are approved as host families.

Why do the families want to be host families?
This is of course very individual and there are probably as many reasons as there are families. Generally, you can say that the most common reasons are the host family's wish to share their own culture while learning about a new culture by having a person from another country stay in the home.

Can I change host families?
If the relationship between the student and host family does not work properly there is a chance to change host families. Remember that it takes time to feel at home in a new country and a new family. Be prepared to give the relation time to grow. Your area representative will be there to support and assist you should you need to change families anyway.

What daily costs should I count on and what is covered by the family?
Room and board at the host family are part of your program fee. You are expected to pay for your school lunches yourself. In addition it will be appreciated by the family if you offer to pay for yourself if you go out to dinner.

Will I get a room of my own in the host family?
In most cases you will get your own room, but you may have to share rooms with a host sister or host brother. There is no guarantee to get your own room.

Do I have to help with chores in the family?
As an exchange student the thought is to become as big a part of the family as the "regular" family members. This means that you are expected to help with some everyday chores such as laying the table, taking care of the dishes, taking out the garbage and similar things that the other children of the family do.

Will I live far from the school?
Naturally this varies depending on where you are placed. Some students live at walking distance from school while others need to go by school bus.