Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions. You can also check out the Host Family Handbook

Who are the students?

The students are girls, ages 14-17 years old, from a private school in Yokohama, Japan. There are stringent guidelines in place for them to qualify for the homestay program. They have to have very high academic scores and are not allowed to come if they have had any trouble in school or outside of school. They also screen for students who show the maturity and stability to be able to emotionally handle the stress that comes from being away from home in a foreign culture.

What is the schedule like?

During the days (M-TH 9:00 – 5:00 pm, usually) the students are participating in an organized program that includes academic lessons, afternoon activities, & a few full days of sight seeing excursions. On Fridays the students are in class from 9:00am-12:00pm, and have the remainder of the afternoon to spend with their host family.

 What is expected from a host family?

Most importantly, all family members must want to host! In addition, we would ask that the host families:

• Provide meals for the student
• Provide a separate bed. The student can share a bedroom with a family member that is the same gender, but must have their own bed. 
• Spend time with your student when you are at home. Do not plan to change your regular schedule, just include your student in your plans when possible.
• Provide transportation to and from the academic center. There will be an opportunity at the host family orientation for families to work out carpool arrangements. If it is not possible for you to provide transportation, please let the program coordinator know so other arrangements can be made

What if I need help?

The Program Coordinator is your community representative who plans & supervises all aspects of the program. The PC is available to help you with the smallest question or the largest emergency 24/7 during your homestay.

Do families receive a stipend?

Compass USA does not offer families financial payment. There are several reasons for this; most important is the effect it would have on the status of the student, changing from family member to paying guest. An additional factor is the cost itself, meaning it would put the program financially out of reach of many participants.

What information do students receive about the homestay?

Some of the key points include:

• Host families are VOLUNTEERS.
• They live in all types of American homes.
• The student may share a room with a host family child but will have his or her own bed.
• The student will not be treated as a guest, but as a member of his or her host family.
• The student will be included in the daily activities of the host family, but since many host parents work, family members may not be available to entertain her at all times.
• The student is expected to interact and talk with the host family as much as possible.
• The student is expected to obey host family rules such as curfew and smoking in the house.

How much does it cost?

Normally, it is relatively inexpensive to host a student. The only expenses a family incurs are those of including another “family member”. The students bring their own spending money so they can pay their admission to extra activities. Some families find that they spend a little more because they do more activities during the homestay, so they incur additional expenses for their own family members.

Church Service Attendance?

Invite your student to attend church services with you!

What shall I feed my student?

The usual! Whatever you usually eat, please offer the same to your student.