We specialize in placement of international students with families on the Monterey Peninsula. We offer cross cultural exchanges and increased English language exposure to MIIS and MPC students. Homestays are an excellent way to save money and get familiar with the Monterey Peninsula.
Independent students come from all over the world to go to school at MIIS or MPC. Host families open their doors several times a year to a very diverse group of students anxious to improve their English and learn about American Culture. The cost is usually $900 per month to the host family, which does included breakfast and dinner 7 days a week. Sometimes the host family and or student choose not to do meals and only pay $700 a month where the student does their own cooking. Upon arrival the student needs to pay their host family for the first and last month. Most host family arrangements are a two month commitment, between the student and family. If the student is staying longer, after the two months the student and family decide to continue their relationship or the student chooses to find and apartment or make other living arrangements. Viva International Homestays charges a one time, non-refundable $300 placement fee and it must be received before a host family can be reserved.
The placement fee should be made to Lisa Rohrer, a postal money order is best, mailed to PO Box 286, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Students should fill out a student application and email Lisa to start the process.
The host families are a wonderful addition to this program. You get to experience "American culture" and family life in many ways. All families are very diverse in culture and ethnic background. Some families consist of mom and dad with children, some with pets, some working mothers, single parents; regardless, each situation is very different.
Each family is selected and reviewed by a strict application process. A personal on-site visit is conducted by the homestay coordinator to each home to ensure the best environment for the student. The family does get paid to provide room and board for the student. If meals are included, families are required to provide breakfast and dinner for the student 7 days a week. The host family will attempt to sit down and enjoy the meals with the students as often as possible.
Please note: it is your responsibility to communicate with the host family and the homestay coordinator regarding any issues or problems you may have with your host family. If you do not share your concerns with anyone, we can not fix the situation. We are here to make sure you have a good time and enjoy your stay. Your expectations regarding your host family and your ability to be flexible within a family will make all the difference on your successful experience here. ENJOY YOURSELF, be open to "American culture" because, as you will soon see, it does mean a lot of different things.
Go to Student Application, copy and paste Application into an email
Suggestions and Guidelines
Please read the following information carefully...
This is a general paragraph to all students arriving independently, (not with an organized group) .
Upon arrival, you need to pay your host family for the first and last month payment. The first
month's payment will be used for the first month, and the last month's for
your last month in the host family house, this will ensure that you give
your host family a 30 day move out notice, which is required. Whether you
stay with your host family for only two months or two years, it is up to
your to communicate with your family about your plans. A 30 day move out
notice is required, if you leave before a 30 day notice, you will not get
your last month's payment returned to you.
Please contact me, via email with any questions or concerns. I try to
keep track of all the students and where they are, how they are doing etc.
always the best way to get contact me.
Please get involved with your host family, to whatever degree is possible,
considering your busy schedule and your host family busy schedule.
Communication is the key to a successful adventure. Please offer to
assist your host family with chores and meals, gardening etc..this is a
great opportunity for you to use your English and get comfortable with
your host family.
Let me know if you have any questions..
1. Meals
If your host family is responsible for your meals, they will provide you with breakfast and dinner seven days a week. If the host family will not be home for dinner, a meal will be available for the student. (Communication between family and student will avoid any problems)
We encourage collaborative shopping, cooking and cleaning between host family and student.
If the host family is responsible for meals, and the family and student go out to dinner together, it is the host family responsibility to pay for dinner or breakfast. If the student chooses to have breakfast or dinner out with friends, the student is responsible for paying for their own meal.
If your host family is not providing meals for you, you may use the kitchen provided that you clean up any mess and do not use any of the host family's food. You should communicate with your host family about kitchen use and be courteous to their request.
2. Accommodations
Laundry facilities will be available, but the student and the host family will work out a schedule for use, usually at least once a week. There is no smoking in any part of the home or property unless agreed upon by the host family and student.
Student should consult host family if he/she would like to have an overnight guest, or stay overnight somewhere else.
3. Transportation
It is requested but not required that the host family assist the student to school on the first day of orientation or classes
The host family will assist the student with transportation to and from school and activities when it is possible, otherwise busses are available. The student is responsible for the bus fare or bus pass.
Car-pooling is encouraged, but it is up to the host families to communicate with each other and establish convenient schedules.
Host families and students will carry a bus schedule with them and be familiar with bus arrival and departure times for their particular route.
Host families will show students where the closest bus stop is to the home.
4. General
There should be mutual respect and consideration between host family and student at all times.
All parties involved will encourage communication and cultural exchange.
All parties involved will demonstrate cultural sensitivity at all times.
Be responsible, communicate and leave message, know the daily schedule of family and student, establish a clear plan for communicating schedules and changes (Leave names and numbers of friends if you go out with them)
Excess water usage is always an issue, discussion and education will assist with the cultural training on this one. THERE IS A WATER SHORTAGE IN CALIFORNIA
Viva International Homestays
Telephone: 831 869-8844
email: lisaleorohrer@yahoo.com
