How do I get accepted as a host family?
 After you agree to host you will fill out a Host Family Application that includes a high school profile, a community profile and a background check release form. Along with the application we ask that you provide two references. Your local    coordinator will conduct an in-home visit with all members of your family present.

Where will my student sleep?
Your student should have his/her own room or may share a room with a child of the same gender. Students must have their own bed.

What ages are the students?
The students range from 15 to 18 years old.

Will my student come with his/her own spending money?
Students will have their own spending money for personal expenses (school lunches, supplies, clothes, entertainment).

Are the students allowed to participate in after-school activities?
Absolutely! The students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations to enhance their experience while living in America.

Do the students have their own medical insurance?
Each student comes with his/her own medical insurance as well as an insurance card.

How will my student get to and from school?
Your student can either walk, be driven to school by a family member or a friend with a driver’s license, or take the bus.

Are the students allowed to drive?
The students are not allowed to drive any vehicles while they are on the exchange program. They are, however, allowed to take a Driver’s Ed. class as long as they do the driving portion with a licensed, certified, and insured instructor. They must also obtain approval from the New Horizon’s office before enrolling.

Is there a tax deduction for the host family?
Possibly, please check with your tax professional to see if you qualify.

How long is the student’s stay?
Students arrive in August for the 10-month full academic year.

What if we just do not get along with my student?
Each student has a Local Coordinator, usually the person who places the student. The LC’s role is to offer support to the student as well as the host family. We want the experience to be a positive one for both the host family and the student. If a personality conflict exists, the LC will work with the student and host family to see if a resolution can be made. If we are unable to do so, the student will be re-placed as soon as a new host family can be arranged.

What happens if my student has behavior or academic problems during his/her stay in my home?
If any problem should arise, the LC will step in and work with the student and family to decide what action is deemed necessary. The students have strict rules about behavior and academics. They are all aware of the rules and the consequences of not abiding by those rules. They have signed a contract promising to abide by the rules. New Horizon’s   adheres to a disciplinary process in which the student can be issued a warning letter, placed on probation, or disqualified from the program if serious rule violations persist.

Will I, as the host family, be in contact with my Local Coordinator throughout the year?
Yes, you are encouraged to call your LC anytime with any questions or concerns you may have. The LC is required by New Horizon’s to be in monthly contact with the host family and student. The LC also is required to do reports on each student he/she is supervising. Many LCs organize student and host family functions throughout the year in order to stay in touch.

Host families are responsible for:

- Providing the student with a home for the academic year

- Welcoming the student as a member of the family and encouraging the student to   participate in all aspects of family life.

- Providing the student with his/her own bed and place to study, either in a room shared   with a family member of the same sex and age range, or his/her own room

- Providing the student with meals (except lunch on school days).

- Encouraging the exchange of ideas and providing the student with exposure to the cultural   and social environment of the home and neighborhood.

- Providing the love and understanding a young person needs to enjoy a successful stay in   America

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