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Homestay Program

Would you like to open your heart and home to an international student? Being a homestay family is a life-changing experience! You offer a student an exceptional opportunity to learn about American society and to improve their English speaking abilities. In turn, your family will be able to learn about Chinese language and culture and to build a lasting connection with our students.

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Most of our students reside in the dormitory in River Grove, IL. However, students attending our partner schools are provided the opportunity to experience living with American families. We are looking for homestay families that live near our partner schools in Elmhurst, IL - Timothy Christian and IC Catholic Prep - and in Burbank, IL - St. Laurence. We are seeking families who are able to provide a safe and loving environment for our students and who have an interest in learning more about Chinese culture.

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If you are interested in learning more about our program, please contact Julia Pavlova by phone at 414-312-8556 or by email at info@wiaedu.org.

Benefits of GCIA's Homestay Program:

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  • $1,000 stipend per student - You may host up to three students, however, each student must have their own bedroom.

  • flexible length - You can host a student for a semester, a year, or longer.

  • long-term support - We provide ongoing support for your family and your student. Host families and students are welcome to come to GCIA events and activities. In case of a family emergency or unexpected changes, your student can stay at the dormitory. 

  • well-matched - We carefully match students with homestay families based on interests, lifestyles, and personalities.

  • experience another culture - Currently, all of our student are from China, especially from the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou.

Responsibilities of Homestay Families:

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  • provide 2 meals on school days (breakfast and dinner) and 3 meals on weekends and holidays

  • provide transportaion to and from school and after-school activities

  • supervise academic performance, social conduct, and health of your student

  • involve your student in family activities and events including family rules and chores

  • give your student comfort, support, and attention in a safe and loving environment

  • write newsletters each month to send to the student's parents 

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Becoming a Homstay Family:

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  1. ​Contact our Homestay Coordinator, Julia Pavlova, by phone at 414-312-8556 or by email at info@wiaedu.org with any questions.

  2. All interested Homestay Families must submit an application to the Homestay Coordinator by email.

  3. Each application will be reviewed and the family notified if they are being considered for the program.

  4. A representative from GCIA will conduct a home visit. A background check will also be conducted.

  5. Once you have been approved, you will be matched with a student or students from our program.

  6. You will have an opportunity to meet your student(s) before their placement if desired.

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Matching student and family interests and needs may take time. Sometimes we have to wait to place a family with a student.

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