Center for International Education Housing

Student Guidelines and Responsibilities

The CIE Housing program is intended to help you learn and practice English. In addition it is a great opportunity for your host family to help you understand American culture and learn about your culture. Please read the following guidelines carefully so you and your host family can have the best possible experience.

Airport pick-up/drop-off
Your host family is not responsible for airport pick-up or drop-off. Transportation to and from the airport is arranged by you or the CIE Housing, depending on the program.

Communicate with your host family
If you are uncertain of something, ask questions. Good communication as soon as you have a question will help make your home stay a positive experience.

Basic guidelines for daily living

• Bathroom: You are responsible for your own personal hygiene toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shaving equipment, personal products, etc.).
• Bedroom: You are responsible for keeping your bedroom clean and orderly. Do not leave clothes and damp towels lying around or on the floor.
• Laundry: If you are responsible for your own laundry, find out where detergents are kept and how and when to use the washer and dryer.
• Kitchen: Follow house rules for kitchen responsibilities.
• Safety Issues: Listen carefully to your host family. They are familiar with the local area and any safety issues you need to be aware of.
• Schedules: Coordinate with your host family the best times to start your laundry, take showers, return home to meet for meals and other events, etc.
• Bus route: Your host family is required to show you how to ride the bus to/from school.
• Bike route: Your host family is required to show you where to ride your bicycle safely to/from school and to local shopping, and to explain the local traffic laws related to bicycles on the road, as an option for daily transportation.

Room
You will be provided a private room for sleeping, studying and privacy. The host family will also provide a bed, linens and areas for storing your belongs such as a closet or dresser. You are responsible for keeping your own room neat and orderly.

Internet service
Host families will provide you with Internet service in the host home.

Telephone calls
Each family has their own rules regarding telephone use. Please ask what the house rules are for telephone use. Purchase and use phone cards or a cell phone for long distance calls. You are responsible for the cost of your own long-distance calls. CIE Housing will not be responsible for unpaid phone charges.

Conversation and family activities
The purpose of students living with host families is to learn about American culture and to practice English. Please participate in family activities and conversations. If you need assistance understanding your homework, please ask your host family when the best time to receive their help is. Speaking clearly and slowly and writing things down may aid communication.

Religion
You need to respect host family’s religious beliefs and background, as they must respect yours.

Rules
The host family will provide you with a set of basic household rules that all family members in the household follow. If you are uncertain of something, ask them. We will receive a copy of the household rules as well.

Guests
If you would like to invite a guest to visit, provide notice ahead of time to your host family, and receive approval from your host family.

Misunderstandings or problems
Students as well as families are encouraged to contact our office any time they have a question or concern. We are here to help solve any misunderstandings or problems that may arise. CIE Housing wants you and your host family to be happy and have a good experience together, and if we do not hear from you, we assume that everything is fine. If you have a problem you cannot resolve, please contact us at ciehousing@ucdavis.edu.

Communication
We, CIE Housing, assign home placements based on the information gathered from applications and/or interviews. We hope to match you with a host family that will provide an enjoyable learning experience for you and for the host family. A successful placement takes effort from all involved. Both you and your host family need to make a good faith effort so the host will work.

However, if you or your host family feels there is a conflict in placement, then we ask that CIE Housing be contacted immediately for conflict resolution. In most cases, communication and misinterpretations caused by language and cultural differences are the common culprits in host family and student difficulties. Should it be an irreconcilable issue, you or the host family will give the other a two-week, written notice to move out and the stipend will be prorated and/or refunded.

Length of stay
There is no contract or lease for this program. You and your host family must be happy living with each other. If you decide to move out before the end of the program, you must give two weeks written notice to your host family and to CIE Housing. In this case, the last stipend to the family will be prorated.

Damage
CIE Housing is not responsible for any damages to host family property caused by you. We are here to help mediate between you and your host family if needed. You will need to pay for damages before you move out if it is determined you are at fault.

Please remember it takes effort for the student and hosting family relationship to work. We ask you and your host family to have realistic expectations. We are here to help you and your host family make the most of your time together. Please feel free to contact us anytime at ciehousing@ucdavis.edu.

The student agrees to:

• Keep open channels of communication with your host family and work together to encourage understanding of each other.
• Contact the CIE Housing coordinator if there are any difficulties, and request assistance and mediation when necessary.
• Respect the recommendations, suggestions and decisions of the CIE Housing coordinator assisting in the resolution of any difficult situation. This may include, if necessary, having you move out before the first term is complete.
• Do your best to make the hosted experience positive.
• Remember that living cross-culturally can be challenging but very rewarding.

HAVE FUN!!!