Host Family Agreement Consent(Required) Host Family Responsibilities:
Living Arrangements:
Provide a clean, private or shared bedroom with appropriate furnishings, including a bed and linens. Shared bedrooms are allowed only with a family member of similar age and of the same gender and the shared bedroom has at least 2 beds. Shared beds are not permitted. Host family members should not sleep on alternative arrangements like couches or air mattresses to accommodate the participant.
Inclusion and Family Involvement:
Welcome the international participant as a family member and involve them in recreational activities and family plans. Do not leave the participant home alone without parents or the host sibling of similar age for extended or regular periods. The participant may not serve as a babysitter for younger siblings. Extended periods are defined as any duration exceeding 2 hours.
Guardianship and Safety:
Act as responsible guardians for the participant throughout their stay. Discuss house rules, expectations, and safety protocols on the first day, covering essential items such as appliances, security systems, and family routines.
Meals:
Provide three meals per day, including meals eaten outside the home with the family. There must be food available to the participant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Any additional meals or food chosen to be eaten by the participant outside the home will be done at the participant’s cost. Host families are expected to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the dietary needs and restrictions of the participant as communicated by Live N Learn.
Healthcare Assistance:
Assist the participant in obtaining medical attention if needed, providing transportation as necessary. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, serious illness, injury, legal issues, or other situations that may require immediate intervention. Host families must contact Live N Learn’s emergency line immediately in these instances. Host families are not expected to pay for treatment, as participants have medical insurance and personal funds. Do not list yourself as the legal guardian; list the participant's parents on all medical forms. Notify the Local Coordinator immediately in case of emergencies or medical visits.
English Immersion:
Foster an English-speaking environment. If another language is commonly spoken at home, family members must commit to using only English in the participant's presence to maintain the English immersion experience.
Extracurriculars and Activities:
It is prohibited that the main host student works, attends a camp or has a sports commitment for more than 15 hours per week while hosting unless there are two main host students of a similar age and same gender as the international participant. International participants can attend (or participate in if prior participation is granted) in camps, work, sports, etc. Main host siblings (and families when applicable) will commit to attending weekly program activities and assist with transportation where possible. Arrange carpooling if unable to provide transport.
Compliance and Communication:
Follow all Live N Learn guidelines and relevant laws. Notify Live N Learn immediately of significant misunderstandings or behavioral issues. Both host families and participants are encouraged to engage in open communication regarding cultural differences or misunderstandings. Live N Learn can mediate discussions if needed to foster mutual understanding and respect.
International Student Responsibilities:
Substance Use and Legal Compliance:
Participants must refrain from using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other prohibited substances and adhere to all local, state, and federal laws. Participants must understand that local, state, and federal laws may differ from those in their home country, and violations could have serious legal consequences, including program removal and legal penalties.
Firearm Use:
Participants may not handle firearms. Host families with firearms must disclose ownership to Live N Learn and ensure secure, locked storage. Secure, locked storage means a gun safe or lockbox that can only be accessed with a key, fingerprint, or code, with confirmation provided to Live N Learn during the application process. Permission for firearm-related activities must be obtained, in writing, through Live N Learn and the participant’s legal guardians.
Driving Restrictions:
Participants may not operate motorized vehicles under any circumstances, even if they possess a valid driver’s license from their home country.
Social Events:
Participants may not attend co-ed sleepovers. They should avoid events with potential substance use, though exceptions may be granted when supervised by host parents.
Accountability:
Any breach of these rules should be reported to Live N Learn. Violations may result in the participant’s removal from the program and return to their home country.
Live N Learn Responsibilities:
Host Family Screening:
Conduct a home visit to ensure a safe, tidy, and welcoming environment for the international participant. The visit will help determine compatibility based on family dynamics, available space, and program requirements. Additionally, Live N Learn will contact three non-family references for each host family to verify suitability for program.
Background Checks:
Provide background checks at no cost for family members aged 18 and older through Clearstar. Live N Learn reserves the right to disqualify any host family member if background checks reveal a history of offenses such as, but not limited to, crimes involving violence, sexual misconduct, theft, or substance abuse.
Host Family and Student Matching:
Conduct an interview with each host family, placing particular focus on the main host student to assess compatibility with international participants. Based on the responses from the interview, the host family profile, and the student questionnaire, the Local Coordinator will make every effort to create a suitable match between the host family and the international student.
Orientation and Activities:
Conduct a pre-arrival orientation and organize weekly activities, covering costs for a set number of family members as listed in the program calendar.
Emergency Contact:
Serve as the primary point of contact for host families in emergencies. A Live N Learn representative will respond to emergency calls from host families and provide guidance or assistance as needed.
Support:
Provide ongoing support to families from a dedicated Local Coordinator, who will be available for assistance with any issues or questions that arise during the participant’s stay. International students will be supported by a Group Leader from their home country to help address cultural adjustments and ensure their well-being throughout the program. For non-emergency issues or support requests, Live N Learn will respond within two business days.
Photo Consent Form
I consent to the photographing, videotaping, and filming of myself, my family, and/or my minor child during Live N Learn activities. I permit Live N Learn and its international partners to use these images for promotional purposes. This release is mandatory for program participation.
Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement
I, the undersigned, understand and agree that Live N Learn Foundation (including Local Coordinators) is not liable for the actions of the international participant during their stay, including any damage to property or other expenses incurred. I acknowledge that Live N Learn does not insure the host family’s property. I understand that I can consult with the homeowners' insurance provider to understand potential coverage for hosting an international student and may obtain additional insurance if desired.
Participation Risks:
As a voluntary participant in the Live N Learn program, I accept all responsibilities and risks associated with hosting an international student, which may include:
Transportation to and from program activities.
Physical activities such as walking, hiking, or sports.
Outdoor exposure and environmental conditions.
Food and beverage consumption risks.
I am fully aware that Live N Learn Foundation does not provide medical, health, or hospitalization insurance for host families, and I release Live N Learn from all associated liabilities. By signing, I affirm that I understand and voluntarily accept the conditions and risks of participation.
I have read and accept the terms of the Live N Learn Host Family Agreement.