Living arrangements are an important part of the experience for International Students studying at the Engnlish Center. Students may choose between and family home stay, a private apartment, or sharing a home or apartment with a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Living with an American host, students will
If a student is single, the English Center recommends a family homestay, as this offers and excellent way to improve one's English more quickly. A homestay is also good for a married couple with no children, or two friends.
If a student is married with children, then a private apartment is the best option. The English Center can recommend locations near good schools for the children. The rent for an apartment can range from $700 to $1,500 per month. For a private apartment or shared house or apartment, the most popular tool is an internet listing service called craigslist.org, which may be accessed as follows:
The cost for a family homestay is a $250 non-refundable placement fee plus $1,100 for each four weeks of the homestay. This includes a private room and 14 meals per week. Please note that the English Center does not arrange the homestays; we work with Kong International Student Services (KISS), a company that has long experience in arranging homestays and that carefully screens and selects the families. Please apply as early as possible. If you do not apply at least three weeks before your arrival, it is likely that you will have to stay in a hotel until a family is located for you. To apply, please complete the homestay application here.