BASIC MATTER
Homestay scenarios can range from a completely immersive family experience, to a very basic room rental. Depending on the age of the student, homestays can be paid or unpaid.
In the immersive family experience a homestay student lives, eats, and shares the majority of their time in the host country with the hosts and their family. Family events such as dining out, amusement parks, camping, travel, etc. usually involve the host student who may or may not be expected to pay a portion for the participation (tickets, parking, gas, travel expenses, et al.) The student is invited to participate in Holiday festivities (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) and family events (weddings, birthdays, etc.)
At the other end of the spectrum, students may simply be renting a room within a private home with minimal supervision from a host or family.
Additionally, there are a working homestay agreements where a student is expected to perform duties such as yard work, farm work, babysitting, maid services - usually in exchange for accommodation fees or as part of.
