Host Family FAQ

Resources & FAQ

All GRC host family and hosted student resources and information can be found on our host family blog site called HostPost. Here you can read about day-to-day happenings, news, airport greetings, welcome packets, and more!

Go To HostPost > 

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to host international students. How can I qualify?

• Hosts must live no more than 60 minutes from campus by bus with no more than 1 transfer for students 17 or older. 16-year-old students are 30 minutes, no transfers. If you live further away, you must be willing to drive the students to campus or to a safe bus stop within that window. 
• You must provide a dedicated bed, desk, chair, lamp, and clothing storage for each student, even if students are sharing a single room.
• Hosts provide food for 3 meals a day. Students prepare their own breakfast and lunch from provided food.  Dinner should be prepared and the family should eat together as frequently as possible.
• English does not need to be your native language, but you must commit to speaking English only with students.
• Host must live in the home.
• Be sure that you are committed to hosting students, not just "renting rooms." Do not count on this as income; it is unreliable as an income source and we cannot guarantee you will have students

We will answer all your questions and have applications available at the orientation.

What is the housing deposit?

Host families receive a $100.00 check for every new student placed in your home. It should arrive about the same time as your student. It is collected from students prior to being placed with a host family. If your student cancels at the last minute, this is yours to keep.

How much do I charge the student for the 1st month?

The first month for 16-year-olds will be $850 and the first month for students older than 16 will be $725. 

What do I charge for the following months?

16-year-olds will be $950 and students older than 16 will be $825.

What if my student says they or the agent paid the school their money?

Believe them! Call us to verify this is correct, then have your student come to the office to pick up their refund check after they receive an email instructing them to do so.

What is a Welcome Navigator and what paperwork do I need to turn in to be paid the $100.00 Welcome Navigator fee?

Welcome Navigator is similar to the old "Airport Greeter." Welcome Navigators assist students who live in GRC housing other than homestay. The main difference is you do not need to meet the student at the airport and deal with all the time, gas, and parking expenses involved. Welcome Navigators connect with students to take them around town to open bank accounts, set up local cell service, and just show them around a bit. You will usually have the opportunity to assist multiple students at a time (largely based on how many seatbelts are in your car) and the $100 fee is paid per student.

Welcome Navigators need to turn in the following paperwork to be paid: Client Services Agreement, W-9 & The Welcome Navigator Invoice (signed by your student).

When is the paperwork deadline?

Two weeks after arrival or you may turn it in to the Green River staff at the airport.

What extras can I charge my students for?

Nothing!

What if my student has a friend that wants to move in with us?

Contact the Housing Office. At no time should a student move into your home without our knowledge.

Where can I take my student for banking needs?

We recommend the Auburn branches of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase. These locations will give students under 18 a checking account with a debit card. This way they don't have to carry cash around. Bank of America is the only bank that will allow 16-year-olds to open an account without a co-signer.  Please keep in mind that you may need to make an appointment ahead of time.

Where can I take my student if he/she is sick or injured?

We recommend taking your student to a MultiCare location. We have worked to make the process as smooth as possible when working with them. You will need to bring the student's medical release form and proper identification. They will ask you to sign a form consenting to treatment that is acceptable with their medical release. Do NOT sign anything that says you are financially responsible. Email or come by the IP office with questions. Call the emergency line if there is an emergency after you have called 911.

Where can I take my student if he/she needs dental assistance?

If your student needs to add dental or vision to their insurance, please email our business office at international@greenriver.edu.

Who do I call if there is an EMERGENCY?

Call the Director of Housing at 253-740-8422