SRS Host Training

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Host Training* This field is required.Our Host training is designed to supply you with key information to: · ensure you understand the requirements to become a host for SRS · ensure you are aware of how to stay in compliance with SRS guidelines · assist you and your student(s) with having a great homestay experience. After going through all the Host Training components, you will be prompted to complete the Host Assessment. This is a short test to assess your knowledge of our key policies, procedures and requirements as outlined in this training. SRS will be in touch with you regarding the next stage of your host application once you’ve fully completed the Host Training process. Please ensure you check our website and emails regularly for updates to our training, resources and policies.
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Host Name* This field is required.Please start by giving us your name
First Name
Last Name
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Email* This field is required.Please use the email used for your SRS host account
example@example.com
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About SRS* This field is required.The SRS homestay program is the premier housing resource for international students studying in the USA. SRS works with experienced and welcoming host families to ensure students are placed in a safe and clean environment. Each host family has completed a cultural orientation training, passed a series of background checks, and met with our staff during virtual or in-person visits. SRS provides a unique platform to organize and display homestay choices through cutting-edge technology. Students and their host families are then provided ongoing support by an attentive staff of local coordinators that help students adjust to school and life in America and provide support for host families. Our unique global approach and combined experience of our staff ensures that our hosts, students and partners are provided with a wealth of knowledge and support.
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Hosting With SRS - The Importance of Homestay* This field is required.Students have many accommodation options available to them when choosing to visit a foreign country. Each option has its benefits, some more than others. Homestay is one of the more complete accommodation solutions available and offers a number of valuable benefits. Homestay is more than a room with meals – homestay is a complete experience. Students who choose homestay are in an environment where they are provided with the support, assistance and guidance they need to adjust to life in a foreign country. Homestay provides students with local knowledge about their community and the skills they need to set themselves up.
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What It Means To Be a “Host”* This field is required.Hosts play a valuable role for students living in a foreign country. Being a host with SRS means you’re an ambassador for the USA. You’ll be there to help your student(s) settle into the community, navigate public transport and set up a cell phone. Your home will be an environment where students can improve their English skills and learn about their new country. Hosting is an enjoyable, enriching and rewarding experience! Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to become a homestay host. There is no one, perfect profile for a homestay host. SRS recognizes that hosts come from a variety of cultural backgrounds and that family composition varies. Hosts can be singles, couples, families, single-parent families, empty nesters, the list goes on. We do not place bias on household make up, religion or culture. We focus on the host’s ability to provide a positive homestay experience for their students and pay particular attention to matching the right student to the right host. SRS aims to keep hosts updated and informed on a regular basis. We will send out newsletters and major updates to SRS policies direct to your email inbox. You can review our most updated SRS policies at any time by visiting our website. We also update information on our Blog page - https://blog.studentroomstay.com/. Please save these links to your browser and check back regularly for new updates.
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Host Obligations and Expectations* This field is required.By accepting the Homestay Host Agreement during the application process, you made a commitment to “Adhere to any and all policies and procedures as outlined in the Host Agreement”, which includes the Host Family Code of Conduct. As per the Policies, as an SRS host you are expected to: · provide healthy nutritious meals in line with the requested product · provide a secure, private, clean, and safe accommodation · provide the Student with support and orientation including basic security, self-awareness and an understanding of local law and culture · dedicate time and effort to assist your student while they adjust to a foreign country · speak fluent conversational English (while hosting students, English must be spoken at all times in the home by all residents).
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Student Obligations and Expectations* This field is required.Students who choose to stay in homestay with SRS have obligations placed upon them by accepting the “Student Agreement” during the placement process. These obligations help to make the homestay experience pleasant for everyone. SRS Students are expected to: - cover certain costs - comply with any reasonable House Rules given by the host - be sensible and safe - stay in contact - abide by any rules set out by their Education Provider - comply with the SRS Student Code of Conduct.
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Mutual Obligations* This field is required.Both Hosts and Students must: 1. Treat each other and every other person in the Home in a fair, respectful, and polite manner. This means being considerate of other peoples’ feelings and needs, and includes things like not touching any person or their personal property without their permission, keeping your environment clean and tidy, and saying thank you to someone who does something for you. 2. Understand that your customs or beliefs may be different to those of your host or student. Have an open mind – one of the most important benefits of a homestay is ‘cultural exchange’ – the chance to learn about someone else’s experiences and values. All participants need to be treated with respect, including when carrying out reasonable cultural or religious practices in the home. Discrimination of any kind isn’t acceptable. 3. Work together to make the homestay a success. It is very important that both students and hosts make an effort to communicate clearly and effectively about important matters, and cooperate to resolve any misunderstandings or issues that might arise. It takes contribution from both sides to create a comfortable and enjoyable environment within the home. Make sure that you provide your student or host with current contact details and any other important information about you that they should know – and be careful not to share any information you receive with anyone else without the student or hosts’ permission.
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Extra Responsibilities for Hosting Students Under Age 18* This field is required.Students under 18 require an extra level of support and care compared to older Students. If you’ve elected to host under 18s, you need to thoroughly understand the Host Obligations for Students 18 and Under listed in the SRS Host Family Code of Conduct. To host younger students you must be prepared to: - act as a custodian for the student - provide parental guidance and supervision - assist in monitoring behavior, welfare and school attendance - be conscious of the student’s whereabouts and contact SRS if the student does not return by the expected time - take responsibility for the student in the event of a medical or critical incident and communicate details back to the student's parents and school through SRS - undertake post arrival orientation with the student - assist the student with setting up a bank account and purchasing a mobile phone/SIM card - help the student become familiar with their neighborhood and understand local customs - ensure the student can safely travel to and from school and navigate their way around the city (NOTE: Uber or any third party ride sharing company is not available for use by persons under the age of 18) - provide daily transport to and from school and extracurricular activities as required (if hosting students in the SRS High School Program) - have regular, open communication with SRS and allow SRS to re-inspect your home every six months - make your home available to accommodate students over school breaks as required (if hosting students in the SRS High School Program)
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Support and Orientation* This field is required.Beyond the basics of bedroom and food, your Student is going to need some help adapting to life in a new environment. This will require patience and empathy from everyone. As a host, you need to develop a positive relationship that’s based on mutual trust, respect and good communication. Here are some ways you can help build a genuine relationship with your Student: - Spend time with them. - Go on outings and include them in activities. - Demonstrate sincere interest in their cultural background. - Respect and accommodate their culture, customs, language and beliefs. - Respect their privacy. Remember, privacy does not mean isolation. - Acknowledge their significance within the household. - Provide assistance, support and care where needed and requested. - Learn about their interests; help them locate like-minded clubs and groups. - Keep calm and avoid sarcasm when communicating. - Be aware of the signs and symptoms of culture shock. - Treat each student as an individual; don’t assume they will all like to do the same things. Prepare to sit down with your student with the first few days of arrival to go over your house rules and give them an orientation of your home and neighborhood. SRS has a House Rules worksheet that you can download to assist you with giving your student a welcome orientation.
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Accommodation Expectations* This field is required.Your home must meet the following standards of accommodation to become a certified host with SRS . Safety - The home is clean, safe, secure, in good repair, compliant with building codes, and not under renovation at the time of the homestay. Furnishing - The home is comfortably furnished. Residents - The home is where you and your family reside. Ownership - The home is owned by you, or if rented by you, you have written permission from your landlord. Transport - The home is within reasonable travel times, traveling by public transport to the student’s potential daily destination. For students under 18, all school related transportation is provided by the host family. Facilities - The home is equipped with kitchen/laundry facilities and adequate supplies for reasonable use. Accessible -Your student must be able to gain internal access to your home at all times. Keys - You must provide your student with a key to the home or an alternative access method (e.g. a code access via security system). Private room – The student must not share a bedroom with other Students or a member of the host’s family, unless specifically negotiated by SRS . Clean - The Student's room must be clean when the student arrives. The student will be expected to keep it clean (show them where cleaning supplies are kept), but it is your responsibility to make sure that happens. Please contact your local office if this becomes an issue. Comfortable - The student's room is comfortably furnished with bed (no inflatables or fold-outs) and bedding (clean sheets, extra blankets), desk, chair, appropriate lighting, dresser, and closet space.
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Accommodation Expectations - Continued* This field is required.The student bathroom will need to be: Private - The bathroom may be private or shared with the family. Clean - The bathroom must be clean when the student arrives. The student will be expected to help keep it clean (show them where cleaning supplies are stored), but it is your responsibility to make sure that happens Stocked - The bathroom is stocked with towels, toilet paper, and other amenities as appropriate. Note: Your student is responsible for their own personal toiletries.
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SRS Students English Proficiency* This field is required.Students generally choose homestay to help them improve their English skills while living overseas. Hosts need to speak fluent conversational English to become certified with SRS. This is required so students can practice their English in the home. Your English proficiency will be assessed during the home interview. Note: Some homestay students will speak English more fluently than others. Many of them will be eager to engage in conversation once they arrive, so be prepared to interact with them regardless of how proficient they are.
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Religion and Culture* This field is required.Your Student may have religious beliefs and practices that are different from yours. Homestay is a great opportunity for them to learn about your culture, which can include your religious beliefs. An open discussion about religion can be interesting, but can also backfire. Use good judgement if discussing the topic and show respect if a student has a different point of view. It’s extremely inappropriate to persuade your student to attend religious services if they aren’t interested, or attempt to convert them to your faith. SRS does not specifically place students based on their religious beliefs.
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Cultural Differences* This field is required.Cultural conflicts and misunderstandings often develop in the host home and are a normal part of the experience as the host family and international student learn more about each other’s cultural backgrounds. The SRS staff is experienced in handling these types of issues with a positive outcome. In our experience, even small things such as turning off the lights, helping with the dinner dishes, communicating daily plans, or other courtesies which seem natural to you may become a cause of irritation when your student does not automatically adjust to these customs. Please share your questions and concerns with each other within the first few days to prevent the possibility of embarrassment or annoyance, and continue to dialogue as the year progresses. Your SRS support staff representative can help to facilitate discussion with your student when needed.
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What is Culture?* This field is required.Culture is a system of values or set of shared beliefs that influence how individuals within a group think or behave. Culture evolves over many years, built up by many individuals, and is passed from one generation to another. It establishes the norm for behavior within the group and provides its members a sense of belonging. How Culture Influences Behavior Culture does not reliably predict behavior. Not only does the person’s personality, upbringing and other individual variations factor in; context plays a big part as well. Context can include: - Situation (where you are and what you are doing) - Relationship of people involved (family, friend, stranger, boss) - Mood (tired, hurried, sad, hopeful, etc.) - Subculture (athlete, hipster, conservative)
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Culture Shock* This field is required.Understandably, almost all students will experience some level of “homesickness” and “culture-shock”. Be sensitive to your student and look for changes in behavior and attitude. In some students, it will manifest greater than others. Students may become angry, withdrawn, or react in other ways. Be sensitive to these changes in behavior and attitude as well. Help your student understand that what they are feeling is normal, but that with time, they will feel more at ease. Communicate with your SRS support staff representative if you have questions about culture shock or if you notice behaviors that are concerning to you. Mild/Short-term symptoms may include: - Excessive hand washing - Excessive concern over drinking water and eating food - Excessive fear of being cheated or robbed - Withdrawing to his/her room; - or excessive sleeping Other symptoms may include temper tantrums over minor frustrations and a refusal to learn a new language. Severe/Long-term symptoms may include: - Depression - Panic attacks - Anxiety - Withdrawal - Fear - Extreme homesickness Sometimes culture shock manifests physically as headaches, nausea and sleeping disorders (including sleeping too much). Students may be distrustful, unusually quiet or appear to be in a bad mood. If you feel your student is suffering from culture shock symptoms and needs assistance, please contact SRS Customer Support at 877-385-8425.
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Placement with SRS* This field is required.There are a number of components involved in a homestay placement, from the setting up of student and host profiles to the types of packages available, and the processes and procedures involved throughout the homestay itself. The following information provides an overview of the essential elements of the SRS homestay program that you need to know as a host. Host Public Profile and Preferences: The host profile is like an introduction about yourself, your family, your lifestyle and home. We provide students with a copy of your host profile when we send them information about their proposed host. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression and sell the experience you’re offering. The best host profiles include information about each member of the household, the neighborhood you live in, your home, any pets you may have, your hobbies and interests, accessibility to transport and resources, and what students can expect when living in your home. SRS will use the information you’ve provided to match you with international students who meet your preferences (or as close to them as possible). By supplying accurate, detailed answers throughout your profile, you’re assisting us in making sure your placements are best suited for you and your family. Changes in the Household: It’s important that you keep SRS updated about any changes in your household, and that they are reflected on your host profile. You must let SRS know when students move in or move out of your home immediately. Additionally you must let SRS know when students leave for vacation. Common changes in households include: - Change of address - Children moving in or out of home - Family members moving in or out - The addition or removal of pets - Renovations If you have changes in your household, please ensure you contact the SRS Customer Support Team or update your host profile through your SRS account.
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Products* This field is required.Students who choose to stay in homestay with SRS have several different service options available to them, from fully-catered right through to self-catered. SRS 's product offering is determined by meals and room configuration. Hosts are able to indicate the level/s of service they’re happy to provide. This information will then be picked up by our SRS system when we’re placing students with you. If you’re not able to accommodate a certain level of service, we will not place students who require that level of service with you. If you’re hosting a student that requires meals, SRS expects you to adhere to the following standards: 1. Meal plan – Meals are in accordance with the correct meal plan for the service level the student has paid for. 2. Quality and quantity – Meals are good quality, healthy and adequately portioned. 3. Appropriate – Meals are appropriate for the student. This means that you must take into account any dietary restrictions your student has (this information is available to you prior to confirming a placement). Accommodating student preferences to some degree would be advisable but isn’t required. It is expected meals are home cooked (and not pre-packaged or unhealthy).
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Payments* This field is required.SRS hosts receive a stipend for hosting an international student in their home. Fees are paid directly to SRS by the student. SRS retains a small management fee to cover systems, student placement processing and management, and 24/7 critical support services. The remainder of the student fee is reimbursed to the host to assist with expenses associated with hosting. These fees may change at any time, but will not affect a current individual placement without prior notice. Expenses will be reimbursed to the Host once every Monday after receipt of the weekly fee by SRS from the Student. SRS will transfer reimbursements to the Host’s bank account electronically via ACH. The Host will be required to provide a bank account number prior to receiving payment. Payments will be made every Monday, as long as the Host has informed us of the exact date the student moved into the home. If the designated payment day falls on a bank holiday, payment will be processed the following business day. The term “weekly fee” is equivalent to seven days. Student weekly fees and host reimbursements will be prorated based on a daily rate if a student’s stay does not span a full and complete seven days. Payments can be delayed due to your banks processing timelines. More details can be found by reading our SRS Reimbursement Policy.
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Homestay Tax Questions* This field is required.As required by law, those who receive stipend payments in excess of $600/year will receive an IRS 1099-MISC form from SRS. The form will identify your total receipts over the course of a calendar year. If you hosted more than once you will receive only one, with a grand total of your stipends. This is the gross receipts for your service as a homestay host, not your taxable income from hosting. The IRS and state and local authorities will tax you net income, which means you take your gross stipend, deduct the expenses directly associated with hosting and then declare the balance as taxable income. For most hosts, this balance is negligible after you adjust for room and board expenses. Most hosts will declare these expenses/adjustments on Schedule C of your 1040. This is the form commonly used for personal business income. While you don’t have to be a business to be a homestay host, Schedule C provides the easiest was to report your host expenses and declare your net taxable income. The bottom line gain (or loss) is then transferred to your 1040 as taxable income. More information on Taxes can be found here: https://knowledge.studentroomstay.com/homestay/homestay-tax-questions . Further information regarding homestay stipend payments can be found in the SRS Host Agreement Section 4 Compensation.
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Frequency and Length of Stay* This field is required.In general, most SRS homestay placements are long term for the academic school year, but placements can also be for shorter periods like a week, or a month. After the initial placement period students can easily extend, if the host family is available, and the student wishes to continue living in homestay accommodation. As a host, you can specify your preferred duration and availability. Let us know if you have a preference for a short or long term homestay placement. The length of time between becoming a certified host and having your first student, or additional students, placed with you will depend on several factors: - Your location - The frequency that students who study at education providers convenient to your home apply for homestay - The time of year – intakes of international students come in peaks and troughs - Your preferences and the level of service you’re willing to provide – some options are more preferred than others SRS isn’t able to guarantee a consistent intake of homestay students. The number of students seeking homestay varies significantly, coinciding with intake, orientation and holiday periods.
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Your Student's Arrival* This field is required.There are several modes of transport students may use when traveling to their homestay. Some students will choose to arrange their own transport from the airport to their homestay. Common modes of transport include: - Taxi - Public transport - Friend/relative/agent Other students will choose airport pick up (and drop off) by their host family. If your student requests airport pick up, you will be given the arrival details and need to plan to park and wait for their student at the airport gate. Welcoming your student at the airport with a clearly designated welcome sign with their name on it is a great way to make your student feel welcomed and at ease about the start of their time here in the US.
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Compliance and Incidence Management * This field is required.Insurance Hosts are required to purchase their own satisfactory insurance policy to cover their contents and legal liability obligations, including compliance with minimum insurance requirements at law. SRS accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury to the hosts’ property or their legal obligations. Host Compliance Safety and well-being is a top priority for SRS. As a host, it’s your responsibility to ensure the standards and obligations outlined in the SRS Host Agreement, SRS Host Family Code of Conduct and associated documents are adhered to at all times. Requirements to maintain your compliance include, but are not limited to, the following: - Hosts must provide a safe and comfortable homestay environment for students as specified in point three of the Host Obligations in the SRS Host Family Code of Conduct. - All residents over the age of 18 will have a national criminal background check completed prior to your first placement commencing. If you are hosting an international student directly or from another homestay provider they are not required to obtain clearances, however, you must sight their visa for validity and let SRS know immediately if you have any concerns. - If you opt to host under 18 students, SRS will conduct an annual criminal background check for all residents over the age of 18. - Hosts must list all residents in their profile and immediately notify SRS of any changes. - Hosts must notify SRS of any changes in the household as explained in the "Check Your Profile!" section of this training. - Hosts must notify SRS , in advance, of any overnight visitors so that appropriate action can be taken.
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Critical Incidents* This field is required.In the event there is a critical incident, SRS is here to help. Regardless of the time or day, you can always contact us. The SRS Critical Incident Response Protocols outlines the definition and procedures for the SRS; 24/7 providers, SRS Support Staff, Managers, staff and consultants to follow in the event of a critical incident involving a student or students placed in homestay by SRS. During business hours our professional team will be able to assist, advise and case manage any situation you may have. If there is a critical incident or emergency after hours, our critical incident call center staff can assist and connect you with our on-call team if need be. 24/7 Call Center As a host with SRS you will have access to our 24/7 critical incident call center. For true emergencies, the service will triage your call and escalate the call to the relevant manager. Please call our office number at 877-385-8425 at any time you need assistance or support. Please keep this number in a location where it can be easily accessed by you and your student(s). The Call Center can be used outside of business hours in an emergency, including; - Your Student has not arrived as expected - Your Student is under 18 years of age has not returned by expected time - Your Student is seriously injured or ill - Your Student is a victim of a crime or has committed a crime - There are allegations of sexual abuse: of your student, or by your student - You’re unable to provide appropriate food, housing, or other basic care to your student - Your student has run away, or has been missing for longer than 24 hours - There are allegations of theft from your student, or by your student - Your student has not attended school for multiple days Please call 911 or appropriate emergency services as priority should the situation require them. Please then call the SRS call center once the emergency services have been arranged.
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Supervision and Risk Management* This field is required.Safety is paramount with every SRS homestay. SRS knows that the parents of international students need to feel confident that their son or daughter is safe. Safety elements are monitored closely, especially for students under 18 years of age. The reputation SRS has built for quality and safety is maintained through careful supervision and risk management. By accepting a placement with SRS , you’re agreeing to the responsibilities outlined throughout this training and the SRS Policies associated with hosting international students. You’re responsible for monitoring the well-being of the student and any associated risks. Each host is screened to protect homestay students. Each homestay is supervised to ensure that all parties are adhering to their responsibilities and agreements. This means that SRS : - inspects your home and ensures relevant background checks are in place for all adult residents of your home when you’re first certified. - conducts periodic home inspections as necessary – annually if hosting over 18 Students only, biannually if hosting under 18 Students - checks in with you and your Student during a homestay placement. - can remove a student from your care if the relevant stakeholders deem it to be in the best interests of you or your student.
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Removal from Homestay* This field is required.Homestay placements can, on rare occasions, become unsuitable for either the student or the host. We will always work to resolve any issues, however, there are instances when we will need to find alternative accommodation for the Student. Reasons may include: - Complaints or feedback that require immediate action - Inappropriate behavior and actions by either the student or the host - Expired or invalid host background checks - Persons living in the home not declared on the host profile - Pets not recorded on host profile SRS will apply a fair and balanced approach to investigations if a student requires removal from the placement. We will make contact with you first if a student is going to be moved from your home. SRS will explain the situation and take any follow-up actions that may be necessary.
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Host Assessment* This field is required.You should have now completed reading each section of the SRS Host Training and have the knowledge you need to embark on your hosting journey. The next step is to take a quick test to see that you have a thorough understanding of what’s required to be a host for SRS . This helps us maintain our standards of operation and confirms if you are ready to host international students. All questions are based on the content covered in the training. No question should come as a surprise. You can also review the previous sections before proceeding.
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Host Assessment:* This field is required.After each questions, type T for True or F for False . Note: Please be sure to use Capital Letters for T and F.
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Host SignatureI have thoroughly read and completed the SRS Host Training.
Clear
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Date of Completion
Date
Year
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