Responsibilities of Linguatutor to foreign teachers

1)      Linguatutor will place the foreign teachers in an agreed upon Chinese host family by: matching the applications, notifying any party well in advance of any potential complications, by picking up and delivering the foreign teacher to the host family, providing free translation service and by offering a 24-hour support line.
2)      Linguatutor will be honest, fair and forthcoming with the teacher about any pertinent information that the applicant would need to have a comfortable and enjoyable home stay.
3)      Linguatutor agrees to be available to the teacher 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the entirety of the foreign teacher’s stay..
4)      Linguatutor further agrees that should any unexpected, unforeseen complications arise, Linguatutor will do everything it can to solve the problem and bridge any communication gap.  If said complications cannot be resolved, then Linguatutor will place the teacher with another host family at no additional charge. 

Responsibilities for the foreign teacher to Linguatutor 

1)      While the homestay itself is free, the foreigner is responsible for one placement fee to Linguatutor for finding and negotiating the free stay.  This fee is 2000RMB for 3 months or less, 3000RMB for 3 to 6 months, and 5000RMB for 7 months to 1 year.  This is the only fee the foreign teacher will be responsible for. There is no rental charge, food, pickup or utility costs for the entire duration of the foreign teachers stay.
2)      The foreign teacher will agree to pay the fee immediately after they have been placed with the host family and have agreed to accept the homestay.
3)      The foreign teacher also agrees to spend at least 4 hours per week exchanging language and culture with the host family.  (Linguatutor will also like to mention that the more time you spend with your family the deeper the relationship and the more valuable the homestay experience will be).
4)      The foreign teacher further commits to being honest, and straightforward with Linguatutor. The foreign visitor also agrees to be mature and responsible with all matters pertaining to the Homestay program.  Linguatutor is trying very hard to charge a little application fee to keep this program as inexpensive as possible; so please honor your application dates and notify us if your plans change or you cannot participate in this program for any reason. We do ask for a 500RMB cancellation fee if you cancel your plans after you have been placed with a family.

Responsibilities for the foreign teachers to the Chinese host family

1)      The foreign teacher promises above all that they will respect and abide by all Chinese laws, regulations and customs.
2)      The foreign teacher also agrees to spend at least 4 hours per week exchanging language and culture with the host family.
3)      The foreign teacher will inform the family 24 hours in advance should they decide to travel out of town for any extended length of time.
4)      The foreign teacher further agrees to be mature, professional, polite and respectful of the family and their culture.  

Responsibilities for the Chinese host family to the foreign teachers

1)      The host family herein has agreed to be respectful, honest, fair and understanding with the foreign teacher.
2)      The host family agrees to provide the following to the foreign teachers: one private bedroom, desk, air conditioner/heater and at least one meal (usually dinner).  In most cases a private bathroom will also be arranged.
3)      The host family also agrees to be forthcoming and straightforward with any complications, concerns and/or apprehensions they may have with the foreign teacher.
4)      The host family agrees that all situations should be dealt with in a mature and respectful manner.
5)      The host family will provide a clean, safe and comfortable room, in a home with telephone and Internet connections.
6)      The host family will also abide by all special commitments agreed upon with Linguatutor and the foreign visitor.
7)      A key will be provided to the foreign teachers upon arrival.

Communication is the key to your relationship with your host family.  Chinese are generally very friendly. You should ask your host family about any concerns you have or anything you do not understand. It is recommended that you ask your host family about house rules, expectations and guidelines within the first few days after you arrive.

Respect: Chinese are general very informal, but it is important that you use your manners. Always remember to say please and thank you. Some misunderstandings may occur, because of the cultural or language barriers. It is always a good idea to talk (politely) to your host family about it. They will be worried if you seem unhappy.

Participation: Do you best to fit into the homestay family. It is a good opportunity for you to learn Chinese culture and share yours with Chinese people. You will likely to be invited to their family activities; you are encouraged to join in the host family day-to-day life. If the time is inconvenient to you, just let your host family know, they will understand.

Talk to your family, always make sure you tell them if you are going to be late or not home for dinner. Let your host family know if you will be away from home for overnight or for vacation. Ask your host family if you can have a friend visiting during the day in advance. Overnight guests usually are not allowed. This is a family issue as well as security issue.

Food, be open minded on your food. If you really do not like the food, you should communicate with your host family.

Housework, please always remember that you are living in a private home. Even though you are a guest, your host family people are not your servants. It is your responsibility to keep your own bedroom clean. You are not expected to do any heavy housework, but you have to keep kitchen, toilet and bathroom clean after you use them. In China, it is considered good manner to bring dishes to the sink after dinner.

Laundry, please check with your host family regarding your washing. Some families may offer to do your laundry. Some families will show you how to operate the washing machine.  Do not use any appliances until your host family tells you how to exactly use them.

Smoking/Drinking, smoking and alcohol and of course illegal drugs are not permitted. However, when smoking is permitted outside, extinguish your cigarette butt completely and dispose of it properly.

Telephone, talk to your host family about the use of phone. The telephone, Internet may not be included in the terms. Always use a pre-paid phone card for your long distant calls.