How am I matched up with a student? How many students will I host?
Once you register, you will be in a database that students can search to find a host. When a student whose preferences are compatible with yours decides s/he wants to consider you as a host, s/he will request you on the website. You will receive an email informing you that a student is considering you. When you log in to the website, you will be able to read about the potential student. If you decide to accept the student, you can confirm your decision. Finally, the organization confirms that it can use the student as a volunteer and approves the student-host match. You will also be asked how many students you would like to host. When you have all the students you have said you are able to host, your name will be removed from the searchable database of hosts.
How will the student(s) get to my home?
Student(s) must provide your own transportation to the city or town in which s/he will be working. Arrangements should be made between you and the student(s) to determine how the student will get from the airport or train station to your house, if necessary.
Do I need to provide transportation for the student(s) ?
This depends greatly on the area you live in. Some host families will allow student(s) to use their car occasionally, or will be able to drive the student(s) when necessary, but in general, the student(s) will have to provide their own transporation. This means that a student who does not take his/her own car and is working for an organization that is not accessible by public transportation must live with a host who has specified that s/he can drive the student(s) or let them borrow a car.
Do I need to provide meals?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided on Sunday through Thursday and breakfast will be provided on Friday and Saturday in MOST host families. Occasionally, a family will not be able to provide all of these meals. In this case, the host family and/or the students will have the opportunity to apply for a small stipend to cover costs of these meals. You should discuss with the student(s) whether your kitchen is available for their use.
Can the student(s) share a bedroom?
The students(s) can share a bedroom with others from the program or other family members of the same sex. The student(s) must have their own bed, however.
What if I do not get along with the student(s)?
We encourage you to make an effort to work out problems that arise. If this seems impossible, the student(s) can either try to search in our database for a new host in the area or ask the organization to assist in the search.
When do students arrive and leave?
We are asking for at least a two week commitment from students and hosts whenever possible. We expect that most students will work for one to two months during the summer. When you fill out your registration form, you will specify the dates you are available to host. The students you will be matched up with will be compatible with you on the dates.
Do students have medical insurance? What do I do in case of emergency?
We highly recommend, but do not require, that students have medical insurance. If you like, you can specify during the registration process that you are only comfortable hosting students who have medical insurance. You should discuss what to do with the student(s) in case of an emergency. You might want to get information from the student about who to contact in an emergency.
Does STAND do any screening of students or organizations?
STAND is a student volunteer organization and makes no representations regarding the potential suitability of any volunteer or summer intern for a particular organization, assignment, or host family living accommodation. All interns are encouraged and advised to conduct their own assessments of a proposed opportunity or assignment, to their own satisfaction, prior to accepting an assignment.
Does the program have any other rules I should be aware of?
In general, the program only asks that students are respectful of host families and responsible and reliable at the organization they work for. You should indicate any major rules you would like the student(s) to obey in your house during the registration process. You might indicate, for example, that students cannot drink alcohol in your house or come home after certain hours. It would not be fair, however, to ask students not to drink outside your home.