Accommodation FAQs

Sit back and relax – whether you’re coming home to a local family, living at a residence in the heart of your destination city or staying steps away on an EF Campus.

What is a EF Homestay like?

Our homestay hosts come from all walks of life and from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural society of your destination.

There’s no typical homestay. Among EF hosts there are people of all ages; including young professionals, middleaged or retired people, couples without children, families or single parents with children of any age and single people. This means that there might not be children of your age in the homestay. It’s one of the reasons why we usually try to place you with students of your age range. However, you may be the only guest in your homestay.

Do I have a curfew time?

If you’re under 18 years old, you have a curfew for returning home. This may vary from destination to destination but please respect the times you are given, they are for your own safety.

What should I do if I want to stay out?

You may only do so if you’re over 18. Always tell your homestay host or Residence Advisor if you’re not going to spend the night at home or you're going away for the weekend. If your hosts are expecting you home and you don’t arrive, they will report you as missing to the police. When going out, it’s a good idea to only carry exactly what you’ll need – like small amounts of cash, your EF ID and a copy of your passport.

What should I do if I damage something in my EF Homestay?

At an EF Homestay, any damages or breakages you cause should be resolved between you and your homestay hosts – but we can help if needed. It’s best that you offer to pay for any damages you cause or claim them on your insurance.

How do I keep my valuables safe?

Keep your passport, return ticket, money, traveler’s cheques and anything else valuable in a safe place (i.e. your locked suitcase). Tell your school staff immediately if anything goes missing.

Can I change my homestay host?

Please visit the Accommodation Team at your EF Campus if you're not comfortable – as it's one of our top priorities. Changes are usually made during the week – and we'll need parental consent if you're under 18. Please keep in mind that it is not possible to change your homestay based on distance from school and that it may not be possible to change your family immediately during busy times of the year.

Can I stay in my own accommodation?

If you’re under 15 you cannot stay in your own accommodation. In some destinations, if you’re 16 or older and staying in your own or private accommodation, you must tell EF about your address and telephone number and update us of any changes during your time with us. Remember, it’s your responsibility to deal with landlords and letting agents, not EF’s.