Kennedy Catholic High School
HOST FAMILY TRAINING GUIDE
Welcome to the Kennedy Catholic High School Homestay Program Online Orientation.
You have been asked to take this orientation because you will be hosting an international student through the Kennedy Catholic homestay program.
Thank you for your generosity in hosting our students. You will share your family’s traditions, values, and American customs, while also introducing your family to a new culture and language. You have proven yourselves to be capable of not only opening your homes, but also your hearts to international students.
Kennedy Catholic recognizes and values your contribution and the commitment to achieving the homestay program’s mission, vision, and goals. The goal of this orientation is to provide useful information, suggestions, and guidelines for families hosting a Kennedy Catholic International Student.
CONFIRMATION FORM
After reading each section in its entirety, please visit our website to complete the confirmation form.
WELCOMING YOUR STUDENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 4
• Student Arrival
• Create a Welcoming Space
• Early Days - Getting Ready
• Household Operations
• Food and Snacks
• International Grocery Stores
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Page 6
• New Student Orientation
• Transportation
• Academics
• Dress Code
• ISLE Hours/Community Service
Page 7
• Addressing Behavior
• Communication
• Provide a Supportive Environment
• Money Matters
• Danger of the Internet/Computer Privileges
• Signals of Culture Shock
• American Holidays
TRAVEL TIPS & INFORMATION
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
Page 9
• Student Travel
• Vacation Policy for Host Families
• Temporary Host Families/Short-Term Holiday
Page 10
• Basic Coverage
• Mental Health
• Medical ID Card
• Service Website
• Claims
• Immunizations
• Doctors and Clinics
• Urgent Care
WELCOMING YOUR STUDENT
STUDENT ARRIVAL
• Before your student departs – try to connect with your student to confirm that your flight information matches. If you find discrepancies between your information and your student’s information, please inform the Housing Coordinator at housing@kennedyhs.org.
• On the day of your student’s arrival – check the airline website or call the airline for information on delays or cancellations. This might save you a lot of time if your student’s flight is significantly delayed or is cancelled.
• Expect the unexpected – students may have up to five connecting flights from their home country to Seattle. Be prepared to make alternative arrangements if your student’s flight is delayed or cancelled. Some students may arrive one or two days later than expected.
• Trouble locating student upon arrival – check the arrival screen for the arrival info, the flight number, the time of arrival, customs, and baggage claim.
• Call the Housing Coordinator at 206.972.3291 to confirm that your student has arrived or if you cannot locate your student.
CREATE A WELCOMING SPACE
International students are family members, NOT renters. Realization of expectations, adequate preparation, and a willingness to communicate with your student helps pave the way for a mutually enjoyable and rewarding relationship.
• As arrival day approaches and family excitement is high, try to keep expectations simple.
• Your student is just as excited as you are and looks forward to becoming a real member of your family.
• As with any new relationship, things take time. Your patience, flexibility, and honest communication will pave the way for a successful friendship and hosting experience.
• Provide an index card with your family names, home address, email, and phone number.
• Encourage your student to display family photos and their favorite posters that feel like home.
• Make sure you have hangers ready for clothing and ample storage space for other personal items.
Home Preparation
It is your home, but also your student’s room. Respect their privacy. If you must enter their room, please explain why so there is no reason for them to feel suspicious or intruded upon.
Requirements include:
• Bed and bedding.
• Chest or drawers, or some sort of clothing storage and a closet.
• Desk, chair, and reading lamp.
• Internet (wi-fi) at no additional cost.
• Consider a nightstand, alarm clock, laundry basket, and bookcase.
• Bathroom cupboard/drawer. Students do NOT purchase their own toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc.
• Kitchen cupboard and refrigerator space for special food they may purchase.
• Provide your student with a house key and important phone numbers.
WELCOMING YOUR STUDENT CONT.
EARLY DAYS – GETTING READY
Are you mentally prepared to have a young adult from a different culture in your home? The first homestay tends to be the toughest, as the family is preparing for the unknown. There will be few clues to the personality and background of your student.
• Take some time and learn about your student’s country, culture, and customs.
• Prepare for a loss of privacy.
• Anticipate culture shock.
• Plan on modifying schedules.
• Expect communication adjustments.
• Commit to teaching your student.
HOUSEHOLD OPERATIONS
Be available to help your student settle into your household by giving them a complete home tour. Show your student how to operate simple appliances, explain proper showering and hygiene procedures, and discuss family housekeeping guidelines.
• Example: If the student is responsible for his/ her own laundry, provide clear instructions and demonstrate how to sort clothes, dispense detergent, operate machinery, and dry various fabrics. Written guidelines posted near the washing machine will help avoid mistakes and enable your student to navigate independently.
When you assign your student a regular chore, thoroughly explain the process and the timeframe in which you expect this chore to be completed. Check in regularly to see how your student is adjusting.
House Rules
Supply a list of house rules to the student or post them in each student’s room. Each host should conduct a welcome orientation for each student highlighting house rules, introducing them to other members of the household, and briefing them on home life. Orient the student to public transportation possibilities and walk the student through the process.
FOOD AND SNACKS
• Invite your student to accompany you to the grocery store to help select familiar and enjoyable foods. This can be a fun, cultural adventure them.
• Your student’s appetite may be curbed until they grow accustomed to new food choices.
• Though your own children are used to helping themselves, your student may need assistance in selecting and even preparing simple snacks.
Meals
Provide three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Breakfast may be continental and self-served. Lunch may be taken from home or bought at school. The evening meal should be a sit-down meal shared with the student. (If you order food to be delivered in place of a home-cooked meal, you are required to pay for the student’s share.) Meals are provided seven days a week, including weekends.
INTERNATIONAL GROCERY STORES
Hong Kong Market
125 SW 148th St STE B Burien, WA
Uwajimaya
600 5th Ave South Seattle, WA
Uwajimaya
501 S Grady Way Renton, WA
Great Wall Shopping Center 18230 East Valley Hwy Renton, WA
H Mart
31217 Pacific Hwy S Federal, WA
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
The Kennedy Catholic High School calendar is updated regularly so you and your student are prepared for the start of school.
TRANSPORTATION
• Provide transportation for the student to and from school and school-related activities.
• In the event that the host is not able to provide transportation, the host must have reasonably convenient access to public transportation.
• Check the school bus route if you cannot provide transportation to and from school.
• International students receive a sticker which gives them free access to board the bus.
ACADEMICS
• Contact Campus Life/Attendance Office at 206.246.3787, or email attend@kennedyhs.org if your student is sick/absent/tardy. School attendance is required.
• Students must maintain at least a “C” level grade in every class, with no failing grades (D’s or F’s). Failing grades will result in academic probation and possible termination of school.
• Students must enroll in a full course of study.
• Students should not change courses without the permission of the Office of International Education Academic Advisor, Ms. Yang Suttell. Her email is suttelly@kennedyhs.org.
• Check student’s grades through PowerSchool weekly. You will have access to PowerSchool Parent portal. You will also receive an email with instructions to access PowerSchool grade reports for your student’s account.
DRESS CODE
Please review the dress code policy with your student in the Back to School Guide.
ISLE HOURS/COMMUNITY SERVICE
Please review the ISLE expectations with your student.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
ADDRESSING BEHAVIOR
• All behavior and discipline is detailed in the Kennedy Catholic Student Handbook.
• Students are not allowed to drink alcohol, use drugs or associate with others who are involved with alcohol or drugs in any way.
• Students are not allowed to smoke while attending Kennedy Catholic High School.
• Sexual activity and behavior are not allowed.
• Students must follow their host parents’ rules regarding night-time activities and curfews.
• Students who break any U.S. laws may be sent home.
COMMUNICATION
• Problems or concerns of any nature should be communicated to In Vilai (Housing Coordinator) at 206-972-3291, or email housing@kennedyhs.org or vilaii@kennedyhs.org. We cannot help if we are not aware of the problem!
PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
• In most cases, a supportive environment can help students become more comfortable with the English language.
- Speak slowly and ask your student if they understand.
- Occasionally ask your student to summarize a conversation in their own words from what they understood.
- Allow your student to take breaks and don’t take it personally if they need to withdraw from conversations.
- Encourage your student to communicate openly.
- Assure your student that it is okay to make mistakes, as mistakes are some the best ways to learn.
• If a student does not want to be involved in the host family’s religious activities, it is important to discuss the student’s concerns, and respect their beliefs.
• A student can be encouraged to participate in or attend as an observer to your family’s religious activity, but the student also needs to be able to socialize outside of your religious community.
• Ideally, students will agree to have an open mind and see this as an opportunity to learn about lifestyles that are different from their own.
• Keep in mind, your student might come from a family with a different set of rules than you.
MONEY MATTERS
• DO NOT open a joint bank account with your student. He/she can open his/her own account at age 16 and older.
• DO NOT add your student to your cell phone plan. He/she can open a pre-paid phone account.
• The school will mail one check for August and September Homestay stipend at the end of August, and you should receive it by September 3.
DANGERS OF THE INTERNET/ COMPUTER PRIVILEGES
The following are suggestions on how to prevent the associated dangers:
• Open the conversation about expectations and setting ground rules regarding computer use will help to prevent problems.
• Spend time with your student online and have them teach you about their favorite online destinations.
• Make sure they understand not to download anything from strangers or open spam or junk emails that may contain viruses.
• Teach your student to never provide personal information about themselves or others online.
• Internet dangers to teenagers include sexual exploitation or enticement. Unfortunately, child pornography is exchanged via the internet and sexual predators use the internet.
• There is also the risk of viruses to computers that can cause great damage.
If the problem cannot be resolved, contact the Office of International Education team for support.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES CONT.
SIGNALS OF CULTURE SHOCK
• Depression & homesickness
• Boredom
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawal
• Negative attitude – complaining a lot, such as “Everything here is bad, wrong, stupid” or “Everything at home is perfect.”
Students will experience a cultural shift to varying degrees and for varying lengths of time, but all will experience it at some time. If you are aware of what your student is facing, the signals can be better recognized and understood. Your student will go through various stages of adjustment throughout the year.
• If your student is experiencing culture shock, you can be supportive by discussing adjustment and working together to ease the transition.
• Have realistic expectations. Give them time to adjust!
• Be open-minded – avoid judging things as right or wrong.
• Appreciate differences – recognize the advantages of learning to live with a different culture.
• Give them credit – acknowledge progress in adjusting to the new culture and recognize that other have done this. With a positive outlook, they will be successful.
• Encourage them to ask for help. We all need assistance at times.
• Encourage them to share information about their country with you.
AMERICAN HOLIDAYS
Many international students won’t be able to return to their families during break. If students are not able to go home for the holidays, here are some ideas to consider in sharing American culture and helping your student feel welcome:
Thanksgiving:
• Sharing Thanksgiving dinner is one of the best ways for students to adjust to their new culture, observe family life, and see how American families celebrate the holiday.
• Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• Playing or watching a game of American football.
• Volunteering at a food bank or other service organization.
• Black Friday is a great time for students take advantage of the sales and shop for things they need, such as electronics, clothes, accessories and Christmas gifts.
Christmas:
• Traveling during Christmas can be expensive. Aside from being the cheaper and more practical option, students may choose to stay over the holidays so they can experience the U.S. traditions when it comes to Christmas celebrations. Many countries celebrate Christmas differently, and so experiencing an alternative cultural Christmas can be an added benefit to your student.
• Invite your student to participate in decorating your home, visiting your family and friends and exchanging gifts. Allow them to help in preparing traditional Christmas foods.
• Attend a school or church performance, concert, tree lighting ceremony, or nativity display.
STUDENT TRAVEL
• If a student needs to travel back to their home country, they will need to communicate with the IE staff.
• The IE staff needs to sign the student’s I-20.
• Students must complete the permission to travel form.
TRAVEL TIPS & INFORMATION
VACATION POLICY FOR HOST FAMILIES
Host families are committed to supporting the students in their home for the duration of their stay. When host families choose to go on vacation while hosting a student, they must ensure the student will still be taken care of during that time.
Under the age of 18
• A friend or family member over the age of 30 must stay in the home or the student may stay with another approved host family.
• Must provide dinner and food for other meals.
• Must provide transportation, if required by distance.
• The student may be placed with another host family long-term if suitable arrangements cannot be made with the current family.
Over the age of 18
• The host family must ensure that there is food available to the student and that the student feels supported in the absence of the host family. The family should provide information on whom to contact if they need anything while the host is away.
• The student may be placed with another host family long-term if suitable arrangements cannot be made with the current family.
Please email housing@kennedyhs.org to provide us with the names and phone numbers of anyone staying with or checking on the student. If you have any questions, call 206-972-3291.
TEMPORARY HOST FAMILIES/ SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY
Temporary Housing Alternatives
Please consider hosting an international student temp/short term homestay, if you have extra room. You will receive $40 a day in recognition of your hospitality. If you are interested in being a potential host for a break, please email housing@kennedyhs.org.
We have a $50 gift card reward for those who refer friends and families to our Homestay Program. If you know someone interested in the homestay program, please share the host family weblink with them and email housing@kennedyhs.org.
Host Family Referral Program with Compensation REFERRAL PROGRAM
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
The school provides health insurance coverage for international students.
• $5 Million Lifetime Medical limit
• $500,000 per injury/illness limit
• $100 deductible per occurrence
- $50 co-pay for Urgent Care
- $20 co-pay for Walk-In Clinic
- $500 additional deductible for non-admitted treatment of an illness in the ER
• The student pays the deductible or copay
BASIC COVERAGE
• Hospital Room & Board
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Ambulance
• Prescription Medications
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Sports Coverage – High School sports team coverage up to medical maximum limit
- No coverage for sport physical exam
MENTAL HEALTH
• Coverage - $20,000/ Inpatient $50/day $1000 lifetime limit (20 visits) outpatient.
MEDICAL ID CARD
• Each student and host parents will receive an email including a medical ID card and a consent to treatment form. The host will need to print the ID card for their student.
• The student should always keep a medical ID card in their wallet.
SERVICE WEBSITE
• MyIMG is IMG’S service website, visit www.betins.com. At the top of the page click on Group Admin. Students will need to set up their accounts. The student can print ID cards.
- Find claim forms
- Submit a claim
- Policy wording
• Click here if you need assistance finding a doctor (this is solely to help you find a provider near you if you are unsure of where to go.)
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
CLAIMS
• The provider will send IMG their claim form, but (the student) might need to send in a claim form as well for additional info.
- The medical claim form: Click here for the medical claim form
IMMUNIZATIONS
Students may sometimes need immunizations before starting school if the student has not received all required vaccinations.
• Would immunizations be covered by the insurance policy?
- No, immunizations are not covered.
- Students and their natural families are notified of the common vaccinations that students should receive before they leave their home country.
- If for some reason the student did not receive all the recommended vaccinations, please assist them in making arrangements to receive them. Your local public health clinic is usually the least expensive option or many drugs stores provide immunization of vaccines. It is the student’s responsibility to pay for all immunizations.
• Are routine physicals covered?
- No, they are not covered.
- Physicals must be paid for by the student.
- We do not recommend that host parents pay for medical costs. However, if this has occurred, please contact In Vilai (Housing Coordinator) to inquire about reimbursement from insurance or the student’s parents.
• If my student is ill, should I take them to a family doctor or the emergency room?
- If a family doctor is available to see the student and if the situation at hand is not life threatening, a family doctor is the best option.
- If a family doctor is not available, an urgent care of after-hours clinic would be your next resource.
- If there is no other resource available, an emergency room.
• When I take my student to a doctor, how should I handle payment of the bill?
- The best option is to have the doctor/ clinic bill IMG directly. The billing address information is on the back of the student’s insurance card.
- For out-of-pocket expenses, the student and family is responsible to pay this portion.
• Does the student’s health insurance cover COVID-19 infection?
- Yes, IMG covers COVID-19 the same as any other illness.
• Are prescriptions drugs covered?
- Yes, prescriptions are covered, except for medication that can be purchased “over the counter,” such as aspirin, cold medicine, etc.
- Students need to pay first, then send the claim form to receive a reimbursement.
- Prescription claim form: Click here.
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE CONT.
DOCTORS AND CLINICS
Seahurst Pediatrics
16233 Sylvester Rd. SW #230 Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206.242.7822
Southwest Pediatrics 14212 Ambaum Blve. SW Suite 202 Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206.243.4811
URGENT CARE
CHI Franciscan Health
16045 1st Ave S 1st Floor Burien, WA 98148
Phone: 206.965.4180
Burien Urgent Care
Immediate Clinic Multicare
15870 1st Ave S Burien, WA 98148
Phone: 206.242.2501
CityMD Federal Way Urgent Care
Urgent Care and Walk-in Services
31675 Pacific Hwy S Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 253.215.1093
American Family Care Southcenter 18012 68th Ave S Suite 101 Kent, WA 98032
Phone: 425.970.8117
Redclinic Federal Way (Rite Aid)
2131 SW 336th St Federal Way, WA 98023
Phone: 855.237.3348
