Homestay
Why choose Homestay during your traveling in China?
Is it safe to do Homestay with Lotus during the Olympics?
We are a family; will our family be living in the same host family?
Will I have my own room?
What items will be in my room?
Will I have my own bathroom?
Will I get meals?
What kind of food should I expect?
May I make my own food?
I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Can I use the host family's telephone?
Can I apply to get my own telephone number?
Can I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
May I smoke in the house?
Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Will I be able to watch television?
Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to the Homestay each night)?
Can I have guests come to the unit?
Should I register at PSB(Public Security Bureau) during my homestay?
What will be the language of communication while staying with my host family?
What if I don't know any Chinese or my Chinese is very limited?
Can I join the family's activities?
Can I get necessary and useful info from my host family?
Others
Should I buy any Travel Insurance?
What visa should I apply for?
Can I use credit cards and cheques for purchases during my stay in China?
What is the voltage used in China? Should I bring an adapter?
I am not from America; can I join your Homestay ?
Can I be picked up at the airport?
Homestay
Why choose Homestay during your traveling in China?
Lotus Educational Foundation is a Non-Profit Organization based in California, USA.
We are the oldest and most experienced provider of Homestay in China as well as
the leading study-abroad organization facilitating homestay in China. Through Homestay
during the Olympics, you can:
- learn more about real Chinese life and culture,
-
spend less money than staying in hotels, while enjoying a more comfortable living
environment,
- meet Chinese locals and make friends,
-
enjoy discounts toward future participation in our Homestay and Chinese Immersion
programs to learn Chinese, and apply for free opportunities to volunteer in China.
Is it safe to do Homestay with Lotus during the Olympics?
China is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. Each Homestay
family that you will stay with is interviewed by our staff, and a thorough security
check is completed before a family is accepted. The housing units are usually owned
(not rented) by the host families, and most hosts have professional careers. Also,
many families are located in nice communities with 24 hour security service.
We are a family; will our family be living in the same host family?
If you are a family needing two bedrooms, we will try to arrange one host family
for you. However, as some host families are not able to provide two bedrooms, your
family may be arranged to live in two separate host family units within the same
housing complex.
Will I have my own room?
Yes.You will have your private bedroom in each category: Budget, Standard
or Top End.
What items will be in my room?
Every family in this club has convenient living facilities at home. However,
the items available in your room will be different at each place. Please check the
family database for more details. (You can also see pictures of your room and a
photo of the Host Family)
Will I have my own bathroom?
Under the “Top End” category, and with some of “Standard” families listed, you will
have your own private bathroom. Otherwise, the bathroom is shared. Please check
the family database for details.
Will I get meals?
Breakfast and dinner are provided. Some families also welcome you to join them for
lunch over the weekends when they stay at home.
What kind of food should I expect?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided by your Homestay family who will
prepare traditional Chinese meals that are both tasty and nutritious.
May I make my own food?
Yes, with the host family's permission. If you are student for long term stay and
prefer to cook by yourself, please specify this in your application form.
I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Don't worry. We have host families who are vegetarians too. Please specify this
on your application and we can arrange either a vegetarian family or a vegetarian
friendly family for you.
Can I use the host family's telephone?
You may make local telephone calls from the Homestay. All long distance
calls must be made using a calling card.
Can I apply to get my own telephone number?
Yes. If you are planning a long term stay and would like to have your own telephone
number, you can register one at any China Communication Corporation for a cost of
around US$30. Your host family will tell you to find the nearest China Communication
Corporation office.
Can I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
Yes. Most families in this club have computer at home. If there is ADSL, it's free
for you to get access to Internet. If you need to log on to the internet, you will
need to get the family's permission first.
May I smoke in the house?
Yes, but only with the permission of the host family. Some host families will ask
that you smoke outside the unit.
Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Yes. The host family will show you where the laundry facilities are.
Will I be able to watch television?
Yes. All the living facilities in the public area of unit will be available
to you.
Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to the Homestay each night)?
You will not have a curfew. However, it is customary that you notify your host family
if you will miss dinner or will return to the house after 10pm.
Can I have guests come to the unit?
Yes, with the host family's permission.
Should I register at PSB(Public Security Bureau) during my homestay?
Yes. According to the rules of the Chinese government, all foreign visitors must
provide their passport information when they arrive at an accommodation. If visitors
stay with a Chinese family, they need to register with the PSB. However, you do
not have to do this in person; your host family can register for you with your passport
and visa.
What will be the language of communication while staying with my host family?
What if I don't know any Chinese or my Chinese is very limited?
Usually English or Mandarin Chinese is the communication language of your host family.
Please indicate in your Application Form what languages you can speak. We will arrange
English speaking families for you if you can't speak Chinese.
Can I join the family's activities?
Yes, the hosts treat you as a family member and welcome you to join their activities.
Can I get necessary and useful info from my host family?
Absolutely. Your host family will be happy to provide you all the useful
info such as how to take the bus and public transportation, where to buy phone card
or mobile SIM card, and where the nearest bank and supermarket are. They can give
you helpful suggestions for your trip, etc… Just ask them!
Others
Should I buy any Travel Insurance?
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover your Medical and Trip Cancellation
upon making your deposits. The Travel Insurance is not included in our package price.
What visa should I apply for?
L visa. You can apply for an L visa (Tourist visa) through the Embassy or Consulate
General of the People's Republic of China closest to you, or though an agent.
Can I use credit cards and cheques for purchases during my stay in China?
Yes. Credit cards and traveler cheques (exchange your traveler cheques into cash)
are available in most big stores and restaurants. However, as shopping by cash is
very popular in China, we suggest you bring some cash with you, and exchange your
currency into RMB at The Bank of China when shopping in small shops that do not
accept credit cards or cheques.
What is the voltage used in China? Should I bring an adapter?
The voltage used in China is 220 volt, so it will be necessary for you to bring
an electrical adapter with you in case you use your own laptop and other personal
electrical appliances.
I am not from America; can I join your Homestay ?
Yes. Our Homestay is open to all travelers from around the world.
Can I be picked up at the airport?
Yes. Please contact us to make arrangements. Airport pick up fee: US$35/Max3person.
US$70/group
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