Can you picture yourself in this video?
Housing Exchange Student
Hosting a housing exchange student can be a rewarding opportunity for both students and host families. For international students, a homestay in Philadelphia through Right At Home Homestay is the most affordable and rewarding housing option. The benefits go beyond the safety and convenience of home living to include lasting friendships with Americans. The benefits of homestay for English language development and American cultural exposure are excellent. Serious housing exchange students and scholars benefit from the comfort of home living in an atmosphere well suited for learning.
What Are the Benefits of Housing or Being an Exchange Student?
A housing exchange student arrangement allows international learners to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the safety and familiarity of a home setting. Hosts benefit from meaningful connections and the opportunity to share their daily life. Unlike standard dorms, homestay options offer flexible schedules, included meals, and cultural enrichment. Many families appreciate the convenience of becoming a without navigating a complex system. It’s also a strong alternative to off-campus housing in PA, especially for those seeking personalized support.
NOTICE 2025 Pricing
Updated pricing begins January 1, 2025. We’ll be correcting pricing on various pages on the website and in featured videos as soon as possible. These are the official fees for 2025.
Application Fee: $325
The application fee was lowered during COVID to encourage student participation during uncertain times. We are returning to the $295 pre-Covid price with $30 added to cover new bank administration fees.
This is the only fee paid by students to us, and it funds administrative costs which help guarantee quality homestay hosting. Students and agents have access to RAHH staff as they go through the application and placement process and throughout their stay. There are no extra fees.
Contact:
judy@rightathomehomestay.com
+1 215 605 8774
Host Fee: $35 per night.
Students pay hosts upon arrival in cash for the first 28 days ($980). The first monthly payment is non-refundable.
Students may renew in 28-day increments. If they prefer to pay monthly, they may choose to pay on a set date each month. The monthly fee when paying on a set date is $1066. This averages the number of days per month and spreads payments throughout the year. When a student knows their departure date, the final payment can be calculated accordingly.
Payment may be in cash or by using a payment app approved by the host. Hosts generally cannot process credit cards.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
The homestay experience enhances your time spent in Philadelphia, regardless of your educational aims. You’ll hone English skills by speaking English with native speakers outside the classroom. You will gain insight into American culture and its diversity. You’ll have an opportunity to share your culture and make lasting friendships by living in an American home. You’ll come to Philadelphia with an American family ready to help you navigate Philadelphia’s urban culture.
Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee
The Application Fee for 2025 is $325.
Note: With this payment method, there is sometimes a delay in the receipt of payment notice and applicants end up paying multiple times. Please pay once and wait a bit for the payment notice to come through. Of course, we will refund any overpayment, but please wait a bit for payment confirmation to avoid overpaying.
Do you want built-in practice with native speakers?
Do you like feeling right at home with caring friends, laughter, and good food?
Do you want to be surrounded by English so that you learn it faster?
It sounds like Right at Home Homestay is a fit for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Housing Students
A housing exchange student experience offers more than a place to sleep. It builds cultural understanding and lifelong connections. By joining a homestay, students gain daily language practice while enjoying the support of a welcoming home. A shared homestay can also reduce costs and create lasting friendships with other international students. Ready to take the next step? Apply now to secure your placement with a trusted local host or to become a host.