Chinahomestay

[roddy]

If someone wants a "homestay" they should personally meet some friends or a Chinese family before they blindly handover their cash to any homestay company..etc..I think a foreigner would have better luck just randomly getting a roommate situation through an apartment agent rather than going through a homestay..

Agree, but if you are here short term that's not necessarily an option, and I do think there's scope for a paid homestay service. I think to work well it needs to be based round the time-tested concept of money, aka 'rent' in exchange for accomodation - anything else is going to complicate matters. Who wants to combine their landlord and employer in one person? I don't. What if you started dating?

Anyway, anyone or any company in China who is actively ADVERTISING for foreigners, it is highly likely they have some ulterior motives (probably are trying to make some fast money) no matter what business they are involved in....

I have no problem with people making fast money - it's certainly my favorite kind - but it needs to be backed up with a product or a service that's worth said money. Rapidly expanding, under-regulated sectors are not conducive to that (should never have blown my savings on that 掉渣饼 franchise last year . . .)

And a thankyou to amanda for her first-hand account.

[jianshen79]

I can offer a free homestay to any friends who speak a little chinese. You know,in China my parents live far from their children because the younger generation tends to rush into the big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou,etc. I'm one of those children, which is the olnly son of my parents. Their house is too big for them when i'm not at home. Actually, I seldom live at home for I work in Shanghai and my parents and the big house are in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. So is there anyone want to live together with my parents? Maybe Shenyang is not good place as where you live now!

[toygirl]

i realize this thread is pretty dead but i just have to post that i'm in beijing at my homestay and everything is great!

my family is helpful if i need them but gives me my space. i got the homestay through lotus educational foundation, and did their "free" homestay options. while i still pay $50usd a week to lotus for finding the family, they also posted that nothing but my room, and internet was guaranteed with the free service, but the family feeds me every meal if i'm home to eat and the accomodations are fantastic! they live in a complex that is only a year old and the flat is modern and clean by my american standards.

i work with the girl for an hour a day, but usually only M-F. i haven't really spent a lot of time having them work on my chinese with me, but i know if i asked they wouldn't mind. my internet is high speed, my bed is a large queen and my room is a good size. although i'm paying $50 a week, if i were to pay that directly in renting a room, i would never get a room or house as nice. so for me it was worth it.

plus, lotus had a someone meet me at the airport, so i didn't have to try and find my way in a foreign country, that i don't speak the language after a 13 hour flight. she gave me her cellphone number if i had questions or needed help and also a 24 hour phone number that i could call and someone would always answer.

i'm only staying in china for 4 months, and if i was to stay longer i would get an apt with some friends, but for my situation now it's perfect!

not sure if anyone else has questions, i know i had a lot of hesitation before i came as to how it would be, and i can only say how my family is, maybe some families are completely different. but lotus does say that if you have a problem with the family, they will move you to another family at anytime, but only once.

[adrianlondon]

i realize this thread is pretty dead but i just have to post that i'm in beijing at my homestay and everything is great!

The thread wasn't dead, it was just dormant, waiting for your update ;)

I wish more people would come back and update things. There are so many questions on this forum, from people who want to study at X university, or live in Y location etc.. They then obviously go and do it, but never come back to this forum to tell us how it went. So I'm glad you did!

[roddy]

Seconded. When I get round to sending out that newsletter I've been talking about I'm planning to add a little 'Asked a question three years ago? Come back and tell us if you found the answer" section.

We had some info on Lotus before - here and here. Seems that most people are happy.

[Impala1ss]

I also used Lotus Study for my homestay family and am very happy, The apt. is very nice and modern and I have my own king-sized bed and bathroom. The family is like my own family. My only regret is that I am here for only 4 weeks and am leaving in 2 days. Lotus can be a little difficult to deal with because they have often forgot to email me when I have contacted them, and they don't always advise you of what you should know ref visa extensions, and residency application with the police. I was kind of on my own there. But overall I think they are good to deal with. After 4 weeks, I think I could now save a lot of money if I come back and handle everything myself. The first time would have been very confusing and frustrating. Oh yea, maybe as important, I am 64 yrs old.

[roddy]

Glad it's worked out for you. I think I'd be less generous over stuff like not keeping you up to date on visas and so on - from my point of view that's exactly what you pay them for and if the aren't doing it then they aren't doing their job, simple as that. Glad you had a good time though.

[benjaminbauert]

Hello everyone.

This post is for all those people out there contemplating a homestay in China/Beijing and especially those considering using China Homestay (http://www.chinahomestay.org/) (http://beijing-homestay.com/).* My girlfriend and I write this purely as a warning, based entirely on our own experiences with this company. For other peoples' experiences and opinions please re-read the posts under this forum.

We have used this company and have just recently terminated our involvment with them - 5 months earlier than we contracted to end our homestay. We feel that we have wasted every last cent we paid them. In short, we would not suggest anyone use them as a viable homestay option.

Some FIRSTHAND reasons why we would not recomment China Homestay:

- The service provided was shocking and the information provided when we had any queries was so unhelpful it almost drove me to tears on a number of occassions.

- We were given false information twice regarding where our host family was going to be situated and ended up an hour away from our university. (this may not have been intentional, but then certainly was due to lack of information)

- China Homestay failed to find out critical information from the homestay family that could have, and did ruin our homestay experience (the other part being the distance to travel to and from uni). I don't know what kind of information they ask a family before they approve them, but from our experience, the words 'sweet f**k all' ring resoundingly clear.

- After the first night they never followed up how the homestay was going, which we feel is a clear indication of how much care is really given to how settled we felt in the assigned family. The business manager told us that we would all catch up for a meal the next week, in reality, we did not hear from him for over a month, and that was only because we contacted him.

- When we terminated our involvement with them and gave a list of greviances we had with their service, the business manager sent me back a one-liner email saying "Sorry it didn't work out for you. All the best." In fact, this absolutely pathetic response is a perfect example of the quality of service and care we received from this company.

- They never sent a legitimate receipt, which we felt was needed if things ever went pear shaped (as they did). Instead, I was given a scribble on a business card as a 'temporary receipt' despite requesting a proper one twice. We were given a bs excuse that they were changing offices...what for two months? We can safely assume they do not even have a receipt book you could buy at any local supermarket for 2yuan. In fact, I doubt they even have an office because early in the process I asked if we could come talk to them in their office and I was told they just 'kinda do things over the phone.'

- Neither the family we stayed with nor myself were told by China Homestay that we were to register at the local PSB as soon as we moved in. The fine is 500yuan per day.

- The homestay family we lived with told us THEY had to pay China Homestay for being involved in their program as well. My girlfriend has been involved in another homestay program and her mother works for a reputable international homestay company and neither of them have heard of a situation where a family invites a total stranger into their house and has to pay the homestay company as well! Absurd.

We feel totally CHEATED by China Homestay. A one armed mentally deficient monkey could have done a better job running our homestay than this company did. We honestly have no clue as to what we actually paid them for...it was probably the stupidest decision I have ever made. I don't want anyone else kicking themselves for doing so as well.

If someone is willing to take this risk, I advise you not to pay the full sum upfront as you may feel completely left out in the cold if you need any real help.

We feel that the guy who runs this company is purely out there for the $ and did not give

a shit about our situation whatsoever.

We actually don't see how he can run this company considering he is a fulltime foreign student. He certainly doesn't have time for it. I also don't know the legalities considering people on student visas can't work, right?

Our first-hand opinion is that if you are looking for a professional, well-managed, dedicated company to run your living experience in Beijing, look elsewhere.

* NB: Both the websites above are run by the same guy. It is a nice website due to the fact that one of the people running the company is an IT expert. Please don't be fooled into thinking this is a professional outfit.

[megamattc]

Last year I arranged to stay in Beijing with a family provided by Chinahomestay. I found the company had good points and bad ones, but overall I left fairly unsatisfied and at times deeply irritated given the amount of money I paid. I know the original post here is old, but what I write may still be useful or new to some.

The 'company' is essentially one man, Mr. Cooke (Canadian), who deputes most of the contact with the host families to a few young Chinese staff workers. This may be because Mr. Cooke's Chinese is not good enough to ensure smooth communication, or more likely because he also runs other business ventures that demand his time. Unfortunately this may also explain the problems in communicating with him. In any event, I found Mr. Cooke to be friendly in person, and when reachable via cell-phone he was willing to advise on practical issues like visa extensions as well as to help with luggage storage even when I left Beijing for a while. The main helper was also friendly, and as one of company's tutors, was generous in answering language questions via email regardless of payment.

One might think these bounties would extend to the company's main service, but this I found wanting. After my initial email contact asking for a family at the end of December, I received few helpful updates from Mr. Cooke about what was going on or how soon I could come despite numerous prompts. That is, unless it was about paying money, and then everything was quick. My original plan was to come at the end of January to be in China in time for the New Year, which seemed acceptable to Mr. Cooke. However, despite my pegging him for a reply he made no signal he was working to realize this. It was only later in early February that I received a phone call saying I could come in a few weeks. If I had not been able to purchase my airline ticket with frequent flier miles on the spot I don't see how I could have afforded it given the short notice. This was an aggravating example of how unclear and disconnected Mr. Cooke's communication was, and how it led to lost time and uncertain commitments. When I wished to switch to another homestay situation at a later date the situation was again diverted/bungled among Mr. Cooke and his staff and left me with the impression that opacity and self-serving convenience ruled their business model.

Equally significant, the company bears a guilt for continuing to place customers in situations that do not reflect the spirit of the homestay experience. The problem is the small clause in the contract about 'spending four hours a week interacting with the family in their mother language'. This should mean you spend at least four hours bonding with the family, a good thing to have if the point of the homestay is 'cultural exchange'. But here is what it really means: the family has a child or some other family member they want you teach English for (at least) four hours a week. Period. This was my own experience, and it finds confirmation in staff member's own declaration that most families want homestayers to teach their child English, There is apparently an option to not to have to do this in exchange for higher payment, but one must ask why this not declared openly on the website, or clearly stated as a choice to made by the homestayer in advance of his placement. If you think in comparison to other Chinese homestay companies' prices such as the Lotus Foundation's, that you are paying little, there is a reason. You make up for it with your labor. Do not be surprised if, in asking your host family how much money they are getting from Chinahomestay (and it seems that such a question would not be that insulting) that they tell you they get nothing. This is what my family told me. My stay was justified by the work I did.

This idea of 'teaching in exchange for rent' in itself is perfectly fine. It seems to be a booming cottage industry in China and can in theory still lead to great interaction with the family. But if you choose to go through Chinahomestay, remember three things: you are paying at least $900 just for the placement itself. Even in Beijing such an amount can carry a student a long way for room and board on his own. Secondly, all the families will expect you to keep teaching as long as you stay. This, even if Mr. Cooke puts things by telling you that you are getting a 'discount' by being able to stay longer than the amount of time you paid for (e.g. six months for paying only for three months). Fundamentally, you are 'paying' from day one down to the day you leave. Third, keep in mind these are families on a list for homestayers to come and go. How long can they keep presenting to newcomers the same youthful enthusiasm that you in your freshness will bring to the table? If it were on the basis of charity towards young outsiders, very well indefinitely. But when the sweet tongue of English whispers by, it can be otherwise. This is Beijing. Foreigners pour through here like sand in an hourglass. Competition among students wanting to get into good elementary, middle, and high schools is fierce, and English ability is one area families can easily address. This is where you come in. If you are anything beyond the second or third person there, you are more likely to be treated cordially but with a certain fatigue. After the first week of my stay, the parents vanished off into their overtime jobs, leaving only me, the grandparents with their petty utterances about what food was salty and what was sweet, as well as my youthful English charge (originally there were two, but I complained and Mr. Cooke found someone else for one of the boys). The television was on all the time while we ate and the boy had had so many different homestayers 'interact' with him that I was just a foreign tutor to him. Needless to say, my Chinese did not improve much with them. Other people's experience will vary, of course, but I suspect in fundamentals it is the same. Do not think of it being an 'eye-opening experience' for them as it may be for you, or an expression of great charity from the family as it may be the case in America, where the incentive to utilize the homestayer's language knowledge is negligible.

I still think Chinahomestay can be useful for people in certain positions with certain needs. If this is your first time coming to China and you have no other supporting organization to receive you and help you get acclimated, this can be a reasonable way to do it. If you have a solid 9 month commitment to university study or ESL teaching - whereby you have a better outlet for learning Chinese, you don't need to depend on the company's uncertain 'job placement service', or your purpose may not be Chinese-related at all - you might think a $900 investment for a year-long somewhat more authentic living experience is worth the added labor and the risk of feeling like your charge is treating you like a nanny. Otherwise, I would be careful about what you get into with this company.

[Silent]

i've been going back and forth about whether to do a homestay or not, because i've heard good and bad experiences, but it seems like it'll probably be what you make of it. and if all else fails, it's only temporary!

That's pretty much the issue. It mainly depends on how well you and the family go along. So if you're placed with a random family you never met before it's just a gamble. If you met them before or there is made a serious selection chances may be better, but still no guarantees.

Homestay or not, imho it makes little difference in learning experience. You're in the country, you've plenty of opportunity to practice provided you make an effort. Going to a bar and actively chatting up the barmaid may be a much better learning experience than sitting at the host families couch and watch TV or browsing English webpages. When in the country it's primarily your lifestyle and attitude that determine how well your learning environment is, not the accomodation style.

[Pengyou]

I searched this forum and only found posts from 3 or more years ago about chinahomestay.org. Has anyone had any more recent experience with this organization? I was talking to a fellow teacher in Shanghai about them and he has had a good experience with them. I am anxious to know if that is the norm now or the exception.

[icebear]

I searched this forum and only found posts from 3 or more years ago about chinahomestay.org. Has anyone had any more recent experience with this organization? I was talking to a fellow teacher in Shanghai about them and he has had a good experience with them. I am anxious to know if that is the norm now or the exception.

I've also just come across their webpage, which admittedly self-promotes to the point of "too good to be true", but am wondering if there are more recent experiences among serious Chinese learners (I noticed that a few of the comments above mentioned not speaking Chinese at all at home!). My interest in the program would be primarily due to:

1. Potentially immersive Chinese environment
   
2. Developing a personal connection with a Chinese family (I have plenty of Chinese friends, but most in their early 20s)
   
3. Cost effective (1250/month isn't bad at all in Beijing, if the quality of the room/location are good)
   

If the program is just a means to get an English teacher into a Chinese family, that essentially defeats the three points - it would be more worthwhile to live in a hovel for the same price but at least have all your time to devote to Chinese friends and studies. Any experienced thoughts on the program and my concerns? Or, alternatively, suggestions for achieving those three goals in Beijing during a year period (the second goal is interesting, but less important).

[amandagmu]

I've said it before, I'll say it again: stay away from China Homestay! The extended critique above is from August 2011. That's six *years* after my first (terrible) experience with them (you'll have to search the forum to find my posts about it). If they haven't improved in six years then I don't think they ever will. I agree that the guy running the program is nice, but if you can't run a business that works (other than lining your greedy pockets), what's the point?

icebear hit the nail on the head: if you want to learn Chinese and not become someone's English tutor *at the cost of $900 and all your spare time for spending time away from the family* then you will save you lots of time, energy, and money by living in a hotel or dorm. If you really REALLY want to find a homestay you're going to have to suck up the cost and pay Lotus (I heard mixed reviews, but also success stories about them).

My personal opinion is that you'd be better off finding a living situation with a Chinese roommate or two for practicing Chinese. Find either a dorm situation or, if you can, a place where you pay every 2-3 months for rent. It'll be cheaper and if the situation stinks you can just leave........