Why Establish Rules?

House rules are established prior to the arrival of your international student, however can be added on to once your student arrives. Since every student is unique, and their homelife experiences are different, some rules may need to be added to the list to ensure that both you and your student have a successful year together.

The reason house rules are essential for every host family to establish and maintain in their home is that it provides a clear understanding of the day to day routines, expectations, responsibilities, and norms unique to each family. The rules also help international students integrate themselves quicker into their new lives for the school year. Students tend to thrive when provided with a clear set of rules and responsibilities; since they know what is expected of them.

Here is a small list we have compiled for you to begin establishing your house rules:

• Set clear expectations with regards to curfews, meals together, internet usage, and acceptable activities both with and without the family
• Provide a list of chores that each family member, including your student are expected to complete on a: daily, weekly, monthly basis
• Establish clear expectations with regards to study habits and acceptable locations (though each student should be provided with his/her own desk, lamp, and chair in a quiet location)
• Maintain open communication with your student so he/she feels supported, heard, and when negotiating the house rules; empowered to express his/her thoughts/feelings

Need More Ideas?

We invite you to reference the Host Family Guidebook for more information on how to establish long lasting and structured house rules during your international student’s stay.