American Explorer Program

Live like a local with host families. American families are often very different from how they are portrayed in the media. Each one is unique; staying with an American family is an eye-opening experience into different lifestyles. It is common for families to have children and pets - the more the merrier! Everyone helps out around the house and students are responsible for keeping their bedroom area neat and generally picking up after themselves. The Golden Gate Transit bus line serves the San Rafael area and there are bus stops within a 15-minute walk of the Center. Students may be responsible for transportation to/from the Center.

The average commute time is currently 30 minutes by car, and in some cases, host families are willing to provide transportation, although not required. The Center's homestays are conveniently located close to GGT bus stops, so students have the freedom to travel at their own pace. Almost all homestay families are less than 45-55 minutes by public transportation.

Home types vary, but in general, ELS host families live in safe and affluent neighborhoods near the Center. ELS students will be assigned single rooms, most with shared bathrooms. All homes have heating and wireless internet but may not have air conditioning. ELS students will have access to living areas, the kitchen and laundry areas in the home.

What better way to practice your English and learn about American culture than to live with an American family!

14 meals per week. Homestay families offer a continental breakfast as well as a full dinner everyday. The host parents are encouraged to spend time with their student during mealtimes though it is not always possible in the morning. If the student has any special dietary needs, it is imperative that the student informs us and also has a conversation with their host family to ensure that the need is met.

Note:
Doubles Delux and Single Delux are females only
Single Room is available per special request. Contact Center directly.
Males and females are in the same building. Gender-specific designations apply only to rooms.

The San Rafael Student Home is located in a very safe, quiet area. It is within a short, five-minute, free shuttle ride offered to and from the Center; the shuttle also provides free trips, upon students' requests, to the nearby mall and grocery stores.

The San Rafael Student Home offers private (single) and shared (double and triple) bedrooms. Shared bedrooms and bathrooms are usually for two to three students. In the female wing, a single superior room is available (cable-installed television and DVD player located in the room).

Students who choose standard rooms will share a bathroom and living area with other residents. Please know that there is only private bathroom in the double deluxe space (female only). When a bedroom is shared, students are usually paired with another student from a different country, but students can also request to be paired with a friend.

Each room is provided with linens (mattress cover, bed sheets, two blankets, one towel and one pillow) as well as a desk and closet space. There is additional storage space located at the facility to place empty luggage and bicycles. All students have access to plates, pots and pans, cutlery and cooking utensils.
Located in a safe, residential neighborhood just 3.5km from ELS
Free daily shuttle van to ELS and anywhere in San Rafael
Walking distance to a large shopping mall with cinemas, restaurants and inexpensive food court
Next to bus stop with bus service to San Francisco
Shared living rooms with TV and DVD players
Wireless internet
Shared dining room
Shared fully-equipped kitchen
Recreation room
Laundry room
Daily cleaning service for common areas and requested bathrooms