REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Homestay Network®, America's first national homestay management company, is expanding its network of agencies by adding upwards of 30 new licensed offices throughout the United States during 2014. Aspiring business owners will be recruited to help both foreign students studying in the U.S. and the families with whom they stay.
"We're actively recruiting entrepreneurially-minded people who want to make a difference in the lives of American families, while helping international students have a great experience in our country," said Glenda Sinclair, president of the American Homestay Network. "American Homestay Network's nationwide network of independently owned agencies identifies safe, welcoming homes and matches students with accommodations appropriate to their needs. The need for more homestay options is growing, and therefore so are we."
An increasing number of students come from all over the world to study in the U.S. and many prefer to stay with families as a way to improve their English and learn about American culture. Those families who host are compensated for providing room and board.
The American Homestay Network is searching for partners interested in establishing their own business serving hosts, students and educational institutions. Regional offices identify, coordinate and oversee the placement of study abroad students into American homes. Current offices are located in Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington; expansion is anticipated in up to thirty locations across the US in the next six months.
There is no up-front fee for starting an agency, outside of an insurance down payment, and revenue is often generated within the first six months. Support from the American Homestay Network includes:
- Homestay Management System, including online training for students and hosts, electronic payment support, and host/student matching
- global brand recognition
- host and student referrals from nearly 1,000 foreign placement agents
- interpreter services
- 24/7 support, provided by the oldest critical incident hotline in the US
- comprehensive criminal background checks
- access to agency insurance
- marketing and PR support
Interested parties are encouraged to learn more and apply for consideration at agency.homestaynetwork.com
About The American Homestay Network®
The American Homestay Network is setting a new global standard for homestay. The company's network of regional offices supports a pool of hosts and partners, all of whom strive to provide international students with a culturally enriching homestay experience in an American home. The American Homestay Network, established in 2012, is based on the values of Australian Homestay Network: exceptionally trained hosts offering enriching experiences to international students. For more information, visit www.homestaynetwork.com.