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Housing for International & American Students in Santa Barbara and Huntington Beach, CA
Joining our community of SB Homestay Families
If, after reviewing the information on our website, you truly wish to live in a homestay,
please fill out our Application for Homestay and sign the Student Agreement. Once we receive your application, copy of passport, visa and I-20, and signed Student Agreement, we will provide you with prospective homestay information. We do our best to match students with the best possible homestay and make sure once students are in Santa Barbara, they are feeling comfortable and safe. Please understand that the need for housing varies with every semester, as well as the number of students we receive, and thus, we cannot guarantee placement for all applications.
Events
Santa Barbara Homestay Network and The Coral Group housing collaborate together to offer our students the chance to meet other international students through events in the Santa Barbara area such as hiking, surfing, beach events, sports, BBQ's, volunteering opportunities and so much more! Please follow Coral Group's Facebook and Instagram social media for information on upcoming events.
Requirements to Live in a Homestay
Students who live with local families enjoy extraordinary and profound experiences. Many make life-long friends and enjoy the benefits that come with living with a host family. Our goal is to connect our students with American families from Santa Barbara. Overall, the basic requirements for living in a homestay are:
1. To have a genuine interest in meeting and living with an American family,
2. To honor the family rules.
SB Homestay families:
- are open to welcoming international students into their home
- are located within 10 miles of SBCC
- are located within 10 miles of UCSB
- provide 7 continental breakfasts and 5 dinners per week or a no meals plan
- provide internet availability and laundry
- are available for 1-2 semester stays (minimum 3 months: UCSB) (minimum 4months: SBCC)
Apply Today!
Send in your application to become a Host Family or because a Host Family Student. When we have received your application we will reach out to you, we are looking forward to hearing from you!
Student Application
Family Application
FAQ
Why is Santa Barbara so expensive?
Yes, Santa Barbara is expensive and is in the top 5 most expensive cities in the USA. Lucky for us, we have the best weather in the country, the most beautiful views from all over the city, we enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the ocean, our community is safe, and SBCC is ranked #1 for best community colleges in all of the US. I guess we pay for location, location, location. Our host families are located in Santa Barbara no further than 10 miles from SBCC or UCSB.
What kind of students live in your host families?
Students that live with the host families we work with are interested in getting a glimpse into the American way of life. We also have American students from out of state that would rather live with local families for their first and second semesters. They are mature young adults that are responsible for themselves but want the experience of living with an American couple, family, or single person to practice their English skills, participate in family events, share in meals together and get to know Santa Barbara through the eyes of a local.
What is the benefit of living with a host family?
Living with a host family is a great way to experience local Santa Barbara. Host families are the typical American family who most likely works full time, enjoy dinnertime together, participate in local events, and will include students in as much as they want to be included. Students must practice their English skills while living with hosts and experience the culture of Santa Barbara first hand.
How can I make a reservation?
Please go to our 'Apply Now' option and submit your application. A representative will contact you shortly thereafter with housing or host family availability. A Skype interview is recommended during which you can ask as many questions as you would like. This also gives up an opportunity to meet you and do our best to match you with the best family for you. All payments must be made to confirm placement. The Coral Group accepts cash, local checks, credit card, and bank wires only.
What is your Skype Name?
coralgroupsb93101
What if I have a friend and we want to live together, is that ok?
Yep! As long as we have a family with room for two students, we are happy to accommodate friends together.
How long can I stay with a host family?
Host families are available for a 4-month minimum stay only. There is a 6-week cancellation policy.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
For cancellations made 2 weeks before the lease start date, payments are 100% refunded less wire transfer fees. The final date to cancel is June 30, 2021. For cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the lease start date, payments are refunded less first month’s rent, application, and international wire transfer fees.
What is included when I live with a host family?
Single room: Your hosts will provide you with a bedroom, desk (or availability to a desk), Wifi, laundry use, 7 continental breakfasts, and 5 dinners per week. You are responsible for transportation to school and back, snacks, food for lunches, and laundry soap.
No Meals Plan: Your hosts will provide you with a bedroom, desk (or availability to a desk), Wifi & laundry use. You are responsible for transportation to school and back, all meals, snacks, food for lunches, and laundry soap. Please coordinate with your host family about the best time to prepare your meals.
Shared Room: Your hosts will provide you with a bedroom, desk (or availability to a desk), Wifi, laundry use, 7 continental breakfasts, and 5 dinners per week. You are responsible for transportation to school and back, snacks, food for lunches, and laundry soap.
What happens to my deposit at the independent housing?
Your deposit will be returned to you by the Program Director upon your departure given everything is left as you found it. Students must throw away their trash and leave rooms as they found it. Any damages or missing kitchen items are deducted from the deposits.
What about parties? Can I have all my friends over for a big party?
Not such a good idea. SB Homestay families are not party destinations. There are no big parties, no drugs, no smoking inside and no candles allowed at any host family home. Consequences for rules being violated may include probation, SBCC disciplinary action or termination.