1) When and why my child does need to look for guardianship?
It is a requirement for international students to have a guardian when studying in a local mainstream school in Singapore. It is important to have a reliable guardian to oversee your child’s well-being while studying in Singapore.
For most international schools in Singapore, an international student under the age of 18 years old and not residing with a parent is required to have a guardian during the duration of their enrolment in school.
International students are required to provide their guardians’ particulars to the school. The guardian must be a Singaporean Citizen/ Singapore Permanent Resident above 21 years of age.
2) What is the guardian’s responsible for?
The guardian is responsible to account for your child under his/her care and acts on behalf of the parents during their absence. They should support all areas of the student’s welfare. The guardian who is going to be appointed will be approved by the parents. Most guardians track their student’s study progress and be ready to provide advice and assistance as well as attend any parent-teacher meetings and report developments to a student’s parents.
3) If my child is staying with a homestay guardian, what is required to be submitted to school?
Schools also typically request the followings of guardians:
- Completed and signed Guardian Nomination Form
- A copy of the Guardian’s NRIC and passport.
4) Is there a contract to be signed if I were to stay with a homestay guardian in Singapore?
Yes, there will be a contract to be signed. Nanyang Learning (Study Abroad Singapore), will be your witness while you are doing the discussion and signing of the contract. Moving forward, Nanyang Learning would also assist you to negotiate on some of your expected requirements or homestay rates etc. The homestay guardian will be going through the contract and house rules in details. Any questions and additional requirements can be raised during that period.
5) What will be the minimum contract terms for my child to stay with a homestay host?
It depends on the homestay provider. The longer the contract term, the lower the monthly fees. Normally for a short period stay, the monthly fees will be so much higher. On average the contract term is one (1) year. However, some homestay allows as short as 1-month stay. You can also check out the homestay rates in Singapore via this link.
6) Is there any penalty should I breach the contract term? For instance, my child needs to return to the country due to a change of plans etc.
This will be discussed before the signing of the contract. The homestay guardian will elaborate on the penalty amount and/ or depending on the mutual agreement done before moving in. Do ensure Nanyang Learning (Study Abroad Singapore) Consultant is presented during the discussion of contract terms. We will be your witness.
7) How to find a homestay host family or book a homestay?
You may browse through the list of homestays available in this website and submit an enquiry on the homestays that you might be interested in. Alternatively, you may register a homestay through Nanyang Learning directly.
8) What does a Homestay Family provides?
- Accommodation with a Singaporean Family
- 24-hour adult supervision (including curfews and house rules)
- 24-hour Emergency number
- 2-3 full meals per day + snacks
- English/ Mandarin speaking environment ( Depending on parents requirement)
- Aircon room, bed, closet, desk etc
- Access to internet
- Facilities and Transportation
- Family home will be close to amenities (shopping, library, theatres)
- Host family interaction and support
9) Can I engage Nanyang learning (Study Abroad Singapore) to recommend the best suitable homestays for my child instead?
Yes, we do provide this service as a very affordable minimal fees. We will provide the best three (3) options of guardians/ homestays based on your requirements to choose from. We will fetch the parents and students for viewing together and as an acting witness. We will also assist in the negotiation of fees and services etc.
10) I have a set of requirements for getting a homestay. What should I do?
You may indicate in your enquiry form or inform Nanyang Learning (Study Abroad Singapore). For instance, some parents would mention, I prefer a all girls’/ boys’ homestay, a guardian who speaks English to my child, prefer my child to have a buddy, prefer the homestay to be within a certain kilometres from the school etc.
11) Can parents stay in the homestay during their period of stay in Singapore?
Homestays are strictly for students only. Parents may book a nearby hotel and visit or bring their child out between 6 am to 10 pm. Other requirements can be discussed.
12) Why should I place my child with the right homestay guardian as compared to the hostel?
It will be advisable to have stayed with a homestay guardian unless your child is very mature at his/ her or over 18 years old. Regardless of your child’s age, maturity, intelligence or experience, people need help from time to time where they are in a foreign country. Guardianship is important for emergencies.
13) How is the payment made to the homestay guardian?
It can be through bank transfer, cash or cheque. Homestay guardians will also do up a summary of expenses throughout the month, ie pocket money, transportation fees, haircutting, buying of books etc.
14) How can Nanyang Learning (Study Abroad Singapore) help during this process?
Nanyang Learning (Study Abroad Singapore) will as a witness and middleman to ensure all formalities have been done properly before the child moves into the homestay. We will also accompany parents to the homestay to act as a 3rd party witness and doing the necessary negotiation if required.
