EC San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city of 800,000 inhabitants. People of many different ethnicities live in the Bay Area, and our host families reflect this diversity. Host families can include single people, couples, single-parent families, and families with multiple generations living in one home. Many of our host families are of Filipino descent, and their family-oriented culture means that they treat the students they host as part of their own family. All host families are English speaking and are eager to share the diversity of San Francisco with international visitors.

Host families can be located in the residential neighborhoods in the southwestern part of San Francisco, but most are located in the adjacent towns of Daly City, South San Francisco, and Pacifica. Some of the San Francisco neighborhoods where host families live include: Glen Park, Mission Terrace, Excelsior, Bernal Heights, Portola, the Outer Mission, the Outer Richmond, and the Outer Sunset.

Staying with a local family is a great way to immerse oneself into American culture. This interaction with a family helps students communicate and practice their English in a more relaxed environment whilst also exposing themselves to new experiences – be it lifestyle, local food or simple day to day routines.

Most homes are single family or 2 family homes. The latter is usually two floors with one home on one floor and one on the other. Students are placed in a single or twin room. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, dresser and closet, while some rooms have TVs and other amenities. It is important that rooms and living areas are kept neat and tidy. Students also have access to a shared bathroom.

Bed linen and towels are provided by the host family. Some San Francisco families do not have a washing machine in their home and use the services of a laundromat – this information will be included in the host family profile. In cases where families have a washing machine, students can use the laundry facilities although the number of washes per week remains at the discretion of each family.

The typical commute from a homestay to school is 45 – 60 minutes by public transportation. San Francisco’s transport system is run by MUNI, which operates in San Francisco only, and BART, which is regional. If students are staying in South San Francisco, Daly City, or Pacifica they will need to pay regular BART fares as well as fares for other local buses. There isn’t a monthly BART pass available for outside San Francisco. Students should expect to pay between $60-$200/month for public transit (price depends on where host family is located; students may or may not qualify for the monthly discounted transit pass). In many host family locations, public transportation may not be available after 8 or 9 pm.

Host families are located either in the city limits of San Francisco or in the adjacent towns of Daly City and South San Francisco. Some of the typical neighborhoods where host families live are: Bernal Heights, Glen Park, Inner and Outer Richmond, Inner and Outer Sunset, St. Francis Wood, Excelsior, Castro and Mission.

Located in Historic Jackson Square, close to North Beach, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, the Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf.

A newly renovated historic residence/hotel very close to EC, catering to international students and others seeking economical longer accommodations in San Francisco. While the building is over 100 years old, it has been updated with new bathrooms, a new shared kitchen, dining area and TV lounge. A large laundry room rounds out the public spaces.
NOTE:  The Colombus has a 4 week minimum booking

Miscellaneous 

Located in the scenic tree-filled Pacific Heights, the friendly Kenmore Aparthotel is only minutes away from the unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Alcatraz. The Kenmore Aparthotel is steps away from the bus stop and two blocks away from the cable car line, which passes through Chinatown on the pleasant ten-minute trip to the downtown business and shopping districts. 

A classic Victorian building in distinctive San Francisco style dating from the 1880’s, the Kenmore has been updated with modern comforts and security systems. Kenmore offers three types of rooms, twin room with a shared hall bath, a single private studio with a shared bathroom, and a private room with a private bathroom. Each room is equipped with desk, lamps, dressers, closets, WiFi and television.

Half board (breakfast and dinner). A typical breakfast consists of hot eggs, fruit, toast, cereal, coffee/tea available Monday – Saturday. Continental breakfast and brunch served on Sundays. Full dinner provided Monday – Saturday, menu changes daily. Food is being served in dining room each day for tenants.