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Housing, Damage, and Loss

Student housing will vary during the program and may include homestays, hotels, guesthouses, lodges, educational institutions, camping, hostels, and other appropriate housing. Students are responsible for their behavior and actions in accordance with the SIT Code of Student Conduct and the behavior of their guests (if applicable),  in their housing situations and students must respect the policies and practices of each establishment or facility at which they are housed, including respectfully following their homestay family’s norms and rules.

This policy aims to ensure a fair and transparent process for addressing issues related to damages and losses in the homestay/housing experience, by either party, SIT participant or host, and fostering a positive environment for both participants and host families.

HOST/HOUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE

Students participating in an SIT homestay are fully responsible for any damage caused to property within the homestay premises during their stay. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to furniture, fixtures, appliances, and any personal property belonging to the homestay family.

Key Points:

1. Accountability: Participants must exercise care and respect towards the homestay’s property. Any damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or intentional actions will be the full financial responsibility of the participant.
2. Reporting Damages: Participants and/or hosts are required to report any damage or incidents to the opposite party and the homestay coordinator immediately upon discovery.
   • A description of the incident
   • Evidence of damages or loss (e.g., photographs, receipts, witness statements)
   • Estimated cost of repairs or replacement

3. Financial Responsibility: Students may be held liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement of damaged property. The homestay family will provide a written estimate of the cost to repair/replace the damaged item from an external professional or store, and participants will be expected to reimburse the full costs incurred. Compensation will be considered for damages or loss that can be directly attributed to the actions or negligence of the student during their stay.
4. Participant property loss/damage: If a participant alleges their host damaged or stole their property, the participant can follow the same process outlined above by submitting a report to the homestay coordinator or program director. SIT encourages all participants to purchase personal property insurance as our insurance does not cover personal property. Reimbursement for the loss or damage of a participant’s property will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis by the Dean of Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing.
5. Exclusions: Normal wear and tear of property is not the responsibility of the participant. Additionally, damages resulting from natural disasters or third-party actions will not be attributed to the participant.

HOST/PARTICIPANT MONEY LOSS

In the event that a participant or host alleges money theft by the opposite party or another SIT participant during a homestay/housing period, SIT will provide compensation to the affected party(ies) up to a maximum of $500 USD.  

Key Points:

1. Eligibility for Compensation:
   • Compensation will be considered for verified claims of money theft that occur during the homestay/housing period within the homestay or SIT rented premises.
   • Affected parties must report the incident to the homestay coordinator within 48 hours of discovery.
2. Claim Process:
   • Affected parties must submit a written claim detailing the circumstances of the alleged theft.
   • Claims should include any available evidence, such as witness statements or police reports.
3. Approval:
   • The homestay coordinator will report the incident to the student health, safety, and wellbeing office to investigate the claim and gather necessary information from both the participant and the homestay family.
   • A decision regarding compensation will be made by the Dean of Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, within 14 days of claim submission.
4. Compensation Limit:
   • Compensation for approved claims will not exceed $500 USD, paid directly to the affected party in local currency or USD.
5. Subsequent Actions
   • In the case of a substantiated claim, that participant will be removed from that host family and placed with a new host.
   • Conduct sanctions may be the result of a substantiated claim towards an SIT participant.
   • Removal from SIT’s approved host/location list may be the result of a substantiated claim towards a host family.
6. Exclusions:
   • This policy does not cover alleged thefts that are not reported in a timely manner or that lack sufficient evidence.
   • Claims for lost money that cannot be substantiated will not be eligible for compensation.

The decision made by the Dean of Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing is final and not subject to appeal.

By participating in the homestay or SIT housing program, all parties acknowledge their understanding of, and agreement to this policy.