The Southwestern Company Parent Information

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS / WHERE WILL THEY BE GOING?

Ø      Where the students will live during the summer is another top parental concern.

The host home, called a “headquarters,” is where the students live during the summer. It serves as their business headquarters, as all of their mail is received there and it is where they will physically reside.  It is the intention each student will live in the same host home for the duration of their tenure in the community.

Since the students are independent contractors, they have the right to live wherever they choose. However, generations of experience has taught us the best arrangement is a private, host family in which the student pays a minimal rent amount on a weekly basis.  

Here are a few common questions about living arrangements.  The answers follow.

            How is the host home found?

What kind of background checks are performed on host families?

Alternatives to pre-arranged housing

Why a host family and not an apartment or hotel?

• How is the host home found?
  • Different from previous years: Each Southwestern Sales Manager has been provided the resources to arrange accomodations for each first-year dealer prior to the summer. In the rare event host family arrangements are not finalized or fall through before the student leaves Sales School, Southwestern will pay for the first week’s lodging in a local extended stay hotel and students will get help in finding their headquarters during their first week of selling.

• Southwestern maintains an alumni database with former Southwestern student dealers who are willing to house students or recommend housing leads. Non-alumni are also in a database, as many hosts house students year after year. There is also a toll-free landlord hotline which serves as a communication tool between Southwestern and the landlord.

• Frequently asked question:

Besides alumni of Southwestern and past landlords, what kinds of people are willing to house students? 
            Many landlords are seniors or empty-nesters with a larger home, but on a fixed income. They enjoy the extra income the program offers. Landlord relations is a topic covered in Sales School.

• Alternatives to pre-arranged housing: As stated above, because the students are independent contractors, they are not bound by the pre-set housing arrangements. However, most prefer it, as there are several challenges to other living accommodations including, but not limited to: financial; safety; locality; being separated from other students in the program; distractions from running a successful business.

• There are a few methods to find housing that have been used by Southwestern student dealers for over 140 years other than using the housing lead

• Approaching a member of the clergy who may know someone in the right situation to house students. This method is very safe. While the clergy member is not in the real estate business, they usually enjoy helping others (both ways – the dealer and/or the person in their congregation).

• Networking while talking to families. In the course of working, many students find families who are willing to house students for the extra income and the experience.

• Why a host family and not an apartment or hotel?
  • Three main reasons: security, credibility and economics. 

• Security: A private residence is more secure than an apartment complex. The host usually takes an interest in their guests and can help advise them about their community and local interests.

• Credibility: The host lives in the community and has graciously opened their home to college students doing something worthwhile for the summer. Being part of the community during the summer positions the students favorably in the eyes of the community.

• Economics: The typical rent for a host family is $20 to $30 per student per week. This is very economical for the student who increases their business’ profit by saving on expenses. The host family also benefits, receiving income for space that would otherwise be unused. (Many host families are not in it for the money, and some students even stay for free!)

• Why do you not guarantee housing?
  • There are several uncontrollable variables involved when seeking housing:

• It falls through: moving/relocation, change in family status and even death affects the ability of a host to house student dealers.

• Last minute change of plans for sales locality.

• The independent contractor status of the student dealers.

Important note: This is not an exchange program. Southwestern is under no contractual obligation to provide housing due to the independent nature of the program. Part of running a business is setting up a base of operation, whether an office, website or retail establishment. This program is no different. However, we believe in doing what we can to assist youthful, college students in securing safe housing.

Not all housing set up in advance is guaranteed. Some landlords will want to interview the students prior to agreeing to house them. They will also probably set some ground rules (to be expected with college students).

• Why do the students relocate to another state/community for the summer?
  • Over 140 years of experience has shown us the students are far more successful when they are able to focus on their business without the distractions a familiar environment can cause.
  • Many students participate in the program to see another part of the country, or travel to another country.
  • The independent nature of the program appeals to many students.
  • Future employers like the fact that the student was able to relocate and run a successful business.