[Nyororin]

I`ve never actually heard of that specific program, so I have no idea how good it is... But I think Jason is being just a little overly negative about the whole homestay idea. :P
Homestay is probably one of the best ways to learn Japanese. You`re in a family situation, hearing Japanese on a regular basis, pretty much all day every day.
I started with a homestay when I first came to Japan, and I was speaking relatively well within a couple of months. Because, well, as you`re living with people who demand communication, it`s sort of a speak-or-die situation. I wasn`t teaching them English though.

I really don`t think the whole 3 months for $1175 is that bad of a deal. I don`t really know what they expect you to do in regards to the "helping with conversational English"... But if they`re seriously working you it would suck. I imagine though that it would more likely be a "help the kids with their English homework" for an hour each night, combined with maybe an hour or so of attempting to talk with mom in English each afternoon - that is, if the time is even set. I guess it would all depend upon the family. You might get lucky and it be something like just simply telling them how to say certain things in English whenever the topic came up.

I don`t think the price is that bad - take a look around at other homestay deals. When I was first looking around, the going rate was $1000/month, no matter how long you stayed (ie. $3000 for 3 months), plus other fees etc. Staying at someone`s house is a lot more work for them than it seems at first glance - trust me, I know, from personal experience.